collageIf you’re going to be applying to a top university, it’s important to put your best foot forward. That’s why I’m so happy you decided to apply to Carnegie Mellon’s Musical Theatre program! While the acceptance rate is low, that only means that they take the most competitive candidates.
CMU MT takes pride in its long history of excellence in musical theatre education. The school is known for its strong focus on creating well-rounded artists who can succeed in any aspect of their careers – from acting on Broadway to choreography or directing. The 800+ alumni are leaders in their field and have gone on to win Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, Obie Awards and more! CMU MT also offers other programs such as CMU MT Conservatory (for high school students), CMU MT Summer Intensive (for rising seniors) and Young Professional Program (for college graduates). This guide exposes to you the details of Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre Acceptance Rate, carnegie mellon acceptance rate, carnegie mellon audition requirements, carnegie mellon school of drama tuition, and carnegie mellon musical theatre audition.
The Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre acceptance rate is very high because students are accepted to the program based on their audition, which includes singing and acting. The audition process is extremely competitive with many candidates applying every year, but only a few are accepted. Read on to know more about Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre Acceptance Rate, carnegie mellon acceptance rate, carnegie mellon audition requirements, carnegie mellon school of drama tuition, and carnegie mellon musical theatre audition.
Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre accepts both undergraduate and graduate students who want to pursue careers in musical theatre. The school stresses that it is not just an undergraduate degree program; it also offers graduate programs for those who wish to continue their education at the graduate level after earning their undergraduate degree from CMU.
The Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre School of Drama was founded in 1945 as one of four schools at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has been educating students for over 70 years now, making it one of the oldest such schools in the country.
Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre Acceptance Rate
We begin with Carnegie Mellon Musical Theatre Acceptance Rate, then carnegie mellon acceptance rate, carnegie mellon audition requirements, carnegie mellon school of drama tuition, and carnegie mellon musical theatre audition.
Carnegie Mellon’s Musical Theatre Program is one of the most prestigious in the country. It’s no easy feat to get into the program, and it’s even more difficult to get accepted into the Musical Theatre Program.
Each year, out of more than 3,000 applicants from across the nation six girls and six boys are accepted into the program. Carnegie Mellon’s overall acceptance rate for its School of Drama is just three percent, and it’s even most difficult to get into the musical theater program.
This year, however, Carnegie Mellon is looking for a few good men—and women! The school has increased its number of spots available in its Musical Theatre Program by 50%, meaning that more people than ever before will have an opportunity to work with some of today’s top artists and writers in theatre.
carnegie mellon acceptance rate
Now we consider carnegie mellon acceptance rate, carnegie mellon audition requirements, carnegie mellon school of drama tuition, and carnegie mellon musical theatre audition.
The Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate is 17%. Half of the applicants admitted to Carnegie Mellon University have an SAT score between 1460 and 1560 or an ACT score of 33 and 35.
The Carnegie Mellon University acceptance rate has remained steady over the past few years, but it is still one of the most selective universities in the country, with only 17% of applicants being accepted.
In the past five years, Carnegie Mellon University has received over 42,000 applications and accepted 17%. Half of those admitted applicants have an SAT score between 1460 and 1560 or an ACT score of 33 and 35.
The remaining half of admitted applicants have scores between 1320 and 1400 on the SAT or 26 to 30 on the ACT.
carnegie mellon audition requirements
More details coming up on carnegie mellon audition requirements, carnegie mellon school of drama tuition, and carnegie mellon musical theatre audition.
Updated Information January 5, 2022: On-campus live auditions are being moved to an online live virtual format for the 2022 cycle. As we’re watching this new variant unfold at an alarmingly fast and contagious rate, it is increasingly irresponsible to pursue on-campus live auditions. Even if models are correct and Delta and Omicron begin to fizzle out by mid-January, there is not a responsible way to invite visitors to our campus.
We had high hopes for conducting on-campus live auditions, but the rate of transmission of the Omicron variant is alarming. Regardless of the severity or not, we don’t want anyone feeling like they have to come to our campus and are taking this safety precaution for both the health of our community and you.
We will send revisions for live virtual auditions and recorded audition policies by early next week. Please continue to hold the original audition date that you selected in your calendar.
Prescreening results are still anticipated to be released by January 10th. We hope to continue to have schedules released by January 20th, but again, please be patient if we have delays.
Thanks for your patience and understanding as we navigate this transition.
Fall 2022 Information:
Please choose your desired program of study and carefully review the audition/portfolio requirements. You will complete an online application for the School of Music, due December 1. We are anticipating a hybrid audition schedule. Please review your desired program of study for specific details regarding your audition/portfolio.
