Public school20.9K

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick Links

BA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Theatre

General

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective40+ StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Theatre

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective40+ StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Theatre

Education

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In FriendlyPK-12

Quick Links

BA Theatre

Design & Technology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective40+ StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BM Music

Music Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BM Music

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BM Music

Jazz Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BM Music

Music Education - Instrumental

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In FriendlyTeacher LicensurePreK-12

Quick Links

BM Music

Music Education - Vocal

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In FriendlyTeacher LicensurePreK-12

Quick Links

BM Music

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BM Music

Music Industry

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Music

Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Quick Links

BA Music

Music Industry

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

Transfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

•BA degree with intensive pre-professional training (accrediting agencies call it "intensive BA")

•Approximately 48 MT majors total

•Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

•Each year: 2 musicals + 3 plays on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows in Studio Theatre

•Private voice lessons and one-on-one mentorship

•Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Notable Alumni

•Trey Ellet '92 — Lead role of Mark in Broadway's RENT for three years

•James Moye '00 — Broadway: URINETOWN, THE FULL MONTY; national tour of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

•Michael Minarik '00 — Broadway: ROCK OF AGES (since opening); also LES MISERABLES

•Brent Comer — Broadway: THE OUTSIDERS

•Austin Colby — Broadway: THE GREAT GATSBY

•Rachel Schur — Broadway: CHICAGO

Value

•Merit scholarships based on audition strength

•3.0 GPA minimum for scholarship consideration

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 16 students

•Class of 2029: 17 students

•Class of 2028: 16 students

•Class of 2027: 20 students

School Info

Snapshot

3.66

Avg GPA

72%

Admit Rate

school-wide

80%

Grad Rate

20.9K

Enrollment

$70K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,768

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,576

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,322

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 1d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•BA degree with intensive pre-professional training (accrediting agencies call it "intensive BA")

•Approximately 48 MT majors total

•Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

•Each year: 2 musicals + 3 plays on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows in Studio Theatre

•Private voice lessons and one-on-one mentorship

•Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Notable Alumni

•Trey Ellet '92 — Lead role of Mark in Broadway's RENT for three years

•James Moye '00 — Broadway: URINETOWN, THE FULL MONTY; national tour of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

•Michael Minarik '00 — Broadway: ROCK OF AGES (since opening); also LES MISERABLES

•Brent Comer — Broadway: THE OUTSIDERS

•Austin Colby — Broadway: THE GREAT GATSBY

•Rachel Schur — Broadway: CHICAGO

Value

•Merit scholarships based on audition strength

•3.0 GPA minimum for scholarship consideration

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 16 students

•Class of 2029: 17 students

•Class of 2028: 16 students

•Class of 2027: 20 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•BA degree with intensive pre-professional training (accrediting agencies call it "intensive BA")

•Approximately 48 MT majors total

•Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

•Each year: 2 musicals + 3 plays on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows in Studio Theatre

•Private voice lessons and one-on-one mentorship

•Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Notable Alumni

•Trey Ellet '92 — Lead role of Mark in Broadway's RENT for three years

•James Moye '00 — Broadway: URINETOWN, THE FULL MONTY; national tour of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

•Michael Minarik '00 — Broadway: ROCK OF AGES (since opening); also LES MISERABLES

•Brent Comer — Broadway: THE OUTSIDERS

•Austin Colby — Broadway: THE GREAT GATSBY

•Rachel Schur — Broadway: CHICAGO

Value

•Merit scholarships based on audition strength

•3.0 GPA minimum for scholarship consideration

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 16 students

•Class of 2029: 17 students

•Class of 2028: 16 students

•Class of 2027: 20 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$70

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Transfer Application — FallMar 1, 2027

International Application — FallJun 1, 2027

Official Source

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Deadline

Priority Scholarship ConsiderationJan 25, 2027

Auditions

In-Person at JMU (recommended for Early Action)

Nov 7, 2026Dec 5, 2026

NYC UnifiedsJan 23–24, 2027

In-Person at JMU

Jan 30, 2027Feb 6, 2027

Official Source

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2025 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Songs

Two Contrasting Songs, 60-90 Sec Each

•One ballad (sustained vocal lines) and one uptempo (conversational pace)

•Choose one of two options:

Option A

•One song written before 1970 (any genre: MT, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk)

