Elmhurst University
Faith-BasedTest-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person OnlyUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
INTERDISCIPLINARY TRAINING
•Collaborative degree between Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music
•Integrates acting, voice, music theory, and dance technique
•Applied voice instruction for 3 terms with music faculty
•Musical theatre repertoire study for 3 terms
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
•Six terms of required Theatre Practicum in departmental productions
•Performances at the Mill Theatre, a converted sawmill venue housing productions since 1969
•Participation in major choral ensembles for 4 terms
•Full season of musicals, plays, and student-directed projects
CURRICULUM BREADTH
•Includes music theory, sight singing, functional piano, and music history
•Opera and light opera workshop experiences
•Dance minor recommended as complement to the major
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•David Rasche ('66) — star of Sledge Hammer!, Succession (Karl), and Veep (Speaker Marwood); Second City alum
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Rolling
Audition Requirements
Songs
ONE SONG, approximately 1 minute
•Musical theater, jazz, or classical style
•Must be memorized
•Accompanist provided at no cost — request at least 3 weeks in advance
•May bring your own accompanist or use a CD track (no vocals on track)
•Microphones are not used
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE, approximately 1 minute
•From a published play
•Must be memorized
•May perform two contrasting 1-minute monologues instead of monologue + song
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Elmhurst University via Common App — no application fee
•Audition with the Theatre Department (not the Music Department)
ENROLLMENT
•Audition required prior to or during first term for declaration of the musical theatre major
•Every musical theatre major must actively participate in theatre production
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition on campus
•Performance majors: two 1-minute monologues OR a monologue and a song
•Auditions and/or portfolio reviews required prior to or during the first term of enrollment
SCHEDULING
•Contact Janice Pohl, Director of Theatre, at (630) 617-3008 or via email to arrange audition details
•Consult theatre faculty before enrolling to discuss audition preparation
Scholarship Info
THEATRE TALENT SCHOLARSHIP
•Up to $2,000 annually
•Based on audition performance
•Must major or minor in musical theatre, theatre, or theatre arts education
•Renewable with good academic standing and full-time enrollment
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:02 AM
INTERDISCIPLINARY TRAINING
•Collaborative degree between Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music
•Integrates acting, voice, music theory, and dance technique
•Applied voice instruction for 3 terms with music faculty
•Musical theatre repertoire study for 3 terms
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
•Six terms of required Theatre Practicum in departmental productions
•Performances at the Mill Theatre, a converted sawmill venue housing productions since 1969
•Participation in major choral ensembles for 4 terms
•Full season of musicals, plays, and student-directed projects
CURRICULUM BREADTH
•Includes music theory, sight singing, functional piano, and music history
•Opera and light opera workshop experiences
•Dance minor recommended as complement to the major
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•David Rasche ('66) — star of Sledge Hammer!, Succession (Karl), and Veep (Speaker Marwood); Second City alum
Updated Mar 27, 2:02 AM
Academic School Information
3.59
Avg GPA (W)
74%
Admit Rate
68%
Grad Rate
3,006
Enrollment
$61,462
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$42,955
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$24,185
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$17,892
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,377
Family Income $48k - $75k$23,098
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,419
Family Income $110k+$30,232
