Illinois State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Professional training in acting, dance, and music
•Small class sizes with individualized attention
•Weekly private voice lessons
•Dance training alongside dance majors
FACULTY
•Outstanding faculty working actively in their field
•Collaborative approach to learning
CAREER PREPARATION
•Training for Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, national tours, theme parks, cruise ships, and more
•Develop expressive singing voice and physical characterization skills
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityNov 1, 2025
Rolling
Fee
$55Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
On CampusDec 6, 2025
On CampusJan 24, 2026
Chicago National Unified AuditionsFeb 2, 2026
On CampusFeb 28, 2026
Audition Requirements
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 60 seconds
•Choose age-appropriate material from published plays
•Avoid self-written monologues
•Make sure the character is in conflict
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Choose material you connect with personally
•Know the character you are playing
WHAT TO AVOID
•Yelling or screaming
•Using dialects
•Phone call monologues
•Climax of the play
•Sexually explicit or extremely offensive material
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS FROM AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTOIRE, 60-90 seconds each
•One up-tempo and one ballad
•Piano accompanist provided on campus — have music clearly marked in correct key
•You may provide your own recorded accompaniment or musical track on a separate device
•Avoid overly done material or pieces associated with particular artists
Dance
OPTIONAL DANCE VIDEO, 30-60 seconds
•Submit only if dance is your strong suit
•Any discipline you are most comfortable with (no tap)
•May be self-choreographed but must be a solo video of you
•Can include full body self-tape or professionally choreographed performance where you are featured alone
•All choreography must be performed to music (no a cappella)
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT AND RESUME
•Bring a current theatrical resume and headshot or recent photo to audition day
•One copy needed
DUAL CONSIDERATION
•If you want to also be considered for the Acting sequence, prepare an additional one-minute monologue
•You will attend each audition separately
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Illinois State University first, then select audition date within the application
•On-campus audition is preferred when possible
•Three-year program for transfer students
ACCEPTD
•Submit recorded audition via Acceptd only if you cannot attend an on-campus audition date
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•Chicago National Unified Auditions (February)
•Musical Theatre cannot be admitted through Illinois High School Theatre Festival (callback only)
What's The Process
AUDITION DAY FORMAT
•Brief meeting with faculty for introductions and Q&A
•Current students share about the program while individual auditions take place
•Auditions in the order applications are received
•Faculty provide feedback during your audition
TIMELINE
•Rolling admissions contingent on acceptance to Illinois State University
•Notification within two weeks of audition via email
•Scholarship notification first week of March
CONTACT
•Maggie Marlin-Hess: memarl1@ilstu.edu, (309) 438-5871
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIP NOTIFICATION
•Awards announced first week of March
•Contact School of Theatre, Dance, and Film for details
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.62
Avg GPA (W)
89%
Admit Rate
67%
Grad Rate
18,414
Enrollment
$62,117
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,021
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,086
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,996
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$11,075
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,994
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,424
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,818
Family Income $110k+$26,853
