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Pre-College Programs  ›  Academic Programs  ›  Drama

Drama

Learn techniques used by successful practitioners in the field. Prepare for the college audition process. Develop a clear picture of what the future could hold.

Program Overview

Pre-College Drama prepares students for the college audition and interview process, illustrating the kind of creativity and discipline required of students studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts Drama curriculum. Classes are taught by accomplished Carnegie Mellon University faculty and adjunct professors.
 
Choose from one of our three options below to prepare for an education and career in theater:

Acting Option: Acting students will focus on audition preparation and classroom training rather than a production, allowing students to enter the college application and audition process with a repertoire of monologues as well as the skills needed to find material appropriate for their age and type. Along with the core classes of Acting, Audition, Acting for the Camera, and Dramaturgy, students in the Acting option will also receive training in Movement, Shakespeare, and Voice & Speech. 
 
Design/Production (DP) Option: Students begin creating a cohesive portfolio upon which they can build for their college application process. They will be exposed to classes in Basic Design, Technical Production, and Stage & Production Management, as well as introductory work in Lighting, Sounds, Video/Media, Costumes, and Fabrication Technology. Additional supplementary subjects may be added and can change from year to year. All students in Pre-College Drama, including those in the DP option, will take Dramaturgy.

Music Theater (MT) Option: Students focus on audition preparation and classroom training rather than a production, allowing students to enter the college application and audition process with a repertoire of monologues and songs, as well as the skills needed to find material appropriate for their age and type. Ballet and Jazz classes will provide inexperienced students with a dance foundation, while more experienced students will be placed with peers of similar ability allowing for further development. MT students will also take classes in Acting, Audition, Acting for the Camera, Song Coaching, and Dramaturgy.

Curriculum 

Pre-College Drama is a six-week residential program for high school juniors and seniors that offers training and preparation for college auditions and interviews within an acclaimed drama conservatory. Each of the three options offered - Acting, Design/Production, and Musical Theater - has a different focus that will bring students unique experiences, challenging opportunities, and preparation for future theater endeavors. Through this program, students may find value in a wider, liberal arts undergraduate experience where they can explore all the opportunities afforded to them.

Students will attend classes for approximately eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a daily lunch break.

Pre-College Drama students are involved in a wide variety of classroom projects, topics, workshops, lectures and demonstrations, seminars, and masterclasses. All provide curriculum enrichment.

Pre-College acting class.

Photo of TJ YoungFaculty Bio: TJ Young

TJ Young is a Texas-born playwright and dramaturg based in Pittsburgh where he serves as co-representative for the Dramatists Guild - Pittsburgh Region.

His plays include NO. 6 (2017 Harold and Mimi Steinberg Award Winner – KCACTF, Indiana Rep.), LYON’S DEN (2018 Harold and Mimi Steinberg Distinguished Play Winner)... Learn more. 

Testimonials

This was a wonderful experience overall. The program was extremely well-orchestrated, the professors were inspiring and the staff was professional, kind and diligent. Thank you for providing my daughter with such a positive experience. ~ Sammy F. (Parent),  Drama 2024 

[The Drama Program] was so so incredible, and I am so grateful to have been chosen to be apart of the program.I have grown so much in the last six weeks, and I am so excited to continue working...    ~ Ava C., Drama 2024

Hear more from our students and families here!

Pre-College ballet class

Questions?

For more information regarding the Pre-College Drama, please contact cmudramapc@andrew.cmu.edu.

Options

Music Theater is designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for college auditions. Students will learn how to search for appropriate audition monologues and songs, working with acting and singing faculty to develop repertoire and audition techniques. Students will learn what to expect when auditioning, what will be expected of them, and perform a mock audition with constructive feedback at the end of the program. This focused and specific feedback allows students to continue the work begun at Pre-College Drama with a clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Additional classes will provide support and background to improve the student’s training.

Classes Include:

  • Audition: Group and individual work on monologue preparation and presentation.
  • Acting: Work in small groups on technique and methods of training to provide a deeper understanding of the text and performance.
  • Song Coaching: Group and one-on-one coaching with instructors to find appropriate audition songs and presentation delivery.
  • Acting for the Camera: Skills for acting on camera using scenes from actual film and TV projects. Topics covered include: camera basics, film and camera terminology, shot size, how to hit a mark, hierarchy of a professional film set, preparing for auditions, and adjusting a performance from stage to screen. *The self-tape component of the class will be useful for shooting pre-screens for college auditions.
  • Dramaturgy: An approach to play analysis that incorporates philosophy, history, intense reading skills, extensive research and writing, and a knowledge of how the drama impacts - and is impacted by - the society that creates it. The central goal of the course is to make students stronger, more critical, and more discerning readers of plays.
  • Ballet and Jazz: A series of warmups and basic ballet and jazz instruction to help learn the language of dance, helping Music Theater students prepare for dance auditions.

