Program
No PrescreenGateway AuditionNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Gateway Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
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
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Graduates performing on Broadway in Tony Award-winning productions including Hadestown
•Alumni appearing on screen including Days of Our Lives
•Graduates receiving nominations and awards from the Tonys to the GRAMMYs
•Recognition at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•16 fully-staged musicals, eight cabarets, and numerous individual showcases during the program
•Two performance venues: YSU Ford Theater and YSU Spotlight Theater
CAREER PREPARATION
•Internships with Netflix, Open Jar Institute, and Disney's Animal Kingdom
•Masterclasses with industry artists
•Study abroad including Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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
Deadlines
Audition Deadline for Full Scholarship ConsiderationFeb 21, 2001
Fall Application DeadlineAug 1, 2001
Spring Application DeadlineDec 1, 2001
Auditions
On-Campus AuditionJan 24, 2026
On-Campus AuditionFeb 14, 2026
On-Campus Audition (Final for Full Scholarship Consideration)Feb 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
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
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, approximately 1 min each
•Prepare two contrasting monologues that demonstrate your range as an actor
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
ELIGIBILITY
•Fall and Spring enrollment available
•Transfer students welcome
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
•All students must also complete the YSU Foundation Scholarship Application
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
•Dr. Robert L. Tornello Endowed Scholarship — BFA theatre performance students, selected by department committee
•Fine and Performing Arts Dean's Scholarship — three outstanding seniors annually
•Dr. Chester and Marilyn Amedia Scholarship — STEM or CCCA majors, minimum 3.3 GPA
•Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship — sophomore fine arts/humanities major, minimum 3.4 GPA, extracurricular involvement required
•Lena M. Ferrara Memorial Scholarship — theatre/musical theatre majors, minimum 2.5 GPA; preference for costume design
•Molly and Sam Galano Creativity Scholarship — theatre majors creating new work, minimum 3.0 GPA
•R. Donald and Lois L. Elser Memorial Scholarship — CCCA student, must be South Range High School graduate
•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)
•Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA after second semester, maintained each semester thereafter
•Maximum 8 semesters
•Satisfactory degree progress required; probation leads to discontinuation
•Major changes within Theatre: reconsidered for aid in context of applicant pool
Program info updated 4d ago
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
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Graduates performing on Broadway in Tony Award-winning productions including Hadestown
•Alumni appearing on screen including Days of Our Lives
•Graduates receiving nominations and awards from the Tonys to the GRAMMYs
•Recognition at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•16 fully-staged musicals, eight cabarets, and numerous individual showcases during the program
•Two performance venues: YSU Ford Theater and YSU Spotlight Theater
CAREER PREPARATION
•Internships with Netflix, Open Jar Institute, and Disney's Animal Kingdom
•Masterclasses with industry artists
•Study abroad including Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.51
Avg GPA (W)
84%
Admit Rate
52%
Grad Rate
7,961
Enrollment
$41,544
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$11,113
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$11,473
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$12,767
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$9,328
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,421
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,369
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,249
Family Income $110k+$18,235
