University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music
Test-Optional
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First musical theatre program of its kind in the US
•Used by National Association of Schools of Theatre in formulating guidelines for MT program accreditation nationwide
TRAINING
•Four-year interdisciplinary BFA program providing professional conservatory training
•Two-fold approach to vocal training with private voice lessons and group vocal coaching classes
•Rigorous acting curriculum combining Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov and Anne Bogart techniques
•Extensive dance training in ballet, jazz, tap and somatic practices
PRODUCTIONS & SHOWCASES
•Three to four musicals presented in three state-of-the-art on-campus theatre spaces
•Freshman and Senior Showcases — Senior Showcase functions as New York debut for agents and casting directors
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Christy Altomare, Shoshana Bean, Ashley Brown, Karen Olivo, Faith Prince, Betsy Wolfe and many Broadway performers
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadline
UC Scholarship DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Fee
$50Waiver
Pre-Screening Fee
$95Waiver
Per major
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
DeadlineDec 8, 2025
PrescreenDec 10, 2025
Auditions
New York UnifiedsJan 24–25, 2026
Virtual (Dance Call, 7-9pm EST)Jan 30, 2026
Virtual (Monologue & Song)Jan 31, 2026
Chicago UnifiedsFeb 2–5, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 60-90 sec each (includes slate)
•One BALLAD and one UPTEMPO from the musical theatre repertoire
•One song written BEFORE 1970, one written AFTER 1970 (either can be ballad or uptempo)
•Must sing to musical accompaniment — no a cappella
•Each song filmed/uploaded as a separate file
FRAMING
•One song (your choice) in a FULL FRAME shot
•The other in a CLOSE-UP shot (top of head to chest visible)
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 60-90 sec (includes slate)
•Must be from a published play — no musicals, TV shows, or movies
•Contemporary = written after 1900
•Film in CLOSE-UP shot (top of head to chest visible)
SLATE
•State your name, title of the play, and playwright
•Included at beginning of piece as part of time allotment
Dance
ONE DANCE PIECE, 30-60 sec
•Any dance discipline: jazz, ballet, tap, modern, cultural dance, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, etc.
•Choreography must be story-driven and connected to the music
•Must be performed to music — no a cappella dance
•May be self-choreographed but must be a solo video of you
•Film in FULL BODY shot — keep entire body in frame at all times
•No slate needed for dance media
WHAT TO AVOID
•No barre work
•Use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary you are familiar with and can execute well
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
•Up to 60 seconds — no slate needed
•Can be ANYTHING: a special skill, an interesting story, a passion speech, an instrument you play, etc.
•Prompt: "What do you want us to know about you?" and "What makes you unique?"
Additional Materials
•HEADSHOT
•resume
Callback Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SELECTIONS from Broadway repertoire
•One ballad and one uptempo — neither longer than 32 measures
•Cut longer selections with 32-measure limit in mind
•Selections should be age-appropriate
•Longer auditions will be stopped
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 1 min max
•From a contemporary play — comic or dramatic
•Age-appropriate material
•Longer auditions will be stopped
Dance
JAZZ DANCE CALL
•Combination from a current Broadway musical in the jazz idiom
•Women: character or jazz shoes or ballet slippers, leotards, tights, dance skirts or non-bulky warm-up wear
•Men: jazz or ballet shoes, tights, jazz pants, t-shirts or shorts
•Sneakers not recommended
Good to Know
ACCEPTD ACCESS
•Must use application reference ID number (undergraduate) or application ID number (graduate) to access Acceptd
•ID is received within 24-48 hours after applying to the university
MULTIPLE PROGRAMS
•Applying to both MT and Acting requires a separate prescreen submission and fee for each program
•MT materials will NOT be considered for Acting — submit separately
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit all materials via Acceptd by December 10
•Each piece uploaded as a separate file — no continuous videos
•Slates at beginning of each piece (included in time allotment)
•If not invited to audition for MT, materials will NOT be reviewed for Acting — submit separate Acting prescreen if applying to both
LIVE AUDITION
•Invitation-only — notified in January
•Must select preferred date/time by January 19 at 5 p.m. EST
•Virtual option available for applicants outside the U.S. or with financial constraints
•Recorded auditions are NOT permitted
•See CCM Musical Theatre "Audition Best Practices" page for additional advice
•Due to large number of applicants, faculty/admissions staff cannot provide audition critiques
Scholarship Info
•Scholarships are available to qualified students
•All application materials must be submitted on or before December 8 to be considered for specific scholarship awards
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:36 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•First musical theatre program of its kind in the US
•Used by National Association of Schools of Theatre in formulating guidelines for MT program accreditation nationwide
TRAINING
•Four-year interdisciplinary BFA program providing professional conservatory training
•Two-fold approach to vocal training with private voice lessons and group vocal coaching classes
•Rigorous acting curriculum combining Stanislavski, Uta Hagen, Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov and Anne Bogart techniques
•Extensive dance training in ballet, jazz, tap and somatic practices
PRODUCTIONS & SHOWCASES
•Three to four musicals presented in three state-of-the-art on-campus theatre spaces
•Freshman and Senior Showcases — Senior Showcase functions as New York debut for agents and casting directors
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Christy Altomare, Shoshana Bean, Ashley Brown, Karen Olivo, Faith Prince, Betsy Wolfe and many Broadway performers
Updated Mar 27, 2:36 AM
Academic School Information
3.69
Avg GPA (W)
85%
Admit Rate
73%
Grad Rate
29,882
Enrollment
$54,810
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,976
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,310
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$25,648
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$17,974
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,092
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,492
Family Income $75k - $110k$27,596
Family Income $110k+$29,616