December 1: School of Music application and pre-screening deadline (Flute, Piano, Tuba, Violin, Voice)
December 1: Portfolio Deadline (Composition, Electronic Music, Music Education, Musicology, Music & Technology)
January 10: Pre-screening decisions released
January 20: Audition schedule released
February 1: Recorded auditions due
February 5-6, 12-13: Live VIRTUAL auditions (as of January 5, 2022)
February 19-20: Live virtual auditions
March 15: Graduate and AMSC decisions released
March 26: Undergraduate decisions released from the Office of Admission and School of Music
April 15: Graduate and AMSC decision deadline
May 1: Undergraduate decision deadline
Recorded audition and Pre-screening recording recommendations:
Applicants will submit a video recording. Please check your area for any specific recording requirements.
Applicants are encouraged to use the best recording equipment available to them, and to carefully select the best microphone placement and recording level to reduce distortion. Devices such as a Zoom Handy Recorder will yield good results, and if using a phone, laptop, or tablet, an external USB microphone or microphone attachment can greatly improve the audio. If you do not own or have access to a quality recording device, consider checking with a local or school library, ensemble director, or teacher about borrowing one. Experiment with the recording process in advance, so that your recordings represent you as well as possible.
Have additional questions? Check out our FAQ section first. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, feel free to contact the Office of Recruitment & Enrollment by email at music-admissions@andrew.cmu.edu
Please note: the Artist Diploma program remains on hold and not accepting applications for the 2021-2022 application cycle.
carnegie mellon school of drama tuition
2022-2023 Cost of Attendance
| ACADEMIC YEAR | FALL | SPRING | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | See table below | See table below | See table below |
| Student Activities Fee | $228 | $114 | $114 |
| Room | 11,460 | 5,730 | 5,730 |
| Board | 6,876 | 3,438 | 3,438 |
| Books and Supplies | 2,212 | 1,106 | 1,106 |
| Health Insurance | 2,812 | 2,812 | 0 |
| Personal and Misc. | 3,210 | 1,605 | 1,605 |
| Travel Allowance | 1,374 | 687 | 687 |
| Transportation Fee | 250 | 125 | 125 |
| Technology Fee | 450 | 225 | 225 |
| TOTAL | $28,872 + tuition | $15,842 + tuition | $13,030 + tuition |
As of March 31, 2022.
College/School Tuition Rates
| FULL YEAR | PART TIME RATE | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 39,124 | 544 per unit |
| Art | 35,240 | 490 per unit |
| Design | 43,000 | 598 per unit |
| Drama | 36,300 | |
| Music | 41,000 | 570 per unit |
| TCP | 41,000 | 570 per unit |
| Music 1 + 2 | 41,000 | 570 per unit |
As of March 31, 2022.
carnegie mellon musical theatre audition
Both the Common Application and a Supplementary Material Application are required for all School of Drama undergraduate programs.
The Common Application opens on August 1 and is due for Drama programs on DECEMBER 1. Please visit http://www.commonapp.org to submit the Common Application online.
Supplementary Material Applications should be submitted through https://app.getacceptd.com/cmudrama for Acting, Acting/Music Theater, Design/Production, and Directing applicants. The Acceptd application opens September 1 and is due on DECEMBER 1. Supplementary Material Applications for Dramaturgy should be emailed to drama-relations@andrew.cmu.edu by DECEMBER 1.
Pre-screening videos are required for Acting and Acting/Music Theater. Pre-screening portfolios are required for Design/Production. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to audition or interview. The School of Drama will hold all invited auditions and interviews virtually for Fall 2022 admission.
Please scroll for details on preparing for your undergraduate Audition or Interview. For questions, please email our Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Mica Harrison Loosemore at micaharr@andrew.cmu.edu.
Scheduling Your Audition Or Interview
Registration for audition and interview dates and appointment times will be available this fall through our Acceptd portal. We honor these appointments by invitation only following the pre-screening process on a first-come, first-serve basis, for Carnegie Mellon applicants only.
Students applying Early Decision for Design/Production will receive an update on the status of their pre-screening application by November 3. Early Decision Interviews will be held that Saturday, November 6.
The School of Drama will hold all invited auditions and interviews virtually for Fall 2022 admission. Directing interviews will occur on January 22 and 23. Design/Production interviews will occur on Fridays and Saturdays in January and February with specific dates posted in mid-December. Acting and Music Theater auditions will begin in January and advance by continued invitation throughout January and February. A virtual movement audition will be held in February for Music Theater candidates. Specific Acting and Music Theater dates are available through our Acceptd portal after a successful pre-screening application.
