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Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen May Be RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen May Be RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen May Be RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or VirtualMTCP Participant

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 Students

Program Recognition

Meets the standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Combined program of the College of the Arts and the John J. Cali School of Music

Training

Scene-study sequence runs through Meisner (Acting II), Practical Aesthetics (Acting III) and Shakespeare (Acting IV), followed by Advanced Scene Study I and II for Musical Theatre

Music coursework includes Vocal Technique for Musical Theatre, Acting for the Singer I and II, Applied Music Theory and Aural Skills for Musical Theatre, Keyboard Musicianship and The History of Broadway, alongside 12 credits of applied music study (MUSI 499)

Dance coursework in ballet (6 credits) plus tap and jazz (10 credits)

Musical Theatre Repertoire and Audition Technique course

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions, workshops, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances and other musical theatre works each year

Students work among faculty and performers in the internationally recognized Alexander Kasser Theater

Notable Alumni

Gerard McIntyre '84 — Broadway: Anything Goes, Once on This Island

Stephen Bienskie '89 — Broadway: Cats, Chess revival

Wilson Mendietta '97 — Broadway: Man of La Mancha revival, Bombay Dreams

Stuart Zagnit '74 — Broadway: Seussical, The Wild Party

Professional Development

Industry Showcase for Actors (THTR 425) is a required course

The Department of Theatre and Dance is just 14 miles from Manhattan

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 23 students

Class of 2029: 24 students

Class of 2028: 18 students

Class of 2027: 22 students

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.33

Admit rate

88%

school-wide

Grad rate

65%

Enrollment

18.4K

Earnings

$61K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,854

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$27,570

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,828

Before aid

Average net price

$15,566

After aid

Tuition And Fees · montclair.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Oct 24, 1:24 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Meets the standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Combined program of the College of the Arts and the John J. Cali School of Music

Training

Scene-study sequence runs through Meisner (Acting II), Practical Aesthetics (Acting III) and Shakespeare (Acting IV), followed by Advanced Scene Study I and II for Musical Theatre

Dance coursework in ballet (6 credits) plus tap and jazz (10 credits)

Musical Theatre Repertoire and Audition Technique course

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions, workshops, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances and other musical theatre works each year

Students work among faculty and performers in the internationally recognized Alexander Kasser Theater

Notable Alumni

Gerard McIntyre '84 — Broadway: Anything Goes, Once on This Island

Stephen Bienskie '89 — Broadway: Cats, Chess revival

Wilson Mendietta '97 — Broadway: Man of La Mancha revival, Bombay Dreams

Stuart Zagnit '74 — Broadway: Seussical, The Wild Party

Professional Development

Industry Showcase for Actors (THTR 425) is a required course

The Department of Theatre and Dance is just 14 miles from Manhattan

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 23 students

Class of 2029: 24 students

Class of 2028: 18 students

Class of 2027: 22 students

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Meets the standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Combined program of the College of the Arts and the John J. Cali School of Music

Training

Scene-study sequence runs through Meisner (Acting II), Practical Aesthetics (Acting III) and Shakespeare (Acting IV), followed by Advanced Scene Study I and II for Musical Theatre

Dance coursework in ballet (6 credits) plus tap and jazz (10 credits)

Musical Theatre Repertoire and Audition Technique course

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions, workshops, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances and other musical theatre works each year

Students work among faculty and performers in the internationally recognized Alexander Kasser Theater

Notable Alumni

Gerard McIntyre '84 — Broadway: Anything Goes, Once on This Island

Stephen Bienskie '89 — Broadway: Cats, Chess revival

Wilson Mendietta '97 — Broadway: Man of La Mancha revival, Bombay Dreams

Stuart Zagnit '74 — Broadway: Seussical, The Wild Party

Professional Development

Industry Showcase for Actors (THTR 425) is a required course

The Department of Theatre and Dance is just 14 miles from Manhattan

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 23 students

Class of 2029: 24 students

Class of 2028: 18 students

Class of 2027: 22 students

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Fee

$65

Deadline

First-year applicants

Freshman — Fall Early Action (non-binding)Dec 1, 2026

Freshman — Fall Regular AdmissionFreshman — Fall Scholarship ConsiderationMar 1, 2027