•One song written after 1970 (any genre) — should contrast the first selection

Option B

•One musical theatre song from any time period

•One song in any style that best suits you — should contrast the first selection

Accompaniment

•Must sing to musical accompaniment — no a cappella

•In-person: accompanist provided, bring sheet music in your key

•Off-campus: bring recorded accompaniment and a speaker

•Video: may use live or recorded accompaniment

Monologues

One 60-90 Sec Monologue

•From a published play, or by a professional writer whose plays have been produced

•Memorized

Dance

In-Person

•Jazz combination taught at audition

Video/Virtual

•Submit 60-90 sec dance video in any style you feel most confident

•Options: jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or styles beyond American/Euro-western

•Include at least one turn, one jump, one kick (or suitable alternatives)

•Can use JMU-provided combo or self-choreographed solo

Wild Card (Optional), 60-90 Seconds

•Special skill, interesting story, passion speech, instrument, etc.

•"What do you want us to know about you?" and "What makes you unique?"

Additional Materials

Headshot

•Photo of yourself

Resume

•Including any relevant artistic experience

Unofficial Transcript

•High school or, for transfer students, both college and high school

Personal Statement

•Describe a creative experience that was meaningful, engaging, or transformative

•1000 words max

Slate Video (Separate)

•State your name and pronouns (if desired)

•Speak loudly and clearly, directly at the camera

•No need to slate individual performance videos

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Apply to JMU via Common App; the university application links applicants to SlideRoom

•Fall 2027 SlideRoom applications and audition-registration links are scheduled to open in mid-August 2026

•Submit SlideRoom at least 9 days before the audition date; the application is free

•All auditionees (in-person, virtual, or video) upload two songs, one monologue, and dance videos

•Videos supplement live/virtual auditions and are not a prescreen; for video-only applicants, they serve as the audition

•JMU follows the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen framework, but its published guide offers a choice between song Options A and B rather than one school-wide MTCP option

Transfer Pathway

JMU states that transfer students use the same Musical Theatre gateway process and can complete the major in three years.

Official Source

What's The Process

Audition Process

•Musical Theatre and Theatre auditions are separate - applying to both requires a separate SlideRoom application for each major, individual audition registration, and auditioning for both programs separately

•Encouraged to schedule both auditions on the same day

•Early registration recommended for same-day availability

Audition Expectations

•No prescreen required

•In-person, virtual, or asynchronous video options available

•Three parts: singing, acting, and dancing

•Priority scholarship consideration: apply to JMU Early Action and complete an audition or submit audition materials before January 25, 2027

Contact

•Kate Arecchi: arecchkm@jmu.edu

•Kate Lumpkin: lumpkikr@jmu.edu

•540-568-6342

Scholarship Info

Arts Scholarships

•Excellence in the Arts awards

•Madison Recognition awards

•Merit scholarships from School of Theatre and Dance

Criteria

•Talent and ability based on audition, submitted materials, and interview

•Academic promise based on transcript, GPA (minimum 3.0), and test scores

•Application essay and letter of recommendation also factor in

Priority Consideration

•Apply JMU Early Action and submit SlideRoom before mid-January

•Scholarship decisions communicated in Spring

School Info

Snapshot

3.66

Avg GPA

72%

Admit Rate

school-wide

80%

Grad Rate

20.9K

Enrollment

$70K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,768

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,576

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,322

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•BA degree with intensive pre-professional training (accrediting agencies call it "intensive BA")

•Approximately 48 MT majors total

•Combines liberal arts education with professional arts training

Performance & Productions

•Each year: 2 musicals + 3 plays on mainstage, 5-8 student-produced shows in Studio Theatre

•Private voice lessons and one-on-one mentorship

•Any JMU student can audition for productions including first-years

Notable Alumni

•Trey Ellet '92 — Lead role of Mark in Broadway's RENT for three years

•James Moye '00 — Broadway: URINETOWN, THE FULL MONTY; national tour of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

•Michael Minarik '00 — Broadway: ROCK OF AGES (since opening); also LES MISERABLES

•Brent Comer — Broadway: THE OUTSIDERS

•Austin Colby — Broadway: THE GREAT GATSBY

•Rachel Schur — Broadway: CHICAGO

Value

•Merit scholarships based on audition strength

•3.0 GPA minimum for scholarship consideration

Verified Recent Class Sizes

•Class of 2030: 16 students

•Class of 2029: 17 students

•Class of 2028: 16 students

•Class of 2027: 20 students

Updated 1d ago