Question 1

Is stageready affiliated with colleges or audition platforms?

Accepted Answer

No. stageready is an independent resource built by a professional college audition coach to help students and families understand audition requirements and program differences. We do not represent, rank, or speak on behalf of any college or university.

Question 2

Does stageready guarantee admission or better outcomes?

Accepted Answer

No. College theatre admissions are subjective, and no platform can guarantee results. stageready focuses on clarity: helping families understand requirements, deadlines, and program fit so they can make informed decisions and avoid preventable mistakes.

Question 3

How often is information updated?

Accepted Answer

Information is reviewed and updated regularly during the audition cycle. Each page includes a “last updated” note so families know how current the information is. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please use our contact form so that we can address it as soon as possible.

Question 4

What is a concentration?

Accepted Answer

A concentration is a specialized focus area within a broader degree program. For example, a school might offer a BFA in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Stage Management. Different schools may use different terms for this: you'll also see them called tracks, emphases, or specializations: but they all mean the same thing. Each concentration has its own audition requirements, curriculum, and sometimes its own class size. On stageready, concentrations are listed under their parent program so you can see exactly what each school offers and what's required for the specific track you're interested in.

Question 5

What does "General" under a program's concentration mean?

Accepted Answer

General refers to the option of not selecting an optional concentration within the program. Not all programs with concentrations offer this, but "General" will appear for the ones that do.

Question 6

What does the Selectiveness tag mean?

Accepted Answer

The Selectiveness tag on each program indicates how competitive that specific program is for admission. Unlike the school-wide acceptance rate, Selectiveness reflects the program's own admissions difficulty. Programs are rated as Most Selective, Highly Selective, Selective, Moderately Selective, or Less Selective based on factors like class size, audition volume, and program reputation.

Question 7

What does "(W)" mean next to a GPA?

Accepted Answer

The **(W)** next to a GPA stands for **weighted**. Some schools report their average GPA on a weighted scale, which accounts for honors and AP coursework and can exceed 4.0. An unweighted GPA uses a standard 0–4.0 scale.

When you sort by Average GPA on stageready, we normalize weighted GPAs so they compare fairly against unweighted ones. This means a school with a 4.3 weighted GPA won't automatically rank above a school with a 3.9 unweighted GPA: the sort reflects approximate academic rigor more accurately.

**In short:**
- **No label** = unweighted (standard 4.0 scale)
- **(W)** = weighted (may exceed 4.0, includes AP/honors bonus)

Question 8

Is the acceptance rate for the school or the theatre program?

Accepted Answer

The acceptance rate shown on stageready is the overall school admission rate: it reflects how selective the university is as a whole, not a specific program. Performing arts programs (especially BFA programs) are often far more selective than the school's general admission rate. For program-level competitiveness, look at the Selectiveness tag on each program, which indicates how competitive that specific program is relative to others.

Question 9

What is a gateway audition?

Accepted Answer

A gateway audition is a required audition that determines whether you are admitted into a specific performing arts program. Some gateway auditions happen before you enroll, as part of the application process. Others happen after you are already enrolled at the university, sometimes at the end of your first or second year. In those cases, students may start in a BA or general theatre track and audition to move into a more competitive program like a BFA. If you do not pass the gateway audition, you can often continue in the broader program but would not advance into the specialized track. Check each program's details on stageready to see when and how their gateway audition works.

Question 10

What is a scholarship audition?

Accepted Answer

A scholarship audition is an audition used to award talent-based financial aid, not to determine admission into the program. You can typically be admitted to the program without auditioning, but completing the scholarship audition gives you a chance at additional funding. Some programs offer both gateway and scholarship auditions as separate events, while others combine them into a single audition. Check each program's details on stageready to see which type of audition is required.

Question 11

What is the difference between a BFA and a BA?

Accepted Answer

**Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)** and **Bachelor of Arts (BA)** are quite different:

**BFA** is a **pre-professional, conservatory-style** degree. About 60-75% of your coursework is in your major (acting, musical theatre, design, etc.). It's intensive, often audition-based, and focused on preparing you for a professional career. Class sizes tend to be small and selective.

**BA** is a **liberal arts** degree with a theatre or dance major. About 30-40% of your coursework is in your major, leaving more room for electives, double majors, or minors in other fields. It's broader and more flexible.

**Which is right for you?**

Choose **BFA** if you're committed to pursuing theatre/dance as a career and want intensive, focused training.

Choose **BA** if you want to study theatre/dance alongside other interests, or want more academic flexibility.

Some students start in a BA program and transfer into the BFA after their first year, or vice versa. Many successful professionals hold either degree: it's about the training and opportunities, not just the letters.

Question 12

What is the difference between a BA and a BS in Theatre or Dance?

