Wilkes University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Pre-professional, conservatory-style training grounded in the liberal arts
•One of the few regional schools offering a BFA in Musical Theatre
•Small class sizes with low student-to-faculty ratio
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Intensive training in acting, voice, and dance across all eight semesters
•Four mainstage productions annually — two musicals and two non-musicals
•Six black box productions per year plus annual dance concerts
•Performance opportunities begin in the first year
FACILITIES
•478-seat Darling Theatre with 34-foot proscenium stage
•Hydraulic orchestra pit, 36-line fly system
•State-of-the-art lighting and sound systems
•Black box theatre and dedicated dance studios
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Accolades and awards from the American College Theatre Festival (Kennedy Center)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 1, 2025
PriorityJan 15, 2026
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionNov 15, 2025
On-Campus AuditionFeb 21, 2026
On-Campus AuditionMar 21, 2026
On-Campus AuditionApr 18, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 1-2 min each
•ONE SONG demonstrating chest or head voice
•ONE BROADWAY BALLAD
•Must bring sheet music for the accompanist (provided at in-person auditions)
•Virtual auditions: use pre-recorded accompaniment — no a cappella
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 1-2 min each
•ONE COMIC or DRAMATIC from a published play
•ONE CLASSICAL or MODERN from a published play
•Must be memorized
Dance
ON-THE-SPOT JAZZ/MUSICAL THEATRE COMBINATION
•Taught at in-person auditions
•Virtual applicants receive a digital routine via email to record and submit
•Prior dance experience expected
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Standard 8x10 headshot
RESUME (required)
•Theatre resume with training and performance credits
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•One academic letter of recommendation
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•125 total credits required for degree completion
PROGRESS REVIEW
•Formal review of each BFA candidate at the end of their fourth semester
•Must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the major to continue on BFA degree path
PRODUCTION REQUIREMENT
•All BFA Musical Theatre students must audition for all mainstage productions and accept assigned roles
CONTACT
•Jon Liebetrau, Chair: jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu / (570) 408-4442
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Three-part audition: acting, singing, and dancing
•In-person auditions held on campus on scheduled dates
•Virtual option available for students who live far from campus
SCHEDULED AUDITION DATES
•November 15, 2025
•February 21, 2026
•March 21, 2026
•April 18, 2026
IMPORTANT
•You must be accepted to the university before your audition date
•Schedule via the Request for Audition form on the Division of Performing Arts website
•Virtual submissions: send digital files to jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu
•Scholarship awards determined on a rolling basis — audition early for best consideration
Scholarship Info
•Scholarship awards based on audition performance
•Determined on a rolling basis — audition early for best consideration
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.50
Avg GPA (W)
91%
Admit Rate
60%
Grad Rate
1,893
Enrollment
$63,454
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$42,286
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$27,700
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$23,760
Family Income $30k - $48k$24,199
Family Income $48k - $75k$26,339
Family Income $75k - $110k$29,365
Family Income $110k+$31,745
