University of Colorado - Boulder
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Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualSelective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre degree offered since 2019
•Immersive four-year program in voice, acting, and dance
•Collaborative program with Department of Theatre & Dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Performance opportunities in fall and spring semesters
•Recent productions include Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Urinetown
•Access to multiple choral and instrumental ensembles, Eklund Opera Program, and CU NOW productions
•Students eligible to audition for Theatre & Dance productions
FACULTY
•Faculty includes Matthew Chellis (Associate Professor), one of America’s most versatile singing actors with 20+ principal roles at New York City Opera
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Department alumni include Brian Dietzen (Theatre ’00) — Dr. Jimmy Palmer on CBS’s NCIS
•Erinn Hayes (Theatre ’98) — CBS’s Kevin Can Wait, Desperate Housewives, Parks and Recreation
•Sean Crouch (Theatre ’96) — writer/producer for Breaking Bad, Veronica Mars, The Exorcist
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
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SELECTIONS of musical theatre repertoire
•Must contrast in style and decade of composition
•Each cut should not exceed 90 seconds in length
•Both songs must be memorized
•Have the full recording available in case faculty wishes to hear the song in its entirety
Monologues
ONE SHORT MONOLOGUE
•Must be memorized
•Performed in the context of the entire play
•No longer than 90 seconds
•Choose a monologue appropriate for your age and experience
•Be able to discuss the play or material as a whole
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
Additional Materials
resume
•Upload a PDF of your full resume including training and experience in music, theatre and dance
MUSIC ESSAY
•Required — upload on your status page
•Choose one of the following prompts:
-Tell us why you would like to be a music major, describe your most powerful musical experience and list your future goals as a musician
-"Music lets you rediscover your humanity, and your connection to humanity." —Hans Zimmer. In what ways do you believe music can or should connect people across difference?
Callback Requirements
Songs
TWO FULL SONGS of your choice
•Under 3 minutes in length each
•A pianist will be provided for in-person auditions
•Virtual auditions require your own backing tracks
Monologues
ONE 90-SECOND MONOLOGUE
•In the musical comedy vein
Dance
DANCE CALL
•In-person: dance live in front of faculty
•Virtual: prescreen dance video will be used as your final dance audition
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to CU Boulder via Common App — indicate interest in College of Music
•Pre-screening recordings must be submitted by December 1
IMPORTANT
•This is a separate degree from the BFA Musical Theatre in Theatre & Dance
•Both programs collaborate on course offerings and season productions
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•All applicants must submit a pre-screening video recording by December 1
•Once pre-screening videos are reviewed, applicants will be notified if invited to live audition
•Recording and live audition requirements are the same — all components must be met in recording
•Without all four components, your audition will be considered incomplete
LIVE AUDITION
•Two-day process: voice and monologue on Friday afternoon, dance on Saturday morning
•Virtual auditions on Friday only, with optional Saturday activities
•Virtual auditioners must also register for a Zoom interview with faculty
•A pianist will be provided for all in-person auditions
•Audition time selection opens in December-January
Scholarship Info
•College of Music offers merit-based scholarships for admitted students
•Talent & Creativity Scholarships also available through Department of Theatre & Dance for collaborative coursework
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:16 AM
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre degree offered since 2019
•Immersive four-year program in voice, acting, and dance
•Collaborative program with Department of Theatre & Dance
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Performance opportunities in fall and spring semesters
•Recent productions include Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Urinetown
•Access to multiple choral and instrumental ensembles, Eklund Opera Program, and CU NOW productions
•Students eligible to audition for Theatre & Dance productions
FACULTY
•Faculty includes Matthew Chellis (Associate Professor), one of America’s most versatile singing actors with 20+ principal roles at New York City Opera
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Department alumni include Brian Dietzen (Theatre ’00) — Dr. Jimmy Palmer on CBS’s NCIS
•Erinn Hayes (Theatre ’98) — CBS’s Kevin Can Wait, Desperate Housewives, Parks and Recreation
•Sean Crouch (Theatre ’96) — writer/producer for Breaking Bad, Veronica Mars, The Exorcist
Updated Mar 27, 2:16 AM
Academic School Information
3.76
Avg GPA (W)
78%
Admit Rate
75%
Grad Rate
31,939
Enrollment
$69,738
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$15,666
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,918
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$25,346
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$14,231
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,381
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,828
Family Income $75k - $110k$26,915
Family Income $110k+$34,818