Accepted Answer

A **Bachelor of Arts (BA)** and a **Bachelor of Science (BS)** in Theatre or Dance typically have the same core theatre/dance curriculum: same classes, same faculty, same audition process. The difference is in general education requirements:

- **BA** usually requires foreign language credits and more humanities/liberal arts courses
- **BS** usually requires more math and science courses

Many schools offer both options under one program (listed as "BA/BS"), letting students choose the path that best fits their academic interests outside of their major. The theatre or dance training itself is the same either way.

When comparing programs, focus on the actual theatre/dance curriculum and training rather than whether it's labeled BA or BS.

Question 13

What's the difference between a BFA and a BM in Musical Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Both are intensive, pre-professional degrees: the difference is which department you're in:

**BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)**: Offered by **theatre departments**. The most common conservatory-style degree for Musical Theatre. Training is balanced across acting, singing, and dance, with about 60–75% of coursework in your major.

**BM (Bachelor of Music)**: Offered by a school's **music department**. BM students take the same core music curriculum as vocal performance majors: more music theory, ear training, sight-reading, and musicianship: alongside acting and dance training. This track tends to produce especially strong singer-actors. Schools like Cincinnati (CCM) and University of Michigan offer the BM route.

**Bottom line:** Both degrees are highly focused with limited elective space. The key difference is whether your home base is the theatre department (BFA) or the music school (BM), which shapes the emphasis of your training.

Question 14

I wanted a BFA in Musical Theatre, but the program I really like has a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Is there a difference?

Accepted Answer

In general, there is no difference. However, every BFA program differs, so look at the curriculum and see if it's a good fit for you.

Question 15

What do I do for my Dance?

Accepted Answer

The most cost-effective option is to use the choreography previously provided by various schools, that best suits you. Here are some options:

Howard University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7RahK-Rmqw

Texas State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blrj0wZ5xW0

Nazareth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBO4O_EYM0c

Emerson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9BhChSpMwo

Pace: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_iwh-XyP8NTEUxZIf1T1tJzTOWipEC27/view?usp=sharing

Abelene Christian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nKbZnaWXRY

Other options: 
- Use a dance from a show you've done! Modify it so that it meets the requirements for the schools you're auditioning for.

- Search "MT Prescreen Dance" or something similar on YouTube and you'll find a multitude of options.

- Hire someone to choreograph for you (or choreograph yourself, but only if that is a VERY strong skillset that you possess).

Question 16

What do I do for my Wildcard?

Accepted Answer

This is your chance for schools to see you: not just your acting. Share your personality, interests, or something that matters to you. As with all things in the arts, there's no "right" choice. Ask yourself: What do I want them to know about me? What aspect of me has nothing to do with performing?

Your wild card can be anything that shows who you are, such as:

- Learning how to do a new skill like skateboarding or rowing
- Sharing a hobby or activity that's important to you
- How-to video (calligraphy, gymnastics, set a table in Morocco, etc.)
- Performing in a language you're fluent in other than English
- Taking us along at your job
- Playing an instrument
- Showing a dance style you love or excel in (tap, hip hop, lyrical, ballet, and more)
- An SNL style sketch
- Singing, playing, or performing an original song, poem, or dance

The goal isn't perfection: it's authenticity. Choose something that feels like you.

Try to stay away from these commonly done formats:

- GRWM
- Baking
- Makeup Tutorials

Question 17

Monologue Do and Do Nots for Musical Theatre & Acting

Accepted Answer

Every monologue on stageready abides by the mass majority of the rules below. If one you like does not follow the rules EXACTLY, know that it has been vetted and approved for use in college auditions by professionals.

Here are all the DOs and DO NOTs compiled from every school we've listed. Always verify individual school's requirements.

✅ DO: Choosing Your Monologues

- Choose monologues from published plays
- Select characters within 5–10 years of your playable age
- Choose material authentic to your culture, background, and lived experience
- Read the entire play and understand your character within the full story
- Pick active monologues that happen in real time and focus on what the character wants
- Make sure each monologue has:
 : a clear beginning, middle, and end
 : a journey, discovery, or change
- Choose well-written material with strong language and structure
- Present contrasting monologues (tone, style, language, or character)
- Portray one character per monologue
- Choose pieces you genuinely connect with and enjoy
- Gender of the character does not need to match yours 
- Have additional monologues prepared in case schools request more

✅ DO: Preparation & Performance

- Memorize completely
- Follow each school’s specific format for slating, if they ask for one
- Use your natural speaking voice
- Actively listen and react to an imagined scene partner
- Have clear objectives, tactics, and adjustments in real time
- Demonstrate physical life and embodiment of the character
- Most importantly: have fun: enjoyment reads on camera and in the room!