Transfer applicants

Transfer — Fall PreferredApr 15, 2027

Transfer — Fall FinalJun 15, 2027

How Apply Montclairs Undergraduate Programs · montclair.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Fee

Audition Fee

$65

Deadline

Moonifieds Prescreen Deadline (Moonifieds auditions only; submit by this date to be safe and confirm with Montclair)For the Nov 19 or Nov 20 auditionOct 15, 2026

Prescreen Deadline — first (the registration portal shows which auditions it governs)For 10 audition datesNov 1, 2026

Prescreen Deadline — second (the registration portal shows which auditions it governs)For the Feb 13, Mar 6 or Mar 20 auditionJan 15, 2027

Prescreen Deadline — third (the registration portal shows which auditions it governs)For the Mar 20 or Apr 3 auditionMar 1, 2027

Auditions

Pittsburgh Unifieds AuditionOct 10–11, 2026

Moonifieds Audition — Dallas, TXNov 19–20, 2026

On-Campus Audition — Montclair, NJ

Dec 12, 2026Feb 13, 2027Mar 20, 2027Apr 3, 2027

Virtual Audition

Jan 16, 2027Mar 6, 2027

NYC Unifieds Audition — New York, NYJan 23–24, 2027

Chicago Unifieds Audition — Chicago, ILFeb 1–4, 2027

LA Unifieds Audition — Los Angeles, CAFeb 6–7, 2027

Musicaltheatre · apply.montclair.edu Auditions · sites.google.com

Conditional Prescreen Requirements

A prescreen is required for on-campus, virtual, and NYC/Chicago/LA Unifieds auditions. Pittsburgh Unifieds needs no prescreen. For Moonifieds, Montclair's department site lists an October 15, 2026 prescreen deadline while its admissions page says no prescreen is needed, so submit a prescreen by October 15 if you plan to audition at Moonifieds, and confirm with Montclair.

Songs

MTCP Song Option B

Two Contrasting songs, 60-90 sec each

One musical theatre song from any time period

One contrasting song of your choice in any style (pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.)

Should contrast the style of the first selection

Monologues

MTCP Monologue Option A

one monologue, 60-90 sec

One monologue from a published play or by a professional writer

Age-appropriate character

Active monologues recommended (real-time, direct communication with scene partner)

Avoid pieces relying on extreme emotions

Dance

MTCP Dance Option B

dance video, 60-90 sec recommended

Show your best version of choreographed dancing or moving

Any discipline you feel confident in, including jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or other dance styles

Solo dance media may be self-choreographed or from a show, competition, or other performance if you are clearly featured on your own

No ballet or tap required — but either may be included as a wild card if it is a specialty

Ballet

MTCP Ballet Option C

Ballet not required

Optional Wild Card Video

60-90 seconds max

Show your personality or share something about you

Special skill, interesting story, passionate speech, or instrument you play

Original composition/song/poem, choreographed dance, comedic character, or hobby/activity

How-to video on something you are good at

Additional dance style (tap, hip hop, lyrical, ballet, etc.)

Answer the prompt: "What do you want us to know about you?"

Additional Materials

Slate Video

Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera

No longer than 10 seconds

No need to slate individual performance videos

Headshot

Upload a headshot or 8x10 color photo

Resume

Include performance experience

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters required

One must come from a teacher, director and/or other theater professional who can speak to your potential as a Musical Theatre major

Letter should evaluate your self-discipline, attitude, motivation, creativity and potential for success in the performing arts

Transcript

Transcripts required

Video Specifications

Framing

Waist-up for songs and monologues

Full body for dance

Format

Each piece filmed/uploaded as a separate video — no continuous recordings

Submit as YouTube or Vimeo links

Audio

Place music source closer to you than to recording device for balanced sound

Do a trial run to test audio and visual before filming

Backdrop

Solid-colored walls are ideal

Any background that does not steal focus from your performance

Prescreen Notes

If not accepted based on prescreen, applicant is notified by email

BFA Musical Theatre · montclair.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Songs

