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Minnesota State University - Mankato

Mankato, MN

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Limited-enrollment program providing individualized attention and intensive professional development

Students evaluated on technical proficiency, artistry, solo performance, goals, writing ability, and academic standing

Part of a department that ranks in the nation’s top 1% of colleges in theatre attendance

Performance & Productions

Active participation required in two dance concerts per semester plus departmental productions

Three dedicated performance venues including the Earley Center for Performing Arts

Diverse off-campus performance and choreography opportunities

Notable Alumni

Graduates pursue professional careers in performance, choreography, private studio ownership, and post-secondary teaching

Professional Development

Alumni work professionally as dancers, choreographers, teachers, studio owners, dance therapists, and arts administrators

Pathway to Minnesota’s first MFA in Dance through the Theatre & Dance graduate program

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.29

Admit rate

88%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

11.7K

Earnings

$57K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,280

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,400

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$27,124

Before aid

Average net price

$19,139

After aid

Undergraduate Student Cost Of Attendance · mnsu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Training

Limited-enrollment program providing individualized attention and intensive professional development

Students evaluated on technical proficiency, artistry, solo performance, goals, writing ability, and academic standing

Part of a department that ranks in the nation’s top 1% of colleges in theatre attendance

Performance & Productions

Active participation required in two dance concerts per semester plus departmental productions

Three dedicated performance venues including the Earley Center for Performing Arts

Diverse off-campus performance and choreography opportunities

Notable Alumni

Graduates pursue professional careers in performance, choreography, private studio ownership, and post-secondary teaching

Professional Development

Alumni work professionally as dancers, choreographers, teachers, studio owners, dance therapists, and arts administrators

Pathway to Minnesota’s first MFA in Dance through the Theatre & Dance graduate program

Program Highlights

Training

Limited-enrollment program providing individualized attention and intensive professional development

Students evaluated on technical proficiency, artistry, solo performance, goals, writing ability, and academic standing

Part of a department that ranks in the nation’s top 1% of colleges in theatre attendance

Performance & Productions

Active participation required in two dance concerts per semester plus departmental productions

Three dedicated performance venues including the Earley Center for Performing Arts

Diverse off-campus performance and choreography opportunities

Notable Alumni

Graduates pursue professional careers in performance, choreography, private studio ownership, and post-secondary teaching

Professional Development

Alumni work professionally as dancers, choreographers, teachers, studio owners, dance therapists, and arts administrators

Pathway to Minnesota’s first MFA in Dance through the Theatre & Dance graduate program

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$20

Deadline

Five working days before classes

Undergraduate Application Process Calendar · mnsu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Audition

In-Person Dance Audition (Mankato, MN)Feb 26, 2027

Applications Auditions · hss.mnsu.edu

Audition Requirements

Dance

Audition Class, 90 Min

Includes ballet, contemporary/modern, and jazz

You will participate in a group class for placement-level review

You will not be asked to dance alone during the class

BFA Solo & Interview

Prepare a self-prepared solo, 1 minute in length

Participate in an interview with dance faculty after the class

Attire

Dance attire required

Bring ballet slippers

Be able to dance in bare feet for part of the audition

Additional Materials

Application

Complete the Audition Application on the department website

BFA candidates must also include specific admission information

Resume

Maximum two pages

Dance experience from junior year of high school onward in reverse chronological order

Essay

150-word statement explaining motivation for pursuing a BFA in Dance

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required from teachers, one for Dance and the other from a high school teacher that represents an academic area (incoming first-year BFA candidates)

Written Sample

Submitted at audition

Applications Auditions · hss.mnsu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Complete the Audition Application on the department website

BFA candidates must include specific admission information in the audition application or email Yukina Sato prior to auditions

University application required before attending the dance audition

Complete the Talent Grant Application to be considered for a scholarship

Eligibility

Minimum GPA of 2.5 and/or rank in top 40% of high school class

Students not meeting academic standards may be admitted but must meet continuation requirements by end of first year

Enrollment

Students may apply to the BFA program twice

Previously denied candidates may be reconsidered if academic and production work shows improvement

Voluntary withdrawal from BFA program is permanent; re-admission is not available

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Acceptance into the Dance Program does not require an audition; all new students audition for technique placement

BFA candidates audition as part of the admittance process

Auditions occur in February and August each year; the winter audition date is posted annually

Video audition submissions accepted for students who cannot travel to campus

When held in person, the approximate schedule includes a 90-minute dance class, BFA solos/interviews, student Q&A, and individual advising

Contact

For general dance audition questions, contact Yukina Sato

Scholarship Info

Talent Grants

First-Year and Transfer Talent Grants available for incoming Theatre and Dance majors

Complete the Talent Grant Application to be considered

Returning Student Scholarships

Over two dozen departmental scholarships for currently enrolled students

Awards range from $1,100 to nearly $2,500

Applications open every February via Academic Works

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.29

Admit rate

88%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

11.7K

Earnings

$57K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,280

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,400

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$27,124

Before aid

Average net price

$19,139

After aid

Undergraduate Student Cost Of Attendance · mnsu.edu College Scorecard

Training

Limited-enrollment program providing individualized attention and intensive professional development

Students evaluated on technical proficiency, artistry, solo performance, goals, writing ability, and academic standing

Part of a department that ranks in the nation’s top 1% of colleges in theatre attendance

Performance & Productions

Active participation required in two dance concerts per semester plus departmental productions

Three dedicated performance venues including the Earley Center for Performing Arts

Diverse off-campus performance and choreography opportunities

Notable Alumni

Graduates pursue professional careers in performance, choreography, private studio ownership, and post-secondary teaching

Professional Development

Alumni work professionally as dancers, choreographers, teachers, studio owners, dance therapists, and arts administrators

Pathway to Minnesota’s first MFA in Dance through the Theatre & Dance graduate program

Updated 2d ago