✅ DO: Filming (Prescreens)

- Follow framing instructions exactly (close-up, medium, ¾, or full body)
- Film each monologue as a separate video unless instructed otherwise
- Record in one continuous shot (no edits)
- Follow all school-specific requirements carefully
- Ensure clear sound, neutral background (or as neutral as possible), and strong lighting from the front

❌ DO NOT: Material Choices

- Do original, self-written, or unpublished work (unless explicitly allowed)
- Use monologues from:
 : musicals
 : films or TV scripts
 : novels
 : internet monologue sites
 : monologue books
- Piece dialogue together unnaturally to create a monologue
- Perform stand-up comedy or comedy routines
- Attempt material without reading the full play

❌ DO NOT: Character & Content

- Play characters far outside your age range
- Play small children or much older adults
- Perform characters with serious mental deficiencies
- Perform characters under the influence of substances
- Choose material that is overly sexual, violent, or offensive
- Use climactic emotional breakdown scenes that rely on extreme intensity
- Perform storytelling or remembrance monologues describing past events
- Choose monologues about auditioning
- Use material centered on self-harm or eating disorders
- Rely on eccentric characterizations or gimmicks

❌ DO NOT: Performance Choices

- Do accents or dialects unless absolutely required
- Use props or costumes (simple neutral objects occasionally allowed if necessary to the story)
- Imitate performances from film or stage productions
- Play cartoonish, exaggerated, or farcical characters
- Explain the play before beginning
- Say “scene” at the end

Question 18

Song Dos and Do Nots for Musical Theatre

Accepted Answer

Here are all the DOs and DO NOTs compiled from every school we've listed. Always verify individual school's requirements.

✅ DO: Song Selection

- Have at least one song from the musical theatre canon
- Consider choosing:
 : one classic musical theatre selection
 : one contemporary musical theatre selection
- Many programs request contrast between pre-1970 and post-1970 material
- Choose songs that:
 : showcase your strengths
 : fit your voice naturally
 : feel authentic to you
- Contemporary commercial styles (pop, rock, folk, country, or singer-songwriter) are sometimes acceptable for one selection, depending on program requirements
- Self-accompaniment (guitar, piano, ukulele) may be allowed at some auditions
- Select songs with a clear emotional arc and objective
- Perform from a truthful, specific circumstance: not just vocal presentation

✅ Preparing Your Cuts

- 32-bar cuts are the typical live audition standard
- 60–90 seconds is common for prescreen submissions
- Time limits usually include your slate
- Clearly mark cuts in your sheet music for accompanists
- Maintain a full audition book with multiple prepared songs
- Be ready to perform alternate selections if requested

✅ What “Contrast” Usually Means

- Your selections should differ in meaningful ways, such as:
 : Fast tempo vs slow tempo
 : Dramatic vs comedic tone
 : Legit/sustained singing vs speech-like contemporary style
 : Belt vs head voice or mix
 : Different eras or decades
 : Different musical or storytelling styles
- Contrast shows range: not just volume or emotion.

✅ Filmed Prescreens

- Carefully follow each program’s framing and recording instructions
- Songs are typically submitted as separate videos
- Film in a clear, well-lit environment with strong audio quality (light from the front & the microphone in your iPhone is just fine)
- Standard video formats and YouTube uploads are commonly accepted, but always confirm requirements
- Stay strictly within posted time limits

✅ Live Auditions

- Bring clearly marked sheet music even if prescreens used tracks
- Many live auditions provide an accompanist
- Bring backup materials when attending unified or regional auditions
- Be prepared to take direction or coaching during callbacks

❌ DO NOT: Submission & Technical Issues

- Do not sing a cappella unless explicitly requested
- Do not lip-sync to prerecorded vocals
- Do not use vocal enhancement (auto-tune, reverb, effects)
- Do not submit audio-only recordings
- Do not exceed time limits
- Avoid long instrumental introductions: begin singing sooner rather than later

❌ DO NOT: Song Choices

- Do not choose songs outside your comfortable vocal range
- Do not select material far outside your playable age range
- Avoid choosing two songs with the same tempo, style, or era
- Do not prioritize high notes or vocal power over storytelling
- Avoid using props or staging elements unless requested

Note that programs are rarely looking for the hardest song. They want to see:
- musical storytelling
- authenticity
- vocal health (!!!)
- artistic connection

Go out there and find songs you love!

Question 19

What's the difference between a Classical Monologue and a Contemporary monologue?

