Musical Theatre Audition Information

Evaluating Your Talent

Admission to the BFA Musical Theatre program is a highly selective process. Each year, we welcome a diverse group of 16-20 students, each bringing unique experiences and talents. While innate talent is essential, we primarily seek individuals who show potential for professional readiness and a genuine passion and commitment to rigorous training.

During your audition experience, we encourage you to:

  • Present your authentic self, setting aside any ego.
  • Approach the day with positivity and enjoy the experience.

The audition process helps us gauge your ambition, drive, determination and innate talent while considering any formal training. It also allows you to determine if our program aligns with your goals and strengths.

Audition Process

Our program adheres to the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen Requirements and Guidelines. Please thoroughly review the guidelines, particularly those concerning camera position, framing and labeling of media on Acceptd.

Register via Acceptd 

Except for those applying through Pittsburgh Unified Auditions (PUA) or the College Audition Project (CAP), all students must register via Acceptd when applying and auditioning through any of our avenues. Upload your headshot, résumé, and audition materials in the Media tab. Since we currently forego the traditional pre-screen process, uploading your materials on Acceptd ensures we can efficiently review your work when making our final determinations.

Note: If you are applying through PUA or CAP, please skip this step. As a no-application-fee school, we cover the cost of each applicant who applies directly through Acceptd. Since we already have access to your profiles through these organizations, skipping this step helps us manage expenses and remain one of the most affordable options for pre-professional musical theatre training in the country.

Important deadlines

  • Prescreen deadline: Rolling
  • Program application deadline: Rolling
  • University application deadline: Rolling

Submission requirements

Song:

Choose either OPTION A or OPTION B, whichever better serves you:

  • OPTION A: One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). One song written after 1970 (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song 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:

  • Perform one monologue from a published play or one written by a professional writer whose plays have been produced but may not be professionally published.

Dance:

  • Show your best version of dancing or moving. Ballet submisison is optional, not required.

Audition Day

Materials

You will perform two songs and a monologue, matching the guidelines as outlined in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen. Be prepared to receive and implement adjustments during the process.

Accompaniment

  • Zoom Auditions: Due to common fidelity, latency, and sound issues, we do not have Zoom auditionees sing live for their initial audition. Instead, we assess vocal abilities based on your pre-screen videos. Your live audition will consist of a monologue.
  • Chicago Auditions: You are responsible for providing a recorded track of your accompaniment and a portable speaker for playback.
  • MSU Campus Auditions: An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in the proper key.
  • Unified Auditions: Follow the specific guidelines set by the event you’re attending.

Interviews

Expect a friendly conversation with our faculty members where we discuss your skills, passions, and whether MSU is the right fit for you.

Attire

Although not a formal event, it's significant. Choose clothing that reflects your authentic self, ensuring comfort and confidence. Hats are best left at home.

2024-25 Audition Opportunities

Register to audition with us on any of the following dates by uploading your headshot and résumé through Acceptd (again, not if you're being seen at CAP or PUA).

We will be present at these events. You must apply with the sponsoring organization.

ACCESS AUDITION APPLICATION