Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualModerately Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
Moderately Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•BA program — combines intensive training with liberal arts academics (not a conservatory BFA)
•Acting courses including classical styles, improvisation, musical theatre performance, voice, and the business of acting
•Private voice lessons taught by members of the Music faculty
•Dance classes including Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre Dance; opportunity to minor in Dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Senior Showcase capstone at a prestigious Manhattan venue (typically Playwrights Horizons) for agents, managers, and casting directors
•Four Main Stage productions and multiple Studio productions per year in a 300-seat proscenium theatre and black box Stage One
•No graduate students competing for opportunities
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
•Monthly workshops with Broadway, film, and television actors, dancers, directors, and casting agents
•NYC location — classes often include travel to Manhattan to see shows and conduct research
•Faculty actively engaged in the industry with Broadway, film, and television credits (e.g., Come From Away, Hamilton, The Merchant of Venice with Al Pacino)
•Recent alumni represented on Broadway in The Outsiders, Aladdin, and Good Night, and Good Luck
PROGRAM LEGACY
•Founded in 1968; over 50 years producing live theatre in New York City
•Close-knit family of faculty and students with open communication
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular Decision (Priority Date)Mar 15, 2026
Fee
$60Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Program App DeadlineNov 15, 2025
Audition
On-Campus Audition DayFeb 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING MUSICAL THEATRE SELECTIONS, one minute each
•Material should be age appropriate
•Show us something about who you are — not only as an actor but also as a person
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Must use a live pianist or a piano track created for the applicant
-Avoid overproduced karaoke tracks
•Applicants are welcome to accompany themselves on piano or guitar
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE from a published play of your choice, approximately one minute
•Choose material that speaks to you
•Do not shy away from humor and joy in your material
•We are looking for performers who tell the truth — let this be the cornerstone of your work
Dance
ONE-MINUTE DANCE that shows your personality while executing a dance-based performance
•When possible, integrate the following technique elements:
-A stationary turn (Pirouette)
-Traveling turn
-A leap with clear form
-A big kick
•For artistic expression: connect to the character of the dance and make dynamic choices in qualities of movement
-Consider integrating a pushed or syncopated rhythm to show more advanced work
Wildcard / Special Skill
•Introduction: Tell us about yourself in a one-minute unscripted moment. Be creative!
Good to Know
DEADLINES
•First-year applicants: November 15
•Transfer applicants: January 1
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Performance concentration cannot be completed in less than 3 years at Wagner
•No transfer credit in performance accepted toward major requirements
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person Audition Day held on Sunday, February 1, 2026 on the Wagner College campus (Staten Island, NY)
•Video auditions are accepted and given equal consideration as in-person auditions
•No prescreen required beyond academic review; no added fees for auditioning
PROCESS
•Applicants receive an invitation to audition based on college application materials — Wagner's Admissions Office will inform you if you are invited
•Applicants will be accepted on the basis of academic requirements of the college as well as their submitted audition
•Notifications for acceptance made within a few weeks of the audition
Program info updated Mar 23, 12:36 AM
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•BA program — combines intensive training with liberal arts academics (not a conservatory BFA)
•Acting courses including classical styles, improvisation, musical theatre performance, voice, and the business of acting
•Private voice lessons taught by members of the Music faculty
•Dance classes including Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theatre Dance; opportunity to minor in Dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Senior Showcase capstone at a prestigious Manhattan venue (typically Playwrights Horizons) for agents, managers, and casting directors
•Four Main Stage productions and multiple Studio productions per year in a 300-seat proscenium theatre and black box Stage One
•No graduate students competing for opportunities
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
•Monthly workshops with Broadway, film, and television actors, dancers, directors, and casting agents
•NYC location — classes often include travel to Manhattan to see shows and conduct research
•Faculty actively engaged in the industry with Broadway, film, and television credits (e.g., Come From Away, Hamilton, The Merchant of Venice with Al Pacino)
•Recent alumni represented on Broadway in The Outsiders, Aladdin, and Good Night, and Good Luck
PROGRAM LEGACY
•Founded in 1968; over 50 years producing live theatre in New York City
•Close-knit family of faculty and students with open communication
Updated Mar 23, 12:36 AM
Academic School Information
3.60
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
67%
Grad Rate
1,651
Enrollment
$74,360
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$53,200
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$28,241
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$20,993
Family Income $30k - $48k$21,944
Family Income $48k - $75k$24,930
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,217
Family Income $110k+$32,604
