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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Gateway Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
JOFFREY BALLET SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
•Exclusive partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School of New York City (since Fall 2024)
•BFA students can train at the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program in NYC while earning their UA degree
•Comprehensive curriculum spanning concert and commercial dance
ACCREDITATION & RECOGNITION
•Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
•Part of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
NCCAkron RESIDENCY
•National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron in residence
•"Ideas in Motion" initiative brings leading dance artists for master classes
•Guest artists from across the national dance landscape
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Emphasis in ballet and modern dance technique
•Extensive training in technical, performing, and choreographic skills
•7 state-of-the-art dance studios including a performance studio
•6-10 annual productions in theatre and dance
FACULTY
•Faculty of professional artists actively working in their fields
•Professor Robin Prichard honored with three national book awards in dance education
•Faculty provide networking opportunities with local and national artists
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityJan 31, 2026
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Virtual Submission Deadline for Scholarship ConsiderationFeb 6, 2026
Auditions
Fall Audition (Guzzetta Hall, Akron, OH)Nov 14, 2025
Spring Audition (Guzzetta Hall, Akron, OH)Feb 7, 2026
Audition Fee
$10
Paid via CashNet
Audition Requirements
No audition required to apply. Students audition for the program after enrolling at the university.
Dance
IN-PERSON AUDITION
BALLET CLASS (60 MIN)
•Barre and center work taught by faculty
•Faculty may ask to see dancers en pointe (not required)
•Bring pointe shoes if you wear them
•Arrive early to warm up due to fast pace
CONTEMPORARY CLASS (60 MIN)
•Grounded in release technique with emphasis on floorwork and movement dynamics
•Learn a short movement phrase and present in small groups
Ballet
DRESS CODE
•Female-identifying: pink or flesh-toned tights under leotard and inside ballet shoes, black leotard, hair securely back, minimal jewelry
•Male-identifying: black tights, white or black fitted T-shirt tucked in, black or white ballet shoes, hair securely back, minimal jewelry
•Gender neutral: within listed options, wear what feels most authentic
CONTEMPORARY ATTIRE
•Anything comfortable to move in
•Long pants and shirt to cover shoulders recommended
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications
VIRTUAL AUDITION VIDEO
•Compile all materials into one video
•Submit via email to ch48@uakron.edu
•YouTube link preferred
•Cloud link or email attachment also accepted
VIDEO CONTENT
•Ballet barre (one side): pliés, battement tendu/dégagé, adagio/rond de jambe, grand battement
•Ballet center: battement tendus, waltz with pirouette, petit allegro, grand allegro
•Contemporary/modern: floorwork, across the floor, jumps, improvisation (up to 45 sec)
•Solo in genre of choice (up to 2:30)
Additional Materials
SOLO PRESENTATION
•Genre of the dancer's choice (up to 2:30)
•Ballet variations, hip hop, improvisation, tap, etc.
•Present a solo that plays to your strengths and feels authentic
•Bring music and any relevant adaptors (auxiliary cord connection)
Good to Know
REGISTRATION
•Pre-registration appreciated but not required
•Register online via the UA Dance Audition Registration Form
•$10 audition fee paid via CashNet
•Auditions finalized when payment is received
•Walk-in registration available on audition day (bring $10 cash, exact change appreciated)
ADMISSION PATHWAY
•All prospective dance majors enter on provisional basis
•Technique class placement determined by audition
•First-year jury required for BA admission
•BFA audition available at end of sophomore year
VIRTUAL SUBMISSIONS
•Must still register and pay $10 audition fee
•Ongoing submissions accepted
•Scholarship consideration deadline: February 6, 2026
What's The Process
AUDITION DAY FORMAT
•60-minute ballet class
•60-minute contemporary class
•Solo presentation followed by one-on-one faculty interview
•Informal choreographic showing, lunch with students, campus tour
•Registration begins at 8:30 AM at Guzzetta Hall
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Compile audition materials into one video
•Submit via email to Christine Howe (ch48@uakron.edu)
•YouTube link preferred; cloud link or email attachment also accepted
•Rolling submissions; scholarship deadline February 6, 2026
RESULTS
•Audition results within 7 days via email
•Letter outlines acceptance level, merit scholarship, class placement, and next steps
CONTACT
•Christine Howe, Area Chair: ch48@uakron.edu / 330-972-7948
Scholarship Info
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Scholarships awarded based on audition performance
•Scholarship level communicated in acceptance letter within 7 days of audition
•Virtual submissions must be received by February 6, 2026 for scholarship consideration
•Additional general UA scholarships available to all students
Program info updated 1d ago
Academic School Information
60%
Admit Rate
50%
Grad Rate
9,052
Enrollment
$46,600
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,135
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,815
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,946
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,413
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,131
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,519
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,800
Family Income $110k+$20,226