Tour And Visits
Due to Carnegie Mellon’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, we’re continuing to encourage students and families to connect with our community through our online visit opportunities that let you explore Carnegie Mellon’s campus and residence halls, chat with an admission counselor, sit in on an information session and hear from current students. To complement these offerings, the University now offers limited registrations for a self-guided Outdoor Campus Walking Route and on-campus Information Session. School of Drama visits and tours remain virtual. Please note we cannot accommodate visits to the School of Drama building or in-person meetings with faculty or staff at this time. You are welcome to view the School of Drama virtual tour online and sign up for a virtual Q&A here.
Our primary focus is the health and safety of our campus community as well as that of potential visitors to campus. Get the most up-to-date information on the university’s guidelines and current response on CMU’s Coronavirus Information page.
Virtual Tour
A Virtual Tour of the School of Drama facilities is available here.
Financial Resourses
Application Fee Waivers
The School of Drama provides application fee waivers for students who meet one of the indicators of economic need as outlined on the Common Application:I’ve received or am eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.I’m enrolled in or am eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).My annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.I’m enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).My family receives public assistance.I live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or am homeless.I’m a ward of the state or an orphan.I can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.
If you meet one of these criteria, please email the Director of Recruitment & Enrollment Mica Harrison Loosemore at micaharr@andrew.cmu.edu with appropriate documentation after the application has opened.
Carnegie Mellon University Financial Aid
76% of first year students who applied for financial aid received need-based assistance. We recommend using the Net Price Calculator in partnership with College Board to estimate financial aid eligibility.
If you’re a US citizen or permanent resident, the FAFSA is required to be considered for federal and state financial aid programs. The CSS PROFILE, along with the FAFSA, is required to be considered for all institutional grant and scholarship programs. Regardless of need, we encourage you to complete these documents in order to be considered for any type of funding. Follow instructions from the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Deadline: February 15.
Preparing For Your Undergraduate Audition Or Interview
Acting
Applicants to the School of Drama’s Acting Option must fulfill the pre-screening, then the audition requirement, which is the main basis for admission to the program.
All applicants interested in auditioning for both the Music Theater and Acting Options should submit a pre-screening for the Music Theater Option. This one pre-screening will be sufficient to address the needs and requirements of both programs.
PRE-SCREENING GUIDELINES:
Visit Acceptd to upload the following between SEPTEMBER 1 and DECEMBER 1:Resume including any training and experience in theater, film, music and dance as well as academic achievements, work experience and community service.HeadshotEach piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc).There should not be a separate “slate” video, rather slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.
PRE-SCREENING MONOLOGUES
Two (2) contrasting monologues each 60-90 seconds in length (see below)One (1) Contemporary (written after 1900); Contemporary monologues should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.One (1) Classical (written before 1900); Classical monologues should be filmed in a “full body” shot which means the top of the head to the feet on the floor should be visible in the frame.
Pre-Screenings are required for Acting. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to audition. The School of Drama will release the modality and schedule for invited auditions by November 1, 2021. If you are invited, you will register for your audition at getacceptd.com/cmudrama. We cannot accommodate “walk-ins.”
AUDITION GUIDELINES:
Perform two, contrasting monologues. These can be the same as your pre-screening monologues or different.One classical monologue from a play written before 1900 with an emphasis on heightened language.One contemporary piece written after 1900.Each monologue should be 60-90 seconds in length.Each monologue should be within your natural age range (teens and 20s).Be sure to read the entire play the monologue is excerpted from so you are able to demonstrate an understanding of the character and situation.You may use hand props, but not costumes.Be prepared to perform a third monologue if asked.
Music Theater
Applicants to the School of Drama’s Music Theater Option must fulfill the pre-screening, then the audition requirement, which is the main basis for admission to the program.
All applicants interested in auditioning for both the Music Theater and Acting Options should submit a pre-screeing for the Music Theater Option. This one pre-screening will be sufficient to address the needs and requirements of both programs. We participate in the Musical Theater Common Pre-Screen 2021/2022 Requirements for songs and monologues. We do not accept the Wildcard or Dance pre-screening selections.
PRE-SCREENING GUIDELINES:
Visit Acceptd to upload the following between SEPTEMBER 1 and DECEMBER 1:Resume including any training and experience in theater, film, music and dance as well as academic achievements, work experience and community service.HeadshotEach piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc).There should not be a separate “slate” video, rather slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the title, and the show in which it appears. The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.