Requirements

Two songs cut to approximately 60 seconds each

Sing what you love and the music that speaks to you

Ideally, choose at least one musical theatre song that demonstrates your skill with the form

A contrasting up-tempo with a ballad is preferred but there is no genre requirement

Note

Faculty will initially hear one song and one monologue and may ask you to sing your second song

Monologues

Requirements

One 60 second contemporary monologue from a published play

Dance

Dance Placement Class (on-Campus Auditions)

The dance placement class will last for one hour

Clothing: movement, athletic, or dance wear that allows for full range of movement; ideally light, comfortable, form fitting, and flexible

Wear the dance shoes you are most comfortable in; jazz or character shoes are preferred, but sneakers are also acceptable

Virtual Auditions

No dance portion; faculty refer to your prescreen dance submission

Additional Materials

Headshot (in-Person Auditions)

Please bring a hard copy of your headshot

Resume (in-Person Auditions)

Please bring a hard copy of your resume

BFA Musical Theatre · montclair.edu

University Essays

College of the Arts personal statement

No length limit stated

Discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair. Include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals.

Essay Prompts · montclair.edu How Apply Montclairs Undergraduate Programs · montclair.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Montclair asks you to submit your university application before you sign up for an audition; it must be complete before your audition date

Participates in Musical Theatre Common Prescreen (MTCP)

Prescreen required for on-campus, virtual, and NYC/Chicago/LA Unifieds auditions

Pittsburgh Unifieds does not require a prescreen

Moonifieds: Montclair's department site lists an October 15, 2026 prescreen deadline, while its admissions page says no prescreen is needed. If you plan to audition at Moonifieds, submit your prescreen by October 15 and confirm with Montclair (mtauditions@montclair.edu)

What's The Process

Audition Process

Two-step process: prescreen then live audition by invitation

Audition Expectations

Live auditions (in person or virtual on Zoom) are by invitation only after faculty review the prescreen

Virtual auditions: there is no dance portion; faculty refer to your prescreen dance video

Virtual auditions: faculty may ask for a second song from material you already have prepared and have backing tracks for, and you do not need to submit sheet music

Contact

mtauditions@montclair.edu

Scholarship Info

Merit Scholarships

Students accepted into select performing arts programs may be considered for a talent-based scholarship, awarded by the faculty in recognition of an exceptional audition

Open to in-state, out-of-state and international students; applied directly to educational costs and not exchangeable for cash

Supports up to eight consecutive full-time fall and spring semesters toward a first undergraduate degree; recipients must remain enrolled in the performing arts program to which they were admitted

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA

3.33

Admit rate

88%

school-wide

Grad rate

65%

Enrollment

18.4K

Earnings

$61K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,854

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$27,570

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$38,828

Before aid

Average net price

$15,566

After aid

Tuition And Fees · montclair.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Meets the standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

Combined program of the College of the Arts and the John J. Cali School of Music

Training

Scene-study sequence runs through Meisner (Acting II), Practical Aesthetics (Acting III) and Shakespeare (Acting IV), followed by Advanced Scene Study I and II for Musical Theatre

Dance coursework in ballet (6 credits) plus tap and jazz (10 credits)

Musical Theatre Repertoire and Audition Technique course

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions, workshops, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances and other musical theatre works each year

Students work among faculty and performers in the internationally recognized Alexander Kasser Theater

Notable Alumni

Gerard McIntyre '84 — Broadway: Anything Goes, Once on This Island

Stephen Bienskie '89 — Broadway: Cats, Chess revival

Wilson Mendietta '97 — Broadway: Man of La Mancha revival, Bombay Dreams

Stuart Zagnit '74 — Broadway: Seussical, The Wild Party

Professional Development

Industry Showcase for Actors (THTR 425) is a required course

The Department of Theatre and Dance is just 14 miles from Manhattan

Verified Recent Class Sizes

Class of 2030: 23 students

Class of 2029: 24 students

Class of 2028: 18 students

Class of 2027: 22 students

Updated Oct 24, 1:24 AM