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Ball State University

Muncie, IN

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Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Browse programs

Concentrations

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Acting Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre

Design and Technology Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Dance

Commercial Dance Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Dance

Concert Dance Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Theatre Creation Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Directing and Stage Management Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre

Design and Technology Option

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA/BS Theatre Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Teacher Prep

Quick Links

BA/BS Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Program Recognition

•Undergraduate-only, interdisciplinary training within a liberal arts environment

•83 credits in the major with individual voice instruction, weekly masterclass, musicianship, acting, and dance

•Production season participation beginning second semester of first year

Performance & Productions

•Live cabaret at Joe's Pub in NYC and The Cabaret in Indianapolis

•Senior showcase experiences in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles

•Cabaret course guided by two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, adjunct professor in the department

Notable Alumni

•Meghan Conley — Broadway debut in Mean Girls

•Erin Neufer — Broadway (Ink), Netflix (Gypsy), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

•David Merten — Broadway debut in An Enemy of the People

•Grace Rex — film credits include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Contagion

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 25 students

Academic info

Snapshot

3.56

Avg GPA

86%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

14K

Enrollment

$52K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$14,940

after typical aid

In-State Tuition

$11,082

before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,630

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$7,834

$30-48k$9,848

$48-75k$14,333

$75-110k$19,567

$110k+$23,479

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated 5d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Undergraduate-only, interdisciplinary training within a liberal arts environment

•83 credits in the major with individual voice instruction, weekly masterclass, musicianship, acting, and dance

•Production season participation beginning second semester of first year

Performance & Productions

•Live cabaret at Joe's Pub in NYC and The Cabaret in Indianapolis

•Senior showcase experiences in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles

•Cabaret course guided by two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, adjunct professor in the department

Notable Alumni

•Meghan Conley — Broadway debut in Mean Girls

•Erin Neufer — Broadway (Ink), Netflix (Gypsy), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

•David Merten — Broadway debut in An Enemy of the People

•Grace Rex — film credits include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Contagion

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 25 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Undergraduate-only, interdisciplinary training within a liberal arts environment

•83 credits in the major with individual voice instruction, weekly masterclass, musicianship, acting, and dance

•Production season participation beginning second semester of first year

Performance & Productions

•Live cabaret at Joe's Pub in NYC and The Cabaret in Indianapolis

•Senior showcase experiences in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles

•Cabaret course guided by two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, adjunct professor in the department

Notable Alumni

•Meghan Conley — Broadway debut in Mean Girls

•Erin Neufer — Broadway (Ink), Netflix (Gypsy), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

•David Merten — Broadway debut in An Enemy of the People

•Grace Rex — film credits include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Contagion

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 25 students

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$60

Deadline

Scholarship PriorityDec 1, 2025

Fall PriorityMar 1, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On-CampusNov 14, 2026

Moonifieds (Dallas)Nov 20, 2026

New York UnifiedsJan 23, 2027

Chicago UnifiedsFeb 1, 2027

Audition dateOn-CampusLos Angeles UnifiedsFeb 6, 2027

On-CampusFeb 20, 2027

Audition Requirements

Songs

AT LEAST TWO 16-32 BAR SONG SELECTIONS

•Contrasting in style to demonstrate range and versatility

•You will likely audition with one song — a second may or may not be requested

Repertoire

•Songs from musicals (preferable), musical theatre style songs, or operettas

•Pop, rock, country, etc. appropriate for one selection

•No art songs or arias

•Select a song sung by a character within 5-10 years of your playable age range

Preparation

•Music must be printed and in a 1-inch, three-ring binder

•Maximize contrast in style and character between selections

Monologues

ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 1 MIN MAX

•A second contrasting monologue may be requested

-Should contrast in tone, language styles, and character

-Classical piece acceptable if comfortable

Material Selection

•Choose monologues from published plays

•Avoid movies, monologue books (unless you've read the play), musicals, and internet sources

•Never attempt a monologue without reading the entire play

•Monologues should have a beginning, middle, and end with a journey, discovery, or change

•Choose characters within 5 years of your playable age range

What to Avoid

•No accents, eccentric characterizations, props, or costumes

•Portray one character per monologue

•Avoid material that is overly sexual, violent, or offensive

Dance

Dance Call

•Musical Theatre dance combination taught at audition

•Short ballet combo including plies, grand plie, tendus, turned out ballet pirouette, and a leap

-For technique placement in ballet ONLY

•Short tap placement

-All done in your preferred jazz/MT shoe — no shoe changes

Attire

•Form fitting dancewear/athletic wear — tights, leggings, capris, leotards, sports bras, tight fitting tank

•Supportive undergarments — dance belts and sports bras as appropriate

•Hair neat and pulled up and away from the face

•No loose or dangling jewelry

Footwear

•Flat jazz shoes or jazz sneaker

•Boot or heel welcome but not needed

Additional Materials

Resume

Headshot

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Fall 2027 entry term applications available August 3, 2026

•Apply to Ball State first — Admissions will notify you via email to access the digital Cardinal Landing portal

•Complete the supplemental application 'Department of Theatre & Dance Audition/Interview Registration' on the portal Checklist (required to schedule the audition)

•Select your preferred audition date and location and submit — the department will contact you directly

•Department does not require prescreens for auditions or interviews

Enrollment

•Approximately 1,500 applicants audition each year

•Approximately 20-22 students are offered a place in the incoming musical theatre class

What's The Process

Audition Process

•No prescreen required

•Audition has three parts: acting, singing, and dancing

•Departmental scholarship consideration is included through the audition/interview process

•Applicants receive schedules, materials, and guidelines by email no later than two weeks before the selected date

•On-Campus: Saturday, November 14, 2026; Saturday, February 6, 2027; Saturday, February 20, 2027

•New York Unifieds: Saturday-Sunday, January 23-24, 2027

•Chicago Unifieds: Monday-Thursday, February 1-4, 2027

•Los Angeles Unifieds: Saturday, February 6, 2027

•Moonifieds: Dallas, TX — Friday-Saturday, November 20-21, 2026

•Digital video submissions open November 1, 2026 and close 11:59 PM EST January 11, 2027

•No new requests accepted after January 8, 2027

•Email auditions@bsu.edu for digital submission instructions

•On-campus, Chicago, and New York auditions use a Ball State accompanist

•Los Angeles and virtual auditions require applicant-provided recorded accompaniment and playback equipment

Scholarship Info

•Departmental scholarships available - audition/interview provides departmental scholarship consideration

Academic info

Snapshot

3.56

Avg GPA

86%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

14K

Enrollment

$52K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$14,940

after typical aid

In-State Tuition

$11,082

before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$29,630

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$7,834

$30-48k$9,848

$48-75k$14,333

$75-110k$19,567

$110k+$23,479

View full data on College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Undergraduate-only, interdisciplinary training within a liberal arts environment

•83 credits in the major with individual voice instruction, weekly masterclass, musicianship, acting, and dance

•Production season participation beginning second semester of first year

Performance & Productions

•Live cabaret at Joe's Pub in NYC and The Cabaret in Indianapolis

•Senior showcase experiences in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles

•Cabaret course guided by two-time Tony winner Sutton Foster, adjunct professor in the department

Notable Alumni

•Meghan Conley — Broadway debut in Mean Girls

•Erin Neufer — Broadway (Ink), Netflix (Gypsy), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

•David Merten — Broadway debut in An Enemy of the People

•Grace Rex — film credits include The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Contagion

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2029: 25 students

Updated 5d ago

Ball State University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info

Ball State University

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Audition Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Scholarship Info

School Info