Musical Theatre Audition Information
Evaluating your talent
Admission to the BFA Musical Theatre program at Missouri State is a highly selective process. Each year, we welcome a diverse group of approximately 15 students, each bringing unique artistry and potential.
While innate talent is important, our priority is identifying students who demonstrate:
- Potential for professional readiness
- A genuine passion for storytelling and performance
- Commitment to rigorous training
During your audition experience, we encourage you to:
- Present your authentic self, setting aside ego.
- Approach the process with positivity and openness.
- Enjoy the experience and allow us to see your individuality.
Audition process
Missouri State adheres to the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen (MTCP) Requirements and Guidelines. Please carefully review MTCP guidelines, particularly regarding camera framing, labeling and submission through Acceptd.
Register via Acceptd
All applicants must complete a prescreen via Acceptd unless applying through one of our live prescreen events.
Upload the following:
- Headshot
- Résumé
- Personal statement or letter of intent
- Prescreen audition videos (see requirements below)
Live prescreen events
If you are applying through one of our four live prescreen events, you should not register on Acceptd until you are notified of your prescreen results. Our live prescreen events include:
- Pittsburgh Unifieds (in person): Oct. 10-13, 2025
- Pittsburgh Unifieds (virtual): Oct. 18-19-2025
- Drewnifieds (virtual): Oct. 24-26, 2025
- CAP Auditions (St. Louis): Nov. 13-16, 2025
If you pass your prescreen at one of these four events, you will then be invited to complete your Acceptd registration. At that point, your videos will be reviewed by additional members of the faculty, and you will be notified of your admission decision (accepted, waitlisted or denied) within two weeks of the live prescreen event.
For full details, please review the audition timeline chart below.
Prescreen submission requirements
Songs (MTCP Option C)
Missouri State has selected Option C in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen. This means you may choose either Option A or Option B:
Option A
- One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.).
- One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.).
Option B
- One musical theater song from any time period.
- One song of your choice from any time period and in any style that best suits you (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.
Songs should be 60-90 seconds each (typically 32 bars or one verse/chorus).
Monologue (MTCP Option A)
Missouri State has selected Option A for monologues:
One monologue from a published play or one written by a professional writer. (A professional writer is someone whose plays have been produced but may not have been professionally published.)
Dance (MTCP Option B + Optional Ballet, Option C)
- Submit one dance video showing your best version of dancing or moving (MTCP Option B).
- Ballet is optional (MTCP Option C).
Audition day
What to prepare
- Two contrasting songs (per MTCP requirements)
- A monologue (per MTCP requirements)
- Be prepared to receive and apply adjustments during your session.
Accompaniment
- Zoom auditions: Vocal assessment is based on prescreen videos. Live audition consists of a monologue only.
- Chicago Unifieds: Applicants must provide their own recorded accompaniment and speaker.
- MSU campus auditions: An accompanist will be provided. Bring sheet music in the correct key.
- Unified auditions (PUA, CAP, Drewnfield, etc.): Follow sponsoring organization guidelines.
Interviews
Each audition includes a friendly conversation with faculty about your passions, skills and training goals.
Attire
Dress in clothing that reflects your authentic self and allows freedom of movement. This is not a formal event, but professional presentation matters. No hats please.
Audition opportunities
For a complete overview of audition dates, prescreen submission deadlines, and notification timelines, please see the following chart.
Audition timeline chart (2025-26)
| Audition Event and Application Instructions | Audition Dates | Prescreen Submission Deadline |
Notification Date of Prescreen Results |
|
Transfer auditions Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Nov. 7, 2025 | Oct. 15, 2025 |
Nov. 14, 2025 |
|
Pittsburgh Unifieds Live prescreen. |
Oct. 10-13, 2025 | n/a |
Oct. 20, 2025 |
|
Pittsburgh Unifieds (Virtual) Live prescreen. |
Oct. 18-19, 2025 | n/a |
Oct. 26, 2025 |
|
Drewnifieds Live prescreen. |
Oct. 24-26, 2025 | n/a |
Nov. 3, 2025 |
|
CAP Auditions Live prescreen. |
Nov. 13-16, 2025 | n/a |
Nov. 25, 2025 |
|
TX Thespian Conference (Grapevine) Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Nov. 18-21, 2025 | Oct. 15, 2025 |
Nov. 18-21, 2025 |
|
Moonifieds Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Nov. 20, 2025 | Oct. 15, 2025 |
Dec. 1, 2025 |
|
Missouri Thespian Conference Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Jan. 8-10, 2026 | Dec. 12, 2025 |
Jan. 17, 2025 |
|
Chicago Unifieds Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Feb. 3-4, 2026 |
Priority: Dec. 12, 2025 Final: Jan. 19, 2026 |
Priority: Jan. 1, 2026 Final: Feb. 10, 2026 |
|
MSU In-Person Auditions Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Feb. 13-14, 2026 |
Priority: Dec. 12, 2025 Final: Jan. 19, 2026 |
Priority: Dec. 19, 2025 Final: Jan. 21, 2026 |
|
MSU Virtual Auditions Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline
|
Feb. 20-21, 2026 |
Priority: Dec. 12, 2025 Final: Jan. 19, 2026 |
Priority: Dec. 19, 2025 Final: Jan. 26, 2026 |
Candidates auditioning for both the Acting for Stage and Screen and Musical Theatre programs will receive separate prescreen notifications for each program.
For questions?
- Call the department office at 417-836-4400.
- Email TheatreAndDance@MissouriState.edu.
- Visit Acceptd Support Desk for technical assistance.