The Acting option is designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for college auditions. Students will learn how to search for appropriate audition monologues and work with Acting faculty to develop repertoire and audition techniques. Students will learn what to expect when auditioning, what will be expected of them and perform a mock audition with constructive feedback at the end of the program. This focused and specific feedback allows students to continue the work begun at Pre-College Drama with a clear idea of the skills they have achieved as well as new goals to work on for the future. Additional classes will provide support and background to improve the student’s training.

Classes Include:

  • Audition: Group and individual work on monologue preparation and presentation.
  • Acting for the Camera: Skills to act on camera using scenes from actual film and TV projects. Topics covered include: camera basics, film and camera terminology, shot size, how to hit a mark, hierarchy of a professional film set, preparing for auditions, and adjusting a performance from stage to screen. *The self-tape component of the class will be useful for shooting pre-screens for college auditions.
  • Acting: Work in small groups on technique and methods of training to provide a deeper understanding of the text and performance.
  • Voice and Speech: Work on technique to help students present their pieces in a polished and professional way. Some dialect work included as well.
  • Dramaturgy: An approach to play analysis that incorporates philosophy, history, intense reading skills, extensive research and writing, and a knowledge of how the drama impacts - and is impacted by - the society that creates it. The central goal of the course is to make students stronger, more critical, and more discerning readers of plays. 
  • Shakespeare: Work to provide a deeper understanding of presenting classical monologues. Exercises and assignments will help students get comfortable with complex language and become more familiar with Shakespeare’s characters and plays.
  • Movement: Focuses on how the body is used as a tool for expression, using movement exercises, mask work, and techniques to help students understand the use of movement to enhance character development.

This program is designed to introduce Pre-College students to Design/Production coursework and to prepare a portfolio for college interviews. Classes introduce several aspects of Carnegie Mellon’s undergraduate School of Drama’s Design/Production program.

 The range of classes offered in the Design/Production option may include any of the following:

  • Basic Design: A combination of a presentation and studio course where topics will be introduced such as:
- principals and elements of design
- scenery, costume, and lighting design disciplines
- history of theatrical spaces and important theatrical founders and their companies
- the art of online collage, followed by practical application by the students with teacher feedback
  • Science of Scenery: An understanding of engineering and applied science in the context of physical production. This course will inform designers and technicians on what is practical, enabling the development of innovative approaches to realize design goals. Discussions will relate to topics including:
- materials science
- Newtonian physics (statics and dynamics)
- structural design and engineering
- mechanical design and engineering

 *These studies will provide students with a better understanding and awareness of the underlying scientific and mathematical principles at work in various aspects of theatrical production.

  • Technical Production: A survey of content from several Production Technology and Management courses constituent to a Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Content includes:
- Production Planning
- Studiocraft CAD
- Scenic Fabrication & Installation
- Technical Direction

 *Students will have the opportunity to experience foundational content from each of the classes providing an insight into theatrical technical direction. 

  • Production Management: The principles required to successfully manage a production from start to finish. This will include understanding the production department personnel, the scheduling and budgeting process, and how to effectively communicate with artistic and production stakeholders.
  • Applying to College: A team-taught course covering all of the tools playing a part in the college design & production application process: evaluating programs, portfolios, interviewing, and resumes. 
  • Stagecraft: Classes in subjects including lighting, sound, media and video, costumes, props, and fabrication technology could be included to give students an introduction to all the disciplines that fall into the Design/Production curriculum. 
  • Dramaturgy: An approach to play analysis that incorporates philosophy, history, intense reading skills, extensive research and writing, and a knowledge of how the drama impacts - and is impacted by - the society that creates it. The central goal of the course is to make students stronger, more critical, and more discerning readers of plays. 

All students in the Acting or Music Theater options can choose from one of several electives included in the performance curriculum to supplement their core classes. (Design/Production students do not have room in their schedules for an elective.)

Students will be asked to provide a first, second, and third choice of elective. Class sizes are small or can conflict with a required class making it impossible for a student to participate in their first-choice option. All of the electives offered provide excellent supplemental opportunities for students and are all equally informative. The elective choices currently are: 

  • Improv - Students will work on their feet to explore in-the-moment actions and reactions to improve their improvisational skills.
  • Dramatic Writing - Students with an interest in writing will enjoy working on their own scripts, which will be cast and performed as a staged reading near the end of the program. 
  • Music Theater Rep - This class offers the opportunity for students to delve further into choosing songs for auditions, in addition to similar work in Song Coaching class or private, one-on-one voice lessons.
  • Analyzing Text - This class is dedicated to deep dives into the textual work of plays, providing insights and background that may not be apparent upon a superficial reading of the material.
  • Directing - Students will explore the craft of directing, exploring viewpoints, staging, and other directorial choices. 
  • Tap - Acting and Music Theater majors are invited to expand their dance experience by studying tap dancing. Levels are determined based on skill levels. Beginners are welcome. 
  • History of Musical Theater - Students in this course will learn about significant works, artists, and moments in musical theater history across stage and screen. 

