Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualHighly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App RequiredMTCP Participant
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the oldest BFA Music Theatre degrees in the United States
•Proud member of the National Alliance for Music Theatre
•Ranked No. 11 Best Schools for Musical Theatre (authority.org, 2022)
•Alumni include Tony winners and Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award nominees
•Notable alumni: Bryonha Parham BFA MT '07 (Porgy and Bess — 2012 Tony Award winning Best Musical Revival; Ragtime — 2009 Broadway Revival)
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Conservatory-style curriculum within a top-level liberal arts university setting
•Six productions per season including at least two musicals annually and a biennial Dance Concert
•Music Theatre Workshop: students work directly with professional composers to shape and create characters
•Music Theatre Scene Study: explores works of a composer or specific genre, culminating in a showcase performance
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase: NYC and Chicago industry showcase presenting work to theater makers, agents, and casting directors
•Small class sizes with personalized instruction — programs are selective and intentionally small
•Undergraduate only — students never taught by or compete with graduate students
FACULTY ENGAGEMENT
•Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
PrescreenJan 1, 2026
Auditions
Callback (On-Campus & Virtual)Nov 22, 2025
Callback (On-Campus)Jan 31, 2026
Callback (On-Campus)Feb 14, 2026
Callback (Virtual)Feb 28, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
•MTCP Song Option A:
-One song written BEFORE 1970
-One song written AFTER 1970
-Contrasting styles
-60-90 seconds each
Monologues
•MTCP Monologue Option A:
-One monologue from a published play or professional writer
-60-90 seconds
Dance
•MTCP Dance Option A:
-Dance/movement video required
-Must include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick
-Or suitable rotation, elevation, and extension
-60-90 seconds
Ballet
•MTCP Ballet Option C:
-Ballet not required
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
•Optional Wild Card video — an opportunity to show your personality or share something about you. Can be anything: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, original composition/song/poem/choreographed dance, SNL-styled skit, a hobby or activity, performing in another language, a 'how-to' video, or a different dance style you excel in
Additional Materials
•SLATE VIDEO
•Name and pronouns, if you would like
•resume of theatre work (submitted via Acceptd)
•HEADSHOT (submitted via Acceptd)
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Applications to the School of Theatre Arts open on August 1 each year
•Must submit university application AND Acceptd prescreen separately
PRESCREEN
•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd
•Prescreen deadline: January 1, 2026
•IWU participates in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen (MTCP)
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd
•Prescreen deadline: January 1, 2026
•If you made the callback list at an event such as IHSTF, CAP, or ITF, you do not need to submit prescreen materials
CALLBACK PROCESS
•If selected for a callback, you will be notified to sign up for a callback date
•On-campus callbacks preferred; virtual callbacks available
CALLBACK DATES
•On-Campus: November 22, 2025 (join us for Holiday Inn)
•On-Campus: January 31, 2026 (Music Theatre Society and Student Choreographed Dance Concert)
•On-Campus: February 14, 2026 (35MM: A Musical Exhibition)
•Virtual: November 22, 2025
•Virtual: February 28, 2026
CONTACT
•Prospective students and families can receive complimentary tickets to productions — contact Mena Williams at mwillia8@iwu.edu
•Prescreen questions: Anna Corvera at acorvera@iwu.edu
•Audition/admission questions: Laura Dolan at ldolan@iwu.edu
Scholarship Info
ALUMNI FINE ARTS TALENT SCHOLARSHIP
•Up to $40,000 per year for School of Theatre Arts majors
•Renewable for four years with a 3.0 GPA and continued contribution to the theatre program
•Awarded based on audition or portfolio review
•No separate application required — evaluated as part of the audition/interview process
Program info updated Mar 28, 2:30 PM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the oldest BFA Music Theatre degrees in the United States
•Proud member of the National Alliance for Music Theatre
•Ranked No. 11 Best Schools for Musical Theatre (authority.org, 2022)
•Alumni include Tony winners and Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award nominees
•Notable alumni: Bryonha Parham BFA MT '07 (Porgy and Bess — 2012 Tony Award winning Best Musical Revival; Ragtime — 2009 Broadway Revival)
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Conservatory-style curriculum within a top-level liberal arts university setting
•Six productions per season including at least two musicals annually and a biennial Dance Concert
•Music Theatre Workshop: students work directly with professional composers to shape and create characters
•Music Theatre Scene Study: explores works of a composer or specific genre, culminating in a showcase performance
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase: NYC and Chicago industry showcase presenting work to theater makers, agents, and casting directors
•Small class sizes with personalized instruction — programs are selective and intentionally small
•Undergraduate only — students never taught by or compete with graduate students
FACULTY ENGAGEMENT
•Faculty regularly attend International Thespian Festival, SETC, USITT, College Audition Project, Illinois High School Theatre Festival, and Missouri Thespians State Conference
Updated Mar 28, 2:30 PM
Academic School Information
3.82
Avg GPA (W)
39%
Admit Rate
78%
Grad Rate
1,582
Enrollment
$70,871
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$57,704
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$28,199
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$17,732
Family Income $30k - $48k$19,057
Family Income $48k - $75k$23,152
Family Income $75k - $110k$27,396
Family Income $110k+$37,104
