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 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. 9-12, 2026
  • Pittsburgh Unifieds (virtual): Oct. 16-18-2026
  • Drewnifieds (virtual): Oct. 23-25, 2026
  • CAP Auditions (St. Louis): Nov. 12-15, 2026
  • Missouri Thespian Conference (St. Louis): Jan. 6-9, 2027

The dates and application instructions above reflect the final 2026-27 audiition timeline.

If you pass your prescreen at one of these 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).

For full details, please review the audition timeline chart below.

Prescreen submission requirements

Each performance piece should be filmed and uploaded as a separate piece of media. Do not submit continuous videos.

All song, monologue, dance, ballet, and wild card videos are recommended to be between 60-90 seconds each.

Introduction “Slate” Video

Record one introduction “slate” video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera.

There is no need to slate your individual performance videos and pieces.

The slate video should be no longer than 10 seconds.

Songs (MTCP Option C)

Missouri State has selected Option C. The school leaves it up to the applicant to select any two contrasting songs, whichever they feel serves them best (either Option A or Option B).

Option A
  • One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, folk, rock, soul, country, etc.).
  • One song written before 1970 (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This sound should contrast the style of the first selection.
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.

Monologue (MTCP Option A)

Missouri State has selected Option A:

One monologue from a published play or 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)

Missouri State has selected Option B:

Show us your best version of choreographed dancing or moving.

Ballet (MTCP Option B)

Ballet is optional.

Video labeling

Clearly label each video with the piece you are performing and your first and last name, following the MTCP labeling guidelines.

For songs:

Title of Song – Musical/Show – Your First & Last Name

For monologues:

Title of Play – Playwright – Your First & Last Name

For other media:
  • Slate – Your First & Last Name
  • Dance – Your First & Last Name
  • Wild Card – Your First & Last Name

Video framing

For slates, songs, and monologues, a waist-up frame is recommended so your face can be seen and you can be heard clearly.

For dance and ballet, use a setup that allows the camera to see from the top of your head to the floor, including your feet. Your entire body should remain visible throughout the dance.

Videos should be filmed horizontally (“landscape”), with the camera at approximately eye level.

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.
  • Missouri State 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 (2026-27)

Audition Event and Application Instructions Audition Dates Prescreen Submission Deadline Notification Date of Prescreen Results

Mo State Transfer Auditions
(In-person, Springfield, MO)

Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline

Logo for acceptd

 Nov. 6, 2026 Oct. 15, 2026

Oct. 23, 2026

Pittsburgh Unifieds
(In-person)

Live prescreen.
Do not apply on Acceptd until notified of prescreen results.

 Oct. 9-12, 2026 n/a

Oct. 22, 2026

Pittsburgh Unifieds
(Virtual)

Live prescreen.
Do not apply on Acceptd until notified of prescreen results.

 Oct. 16-18, 2026 n/a

Oct. 26, 2026

Drewnifieds
(Virtual)

Live prescreen.
Do not apply on Acceptd until notified of prescreen results.

 Oct. 23-25, 2026 n/a

Nov. 3, 2026

CAP Auditions
(In-person, St. Louis, MO)

Live prescreen.
Do not apply on Acceptd until notified of prescreen results.

 Nov. 12-15, 2026 n/a

Nov. 25, 2026

TX Thespian Conference
(Grapevine, TX)

Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline

Logo for acceptd

 Nov. 18-21, 2026 Oct. 15, 2026

Oct. 22, 2026

Moonifieds
(Dallas, TX)

Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline

Logo for acceptd

 Nov. 19-22, 2026 Oct. 15, 2026

Oct. 22, 2026

MTCA Audition Weekend
(New York, NY)

Live audition.
Do not apply on Acceptd until notified of prescreen results.

 Dec. 10-13, 2026 n/a

Jan. 1, 2027

Missouri Thespian Conference
(St. Louis, MO)

Live prescreen.
Do not apply on Acceptd until notified of prescreen results.

 Jan. 6-9, 2027 n/a

Jan. 26, 2027

Chicago Unifieds

Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline

Logo for acceptd

 Feb. 1-4, 2027

Jan. 19, 2027

 Jan. 26, 2027

Mo State In-Person Auditions
(Springfield, MO)

Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline

Logo for acceptd

 Feb. 12-13, 2027

Jan. 19, 2027

Jan. 26, 2027

Mo State Virtual Auditions

Submit prescreen via Acceptd by deadline

Logo for acceptd

 Feb. 19-20, 2027

Jan. 19, 2027

Jan. 26, 2027

Candidates auditioning for both the Acting for Stage and Screen and Musical Theatre programs will receive separate prescreen notifications for each program.

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