Elective choices are subject to change.

Between one and three optional workshops and masterclasses are held in the evenings, Monday through Thursday. Weekends are intended for homework, independent rehearsal, and Pre-College Student Affairs activities.

Pre-College production class.

Photo of Claudia BenackFaculty Bio: Claudia Benack

Claudia received both her BFA & MFA degrees in Vocal Performance from CMU's School of Music where she studied voice with Beatrice Krebs and Opera Workshop with Mildred Miller. She continued her vocal studies with Ellen Faull of the Juilliard School, the late Margaret Hoswell of the Manhattan School of Music, and Gary Race, formerly of the Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of Iowa... Learn more.

Age and Grade

Age: You must be 16 years of age by June 21, 2025.
Grade: You must be in high school between 10th and 11th grade or between 11th and 12th grade during the summer of 2025.

Please read the Eligibility and Application Requirements for complete eligibility details. 

Application Details

Program Length

Jun. 21 to
Aug. 2, 2025 

 (6 weeks)

Early Decision & International Applications Due
Feb 1

Scholarship¹ & Regular Decision Applications Due
March 1

Housing Options

Resident 
or 
Commuter²
¹ Scholarship decision notifications released on Friday, April 4, 2025. All others are rolling admission.
² To be a commuter, the student and parent/guardian must have a permanent residence within approximately 30 miles of our Pittsburgh campus or within Allegheny County.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for Pre-College Drama, students must: 

  • Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
  • Be a current sophomore or junior in high school at the time of application submission.

The complete application for Pre-College Drama consists of the following:

  • Completed online application
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Standardized test scores (optional)
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Responses to three essay prompts 

Please note that the Drama program does not require an audition for Pre-College admission. The goal of the program is to develop repertoire for the college audition process.

 Essays are required for the following prompts (300-500 words each) :

1. What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs?

2. Describe a non-theater related life experience where your theater background helped you solve a problem or create a positive change. 

3. This program is six weeks in length and involves rigorous training and a commitment to reliable attendance and solid work. What practical skills and habits have you developed to show that you are prepared to commit fully to the program? 

Is this a summer camp or a conservatory experience?

The School of Drama’s Pre-College Program is not a summer camp. It is an intensive program modeled after our undergraduate BFA curriculum. The program provides a strong basis for the student to decide to pursue further professional theater training. Attendance is mandatory in all classes in order to keep up with the rigors of the programs. Students who fail to attend class and/or to meet program requirements without explicit approval from their program directors may face an academic expulsion.

Why don't I need an audition tape?

Pre-College Drama focuses on preparing students for the audition process rather than the execution of a production. Requirement of a video audition for admittance to Pre-College Drama would undermine the goals of the program.

Will I need to bring monologues or music?

If you have material you are working on or would like to work on, please bring it along, but it is not required.

Will there be a final production?

There is no final production. Our program is focused on process not product.

Will I earn college credit from this program?

No, Pre-College Drama students do not earn college credit.

Where can I get the necessary textbooks?

You will be provided with a small book list to purchase in advance of the program within a month of your arrival.

What are the dance wear requirements?

Students in the Music Theater option are the only ones that will need to bring dancewear. You will be provided with a list of recommended clothing upon acceptance. 

If you have specific questions concerning dance wear, contact Maria Stoy at mstoy@andrew.cmu.edu or 412.268.3284.

Do students in the Acting option have special clothing requirements?

Students in the Acting option only need to bring loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for Movement class. No dancewear is required unless taking Tap for an elective.

Do students in the Design/Production option need any special clothing or tools?

Design/Production students should bring close-toed shoes and a laptop computer. A supply kit will be prepared in advance at the university bookstore for purchase before your arrival. 

Do I need to bring a computer to Pre-College Drama?

It is recommended that all students bring either a laptop or tablet for use in Dramaturgy class.  

Can I take an elective in the School of Music or another department?

No. Due to class times and varying schedules, you cannot take classes outside Pre-College Drama.

I'm a Pre-College student, but not enrolled in Pre-College Drama. Can I take a dance, audition or improv class?

No. Due to the number of students enrolled in Pre-College Drama, we do not have space in our classes to accommodate students from other programs.

Drama class 2024