Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA•PrivateCityMedium (7,187 students)
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Official Program Page
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Ultra-Selective
Under 12 Students
80% audition, 20% academics
Key Info
Apply viaAcceptd
Application Deadlines
December 1, 2025
University Application(Common App)December 1, 2025
Audition Dates
Campus (Pittsburgh) - January/February 2026
NYC - January/February 2026
Chicago - January/February 2026
Los Angeles - January/February 2026
Virtual option available
Note: Specific dates posted mid-December via Acceptd
Good to Know
Must complete Common App for Carnegie Mellon University before submitting prescreen
Application Fee
AUDITION FEE: $120 (fee waiver available)
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
•Two contrasting songs:
-One song written before 1970 (uptempo or ballad, student's choice)
-One song written after 1970, contrasting style & tempo of first selection
-One song should be a ballad and one should be uptempo
•Each song 60-90 seconds (including slate)
•Sing to musical accompaniment (live or pre-recorded)
Monologues
•Two contrasting monologues:
-One classical monologue from published play with heightened language (preferably Shakespeare)
-One contemporary monologue from published play
•Monologues should be from published plays, not musicals
•Each monologue 60-90 seconds
Additional Materials
•Resume (training, experience in theater/film/music/dance, academics, work, community service)
•Headshot
Video Specifications
•Framing: Songs in landscape orientation (close-up, ¾, or full-body acceptable)
•Framing: One monologue ½ body shot (head to waist), other ¾ body (head to knees) or full body
•Slate: At beginning of each piece (not separate video)
•Song slate: Name, song title, show title
•Monologue slate: Name, play title, playwright
•Format: Each piece as separate video file (no continuous videos)
•Length: 60-90 seconds per piece (strictly adhered to)
What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)
•Prescreens reviewed as received starting September 1
•If invited for audition, will receive scheduling instructions
•Decision within 3-6 weeks of submission
•All MT applicants automatically considered for Acting program - do not submit two prescreens
Program Highlights
•Acting and music theater students learn side-by-side with top-flight acting training at core
•Holistic approach cultivating artistry and autonomous creative thinkers
•Four-year curriculum with shared core classes in acting, voice/speech, movement
•MT students take advanced singing, music theater styles, and dance techniques
•Production opportunities begin junior year
•Alumni network includes Broadway performers and industry professionals
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
11%
Admit Rate
92%
Grad Rate
7,187
Enrollment
$114,862
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$63,829
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$31,671
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$8,460
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,600
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,534
Family Income $75k - $110k$27,827
Family Income $110k+$52,593