Accepted Answer

It's all about dates:

⚡ What "Classical" means varies by school:
- Pre-1900 (USC, Baldwin Wallace, Roosevelt)
- Pre-1950 (Ithaca, Point Park, Nazareth)
- Shakespeare specifically required (Juilliard, CalArts, Carnegie "preferably")
- "Heightened language" (Carnegie, Texas Tech, Point Park: includes Shakespeare, Molière, Marlowe, August Wilson, Tony Kushner, Suzan-Lori Parks, Mike Bartlett, Andrea Gibson)

⚡ What "Contemporary" means varies too:
- Post-2000 (Ohio U, Rutgers, Syracuse prefer this)
- Post-1950 (most common: Ithaca, Penn State, Pace, Emerson)
- Post-1945 (Marymount Manhattan)
- Post-1900 (NYU, USC)

There are some pieces that can be used as either classical or contemporary. Any of Robert Icke's adaptations of Greek plays qualify as both, as do David Ives' translations/adaptations of various French plays.

To be safe, choose something classical pre-1900 and contemporary post-1950. Check out your "My Submissions" page for exactly what you will need!

Question 20

What is a self-tape and how do I setup for one?

Accepted Answer

A self-tape is exactly that, when you put yourself on "tape" (except now it's all digital). We'll have a video coming soon on exactly how to setup for one, but here are some written instructions:

You do not need professional equipment. Simple + clear = perfection. You are not being evaluated on your taping setup and camera quality. They just need to see you clearly and hear you clearly.

📱 Camera
✔ Record in HD 
✔ Film horizontally
✔ Camera at eye level
✔ Frame: check each school's requirements, but you can never go wrong with waist to top of head

💡 Lighting
✔ Face a window or light source
✔ Keep your face evenly lit
✘ Avoid bright light behind you

🧱 Background
✔ Plain, neutral wall: or as neutral as possible. A tidy bookshelf or corner works just fine.
✔ Clean and distraction-free
✔ No busy rooms or clutter

🔊 Sound
✔ Quiet room
✔ Turn off fans & notifications
✔ Voice should be clear and easy to hear

📷 Stability
✔ Use a tripod or stable surface. Propping your phone up against a tower of books works!
✘ Don’t hold the camera

🎭 Performance Space
✔ Enough room to move naturally
✔ Stay fully in frame

Question 21

How do I slate?

Accepted Answer

It differs depending on the school, so make sure you check their requirements. The main thing is to be a human being. Be yourself, relax!

👉 The basic slate goes like this: 
- NAME: CHARACTER: PLAY: PLAYWRIGHT or NAME: PLAY: PLAYWRIGHT
 : if Shakespeare: NAME: CHARACTER: PLAY (because we all know who your play is by, so no need to tell us)
- NAME: SONG TITLE: MUSICAL

💡Examples:
Hi, my name is Betty Boop and I'll be working on Lil' Bit from How I Learned To Drive by Paula Vogel.
Hi! My name is Jean Valjean and I'll be singing "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.
Hello, I'm Heather Chandler and this is "Wait For It" from Hamilton.
Hey there, I'm Orpheus son of the Muse Calliope, and this is The Porter from Macbeth.

Question 22

How does the typical college audition go?

Accepted Answer

For in-person auditions, each school is different in terms of how they run auditions. However, the most common, typical format goes as such:

1. Check in with the audition monitor, often a current student, alumni or administrator
 : you'll either hand them your headshot and resume (stapled back to back) or hang onto it to give it to the faculty in the room
2.  Wait and then get called in
3. Enter the room and say hi
 : DO NOT initiate a handshake. Many college auditions take place in the winter when all sorts of viruses are going around. Shaking hands with 50-75 people per day isn't ideal for preserving their health.
4. They may talk to you a little and then have you do your pieces, or you may dive right into them.
5. The faculty might give you an adjustment on one of your pieces.
6. Say thank you and leave the room. You did it!
7. Celebrate!

Question 23

What is a "movement call"?

Accepted Answer

A movement call is where programs get to see how you work. How you move your body, take direction, and work physically in performance. It's rarely about dancing ability.

Movement calls can help faculty see:
- Physical awareness and coordination
- Willingness to take risks and commitment
- Ability to follow instructions quickly
- Comfort using your body to tell a story
- Your sense of imagination and play
- Collaboration and how you work in an ensemble

A movement call may include:
- tastes of Viewpoints, Laban or other techniques that encourage imagination and play
- Various physical warm-ups
- Other forms of group ensemble work

The main thing is to go in there with a sense of play and discovery, rather than trying to get whatever the professor is telling you to do "right". They just want to see how you work.

Question 24

Do I need to apply through both Common App and Acceptd/SlideRoom?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Many performing arts programs require two separate submissions: a university application (usually through Common App or the school's own portal) for general admission, and an arts supplement or audition submission through a platform like Acceptd or SlideRoom for the program itself. These are separate processes with separate deadlines. Check each program's requirements on stageready to see exactly what's needed.

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