Youngstown State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Comprehensive training in singing, dancing, and acting — the three pillars of musical theatre
•Hands-on, performance-based training combined with academic coursework in theatre history, design, and liberal arts
•Focus on technique, talent, and transformation
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Major productions to original student-led projects
•Two performance venues: YSU Ford Theater and YSU Spotlight Theater
•Two theaters, makeup and dressing rooms, design studios, scene and costume shops
CAREER PREPARATION
•Internships with Netflix, Open Jar Institute, and Disney's Animal Kingdom
•Study abroad including Edinburgh Festival Fringe
•Faculty are active directors, designers, actors, and scholars who mentor students through and after the program
FACULTY
•Adam Howard, Lecturer
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Fall DeadlineAug 1, 2026
Spring DeadlineDec 1, 2026
Fee
$45
Non-refundable
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionJan 24, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 14, 2026
On-Campus Audition (Final for Full Scholarship Consideration)Feb 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, approximately 1 min each
•Prepare two contrasting monologues that demonstrate your range as an actor
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, approximately 1 min each
•Prepare two contrasting songs that showcase your vocal range and style versatility
•Must sing to musical accompaniment — bring sheet music for accompanist or use a backing track
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Three-step process: apply to YSU, complete the audition form, complete audition
•Auditions accepted after February 21, but those completed by February 21 receive full consideration for talent scholarships
SCHOLARSHIPS
•Automatically considered for talent-based scholarships via audition
•Apply through YSU Foundation Scholarship Application for additional opportunities
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•On-campus auditions held over three weekends in early spring
•Auditions scheduled between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
•Virtual and recorded auditions available upon request
SCHEDULING
•Completed YSU application must be on file before scheduling an audition
•Register for audition via the University Theatre Audition Form after applying
•Wait to make travel plans until official confirmation of audition date and time
NOTIFICATION
•Audition details sent via email at least 30 days before scheduled date
•Admission decisions expected no later than two weeks after audition
CONTACT
•Dr. Joe Carucci, Director of University Theatre
•Email: jwcarucci@ysu.edu
•Phone: 330.941.1439
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Automatically considered for talent-based scholarships via audition
•Auditions completed by February 21 receive full consideration for University Theatre Talent Scholarships
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
•Lena M. Ferrara Memorial Scholarship — theatre/musical theatre majors, minimum 2.5 GPA; preference for costume design
•Fine and Performing Arts Dean's Scholarship — three outstanding seniors annually
•Molly and Sam Galano Creativity Scholarship — theatre majors creating new work, minimum 3.0 GPA
•Theater Grant-in-Aid Scholarship — full-time theatre majors, minimum 3.0 GPA, production participation required
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS
•Full-time enrollment minimum (12 credit hours including 2 ensemble credits)
•Maintain cumulative 3.0 GPA after second semester
•Maximum 8 semesters
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
3.51
Avg GPA (W)
80%
Admit Rate
51%
Grad Rate
7,340
Enrollment
$41,544
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,791
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,151
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$11,877
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$8,053
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,286
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,171
Family Income $75k - $110k$15,906
Family Income $110k+$16,329
