Western Kentucky University
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+ AffirmingGreek Life
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING APPROACH
•Multidisciplinary training combining acting, singing, and dancing each semester
•50 credit hours of concentrated Musical Theatre study within 74-hour BFA
•Courses include Musical Theatre Ensemble, Workshop, and History
•Available as both a major and minor
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•At least one mainstage musical per year plus smaller musical revues
•Staged readings of new musicals and student-written works
•MT students encouraged to audition for dance concerts, plays, and theatre for youth
•15-20 department productions annually
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Summer stock at theatres nationwide
•College Days weekends at Actors Theatre of Louisville
•Trips to London and New York City
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Application Fee
$50Waiver
Program AppApplication
Audition
Theatre Scholarship Day (WKU Campus)Feb 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, 30-90 seconds
•Prepare one monologue for scholarship audition
•Short interview follows the performance
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 4 minutes max total
•Two contrasting vocal styles — one contemporary/belt, one legit/golden age musical theatre
•Total combined time should not exceed 4 minutes
•Bring recorded backing track on Bluetooth speaker, or request live piano accompaniment with advance notice
•Bring clearly marked sheet music in correct key if using live accompanist
•Do not sing a cappella
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications
VIDEO SUBMISSION
•Record without stopping the video
•Phone in landscape (horizontal) mode
•Use a tripod for stability
•Frame should include all or most of body while showing facial expressions clearly
•Test audio for minimal background noise
•Test lighting so you are clearly visible
•Upload to YouTube as "unlisted" and submit link via Video Audition Submission Form
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (if available)
•Bring to in-person audition or include in video submission
RESUME (if available)
•Bring to in-person audition or include in video submission
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Students begin Musical Theatre concentration coursework from first semester
•No separate program application portal — department handles auditions directly
SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE
•December 31: WKU priority deadline for automatic academic scholarship consideration
•February 15: Apply and be admitted to WKU for theatre scholarship consideration
•Set up TopDollar Scholarship Source account to receive funds
•February 21: Theatre Scholarship Day — live auditions and interviews on campus
FULL ADMISSION
•Formal admission via audition in 3rd semester
•Denied applicants may reapply the following semester
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•Students enroll as "seeking admission" pre-majors and begin BFA coursework immediately
•Formal audition for full admission occurs in 3rd semester (2nd semester for transfers)
•Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA required with at least 30 college credits
•Must demonstrate exceptional talent, commitment, and professional potential
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•One monologue (30-90 seconds)
•Two contrasting songs (4 minutes max total)
•Short interview
•Scholarship audition deadline: March 1
CONTACT
•Dr. Tiffany Bostic-Brown and Jennifer Wolcott
Scholarship Info
JERRY E. BAKER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
•$500 to several thousand dollars
•Typically split between fall and spring semesters of first year
•One-time award; may reapply for current-student scholarships in future years
•Must maintain full-time enrollment
POTTER COLLEGE CREATIVE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS
•$1,000 to several thousand dollars per year
•Renewable for 4 years (8 semesters)
•Requires 3.0+ cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment
•Must complete minimum 9 credit hours yearly in major
•Transfer students not eligible
IN-STATE TUITION
•Students from bordering states qualify for in-state tuition rates
•Departmental and university scholarships are stackable up to full cost of attendance
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
3.46
Avg GPA (W)
97%
Admit Rate
53%
Grad Rate
12,267
Enrollment
$43,889
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$11,436
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,000
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,916
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$10,075
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,624
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,417
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,219
Family Income $110k+$18,601
