University of Colorado - Boulder
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Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Rigorous concentration in theatre, music, and dance for a select number of highly disciplined students
•Focus on musical theatre repertory, opera theatre, musical styles, and more
UNIQUE STRUCTURE
•Two different musical theatre degrees at CU Boulder — BFA/MT in Theatre & Dance and BM/MT in College of Music
•Both programs collaborate on course offerings and season productions
EXPECTATIONS
•Applicants expected to have taken private voice lessons, have good sight-reading ability
•Demonstrate elementary piano skills and ability to read treble and/or bass clefs
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Domestic Fee
$65Waiver
International Fee
$70Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadline
PrescreenDec 1, 2025
Auditions
Weekend 1 — Voice & MonologueJan 16, 2026
Weekend 1 — DanceJan 17, 2026
Weekend 2 — Voice & MonologueJan 23, 2026
Weekend 2 — DanceJan 24, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Monologues
ONE SHORT MONOLOGUE
•Must be from a play or a musical, memorized
•Performed in the context of the entire play
•No longer than 90 seconds
•Choose a monologue appropriate for your age and experience
•Be prepared to discuss the play or material as a whole
Songs
TWO FULL-SONG SELECTIONS of musical theatre repertoire
•Must contrast in style and decade of composition
•Each selection shorter than 90 seconds in length
•Both songs must be memorized
•If you need to cut your selection, have the full recording available in case faculty wishes to hear the song in its entirety
Dance
DANCE VIDEO (30-60 seconds)
•Your full body should be in view at all times
•Choose a cut from a musical or dance performance, or record something original
•Any style acceptable: musical theatre, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, etc.
•Wear appropriate dance attire that will show clean lines
•Dance music may be live or recorded
OPTIONAL (for applicants with dance training):
•Execute a set of plies, tendues, grand battements and pirouettes
•Straightforward, simple exercises preferred
•Side view is best
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications
RECORDING TIPS
•Avoid extreme close-ups — include full-body shots
•Balance piano volume with singing — no microphone or extra amplification
•Say your name and the name of the song, monologue or dance before you begin each section
Additional Materials
MUSICAL THEATRE STATEMENT
•Brief statement of why you wish to pursue musical theatre
•May include what you have learned in the past and/or your vision for the future
RECOMMENDATION
•One recommendation from a voice or theatre teacher who knows your musical ability
HEADSHOT & RESUME
•Resume including any training and experience in music, theatre, and dance
•Headshots preferred, but equal consideration given regardless of submission
Good to Know
IMPORTANT
•Not accepting applications for the BFA in Musical Theatre for 2026/2027
•Those interested in musical theatre at CU Boulder should apply for the BM in Musical Theatre via the College of Music
APPLICATION PROCESS (when accepting)
•Indicate BA in Theatre on CU Boulder application — BFA status determined after passing audition
•Musical Theatre is the exception to the internal audition process — auditions happen simultaneously with CU application
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•All applicants must submit recorded materials
•Strongly recommend submitting on or before December 1, 2025
•Submissions received after December 1 reviewed based on space availability
•Once recordings are reviewed, applicants will be notified if live audition is required
LIVE AUDITION
•Two-day process: voice and monologue on Friday afternoon, dance on Saturday morning
•Virtual auditions on Friday only, with optional Saturday activities
•Recording and live audition requirements are the same
CONTINUED ENROLLMENT
•Dependent upon satisfactory progress as determined by performance faculty in College of Music and Department of Theatre & Dance
Scholarship Info
•Talent & Creativity Scholarships awarded annually — typically $250-$1,500
•Additional theatre scholarships available through the department
Program info updated 1 week ago
Academic School Information
3.76
Avg GPA (W)
83%
Admit Rate
75%
Grad Rate
31,578
Enrollment
$69,738
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,430
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,943
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$21,480
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$11,251
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,545
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,204
Family Income $75k - $110k$26,247
Family Income $110k+$30,549