PRE-SCREENING MONOLOGUES
Monologues must be from a published playMonologues cannot be from musicals, television shows, or moviesEach monologue file should be 60-90 seconds in length (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
Musical Theater Common Prescreening Monologues OPTION B:Two (2) contrasting monologues each 60-90 seconds in length (see below)One (1) Contemporary (written after 1900); Contemporary monologues should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.One (1) Classical (written before 1900); Classical monologues should be filmed in a “full body” shot which means the top of the head to the feet on the floor should be visible in the frame.
Pre-Screenings are required for Acting. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to audition. The School of Drama will release the modality and schedule for invited auditions by November 1, 2021. If you are invited, you will register for your audition at getacceptd.com/cmudrama. We cannot accommodate “walk-ins”.
PRE-SCREENING SONGS
Students should prepare 2 contrasting pieces: One song should be a ballad and one song should be an uptempo..Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
Musical Theater Common Prescreening Songs OPTION A:
One song should be written before 1970. This song can be either the uptempo or the ballad (student’s choice).One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.
Pre-Screenings are required for Music Theater. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to audition. The School of Drama will release the modality and schedule for invited auditions by November 1, 2021. If you are invited, you will register for your audition at getacceptd.com/cmudrama. We cannot accommodate “walk-ins”.
AUDITION GUIDELINES
Perform two, contrasting monologues. These can be the same as your pre-screening monologues or different.One classical monologue from a play written before 1900 with an emphasis on heightened language.One contemporary piece written after 1900.Each monologue should be 60-90 seconds in length.Each monologue should be within your natural age range (teens and 20s).Be sure to read the entire play the monologue is excerpted from so you are able to demonstrate an understanding of the character and situation.You may use hand props, but not costumes.Be prepared to perform a third monologue if asked.
In addition to the monologue requirements, you must perform two contrasting songs approximately one minute in length.One song should be written before 1970. This song can be either the uptempo or the ballad (student’s choice).One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).
Details regarding a live movement component of the audition will be released by November 1, 2021.
Design And Production Technology And Management
Applicants to Design and Production Technology and Management programs must have some practical experience in theater and be able to demonstrate basic proficiency in design, project planning and execution by submitting a portfolio for pre-screening review. The portfolio should include about 15 items of work in several media and techniques as well as a resume or CV. Not all samples of work have to pertain to theater.
Pre-screening portfolios are required for Design/Production. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to a live virtual interview. Watch this video for tips and tricks on assembling your portfolio!
INTERVIEW GUIDELINES
Provide 15 examples of work which could include:Use of color, line drawing, paintingDrafting, mechanical drawingPhotography, including photographs of your productionsModels, costume pieces, masksSculpture or installation artSound cues or recordings containing original recordings or music (no more than five and no more than one minute in length each)Video or media files containing original work (no more than five and no more than two minutes in length each)Plots, ground plans, elevations and other production paperwork you may have produced for a showPaperwork developed for schedules, reports, budgets, estimates, etc.Photos of work both finished and in process
Dramaturgy
The Dramaturgy program provides a rigorous academic and artistic training sequence, emphasizing criticism, history, and practical skills. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary research and writing skills to succeed in this environment. The following items should be submitted to drama-relations@andrew.cmu.edu in PDF form with your name and Common Application ID number by DECEMBER 1:
- Resumé or curriculum vitae
- A brief (less than 750 word) letter that addresses the question: “Why are you interested in studying dramaturgy, and what experience do you bring to the area of study?”
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from sources familiar with your research and writing skills. Please note letters of recommendation should be submitted with your Common Application.
- Two (2) samples of original argumentative writing that are approximately 1,000 words each. These writing samples should demonstrate your ability to use evidence to support a thesis: e.g., an analysis of a work of literature or art or of an event in history. You should feel free to submit work that was written for a recent high school- or college-level humanities course.
- There is no in-person interview required, but the School of Drama faculty may contact applicants via phone or email to obtain further information after January 18.
The John Wells Directing Program
Applicants to the School of Drama Undergraduate John Wells Directing Program must submit an application that includes an audition, statement and portfolio, and a virtual interview process. These requirements are the main basis for admission.
Carnegie Mellon University is a top-notch school for theater majors. In College Factual’s most recent rankings for the best schools for theater majors, Carnegie Mellon came in at #9. This puts it in the top 5% of the country in this field of study. It is also ranked #1 in Pennsylvania.
The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting or directing along with other areas of study such as design, production management and technical direction. The program also includes an internship requirement that allows students to gain real-world experience while they are still in school.
The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama has been around since the early 1900s and has produced some famous alumni including actors Christopher Plummer and Jeff Goldblum, directors David Mamet and Robert Altman and playwright August Wilson who won two Pulitzer Prizes during his career.
collage