Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Breadth of experiences in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pedagogy, choreography, dance ministry, and dance history
•Professional dancer faculty from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, University of Utah, University of Arizona, and Sight and Sound Theatre
•Three full-mounted dance concerts per year
FACILITIES
•Grace Pollock Dance Studio with sprung Marley dance surface, mirrors, bars, blackout curtains, and stage lighting
•Athletic training support with weekly physical therapy and athletic training sessions
PERFORMANCE & MINISTRY
•Dance ministry groups: GiViM, Acclamation, and Footprintz
•Perform in chapels, on-stage musicals, recitals, and on/off campus ministry opportunities
STUDY ABROAD
•Semester programs in the U.S. and abroad
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Option to double major with art, theatre, humanities, or business administration
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Direct Application Fee
$50Waiver
Waived automatically through Nov. 15
Common App Fee
$50Waiver
Use code FALL for waiver through Nov. 15 (domestic students)
Program AppApplication
Apply atEmail
Auditions
Fall Campus AuditionOct 30, 2026
Fall Campus AuditionNov 20, 2026
Spring Campus AuditionJan 30, 2027
Spring Campus AuditionFeb 15, 2027
Audition Requirements
Dance
TWO-PART AUDITION
GROUP SESSION
•Warm-up session for instructors to meet prospective students
•Held prior to individual audition
INDIVIDUAL AUDITION
•Prepare a 2-3 minute variation or dance style of your choice
•Bring electronic recording of your music if needed
•Notify department of your music format before arriving on campus
VIDEO AUDITION (if unable to attend in person)
•Brief informal introduction of yourself with explanation of dance choices
•Two dance videos of varying styles, no more than 5 minutes each
•Cite the choreographer for each piece
•Perform a turned-out single or double pirouette to the right and left
Additional Materials
ARTIST'S STATEMENT (required)
•350-word statement introducing you as a theatre artist
•Include: your work ethic, unique qualities, what inspires you, why you want to study dance
PHOTOS (required)
•Recent headshot — professional headshot not required
•Full body shot (required for dance applicants)
RESUME (required)
•Should include your work in dance
SUBMISSION
•Materials due 10 business days before your audition date
•Submit as PDF or JPG files via email
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Messiah University via Common App or direct application
•Application materials due 10 business days before audition date
•Campus auditions are preferred
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Two parts: group dance session followed by individual audition and faculty interview
•All applicants must audition for and interview with department faculty
•Acceptance by the University does not guarantee acceptance into the Department
SCHEDULING
•Contact Deb Hawkins at dhawkins@messiah.edu or 717-796-5045
•Individual auditions may be arranged outside formal audition dates
VIDEO AUDITION
•Available for students unable to attend in person due to travel distance or hardship
•Submit video link along with artist's statement, resume, and photos
•A phone or Zoom interview will be scheduled following submission
Program info updated 6h ago
TRAINING
•Breadth of experiences in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pedagogy, choreography, dance ministry, and dance history
•Professional dancer faculty from Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, University of Utah, University of Arizona, and Sight and Sound Theatre
•Three full-mounted dance concerts per year
FACILITIES
•Grace Pollock Dance Studio with sprung Marley dance surface, mirrors, bars, blackout curtains, and stage lighting
•Athletic training support with weekly physical therapy and athletic training sessions
PERFORMANCE & MINISTRY
•Dance ministry groups: GiViM, Acclamation, and Footprintz
•Perform in chapels, on-stage musicals, recitals, and on/off campus ministry opportunities
STUDY ABROAD
•Semester programs in the U.S. and abroad
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Option to double major with art, theatre, humanities, or business administration
Updated 6h ago
Academic School Information
79%
Admit Rate
77%
Grad Rate
2,259
Enrollment
$54,064
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$42,240
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$26,502
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$19,393
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,317
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,916
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,574
Family Income $110k+$31,847
