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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

Consistently ranked among the nation's top BFA Musical Theatre programs

Conservatory-derived professional training program with 92 credits in core performance training

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) accredited

Training

Triple-threat curriculum: acting, voice, dance, music theory, piano, speech, movement, makeup, and musical theatre styles

Private voice lessons included in tuition

75+ permanent faculty and visiting professionals mentor Theatre and Dance students each semester

Joint venture of the Department of Theatre and Dance and the John J. Cali School of Music

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions each year

Students can build resumes as early as freshman year through mainstage/studio productions, workshops, concert productions, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances, and new musical theatre work

Undergraduates do not compete with graduate acting students for roles

Six performance spaces include Alexander Kasser Theater, Memorial Auditorium, and L. Howard Fox Theatre

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

Annual career-building New York Senior Showcase

12 miles from Manhattan for direct NYC industry access

Students attend more than 500 professional events on campus each year, including Theatre and Dance Department and Peak Performances productions

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 Sep 9, 1:44 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Consistently ranked among the nation's top BFA Musical Theatre programs

Conservatory-derived professional training program with 92 credits in core performance training

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) accredited

Training

Triple-threat curriculum: acting, voice, dance, music theory, piano, speech, movement, makeup, and musical theatre styles

Private voice lessons included in tuition

75+ permanent faculty and visiting professionals mentor Theatre and Dance students each semester

Joint venture of the Department of Theatre and Dance and the John J. Cali School of Music

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions each year

Students can build resumes as early as freshman year through mainstage/studio productions, workshops, concert productions, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances, and new musical theatre work

Undergraduates do not compete with graduate acting students for roles

Six performance spaces include Alexander Kasser Theater, Memorial Auditorium, and L. Howard Fox Theatre

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

Annual career-building New York Senior Showcase

12 miles from Manhattan for direct NYC industry access

Students attend more than 500 professional events on campus each year, including Theatre and Dance Department and Peak Performances productions

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

Consistently ranked among the nation's top BFA Musical Theatre programs

Conservatory-derived professional training program with 92 credits in core performance training

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) accredited

Training

Triple-threat curriculum: acting, voice, dance, music theory, piano, speech, movement, makeup, and musical theatre styles

Private voice lessons included in tuition

75+ permanent faculty and visiting professionals mentor Theatre and Dance students each semester

Joint venture of the Department of Theatre and Dance and the John J. Cali School of Music

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions each year

Students can build resumes as early as freshman year through mainstage/studio productions, workshops, concert productions, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances, and new musical theatre work

Undergraduates do not compete with graduate acting students for roles

Six performance spaces include Alexander Kasser Theater, Memorial Auditorium, and L. Howard Fox Theatre

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

Annual career-building New York Senior Showcase

12 miles from Manhattan for direct NYC industry access

Students attend more than 500 professional events on campus each year, including Theatre and Dance Department and Peak Performances productions

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

Dates

Dates TBA

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Fee

Audition Fee

$65

BFA Musical Theatre · montclair.edu

Conditional Prescreen Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

A prescreen is required for on-campus auditions and the NYC, Chicago, and LA Unifieds. Pittsburgh Unifieds (also called Moonifieds) is the only partner event that doesn't require one.

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

Accompaniment required (live or pre-recorded) — no a cappella

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 stating your name and pronouns, if you would like

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

Recommendation from a teacher, director, or theatre professional who can speak to your potential as a Musical Theatre major

Essay

Prompt: discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair State

Include highlights of your related experience and how those experiences shaped your career goals

Transcript

Transcripts required

BFA Musical Theatre · montclair.edu

Audition Requirements

Songs

Requirements

Two Contrasting Songs

Prepare same or different songs meeting prescreen requirements

Accompanist provided for on-campus auditions

Monologues

Requirements

One Monologue

Same or different monologue meeting prescreen requirements

Dance

Dance Call

Dance call at all in-person auditions

BFA Musical Theatre · montclair.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Participates in Musical Theatre Common Prescreen (MTCP)

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

Partner organizations such as Moonifieds, CAP, and Pittsburgh Unifieds do not require a prescreen

The public Musical Theatre registration portal currently lists no upcoming events

Enrollment

Fall enrollment only — no spring applications for BFA

What's The Process

Audition Process

Two-step process: prescreen then live audition by invitation

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

Audition Expectations

Zoom auditions available

Students absent 2+ consecutive semesters must reapply and re-audition

Contact

mtauditions@montclair.edu

Scholarship Info

Merit Scholarships

Artistic merit scholarships based on audition performance

Academic merit aid for students with 3.0+ GPA

Need-Based Aid

Need-based housing grants and financial aid available via FAFSA

Additional scholarships through College of the Arts (apply in Spring semester)

Application

No separate application required for merit and artistic scholarships

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

Consistently ranked among the nation's top BFA Musical Theatre programs

Conservatory-derived professional training program with 92 credits in core performance training

National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) accredited

Training

Triple-threat curriculum: acting, voice, dance, music theory, piano, speech, movement, makeup, and musical theatre styles

Private voice lessons included in tuition

75+ permanent faculty and visiting professionals mentor Theatre and Dance students each semester

Joint venture of the Department of Theatre and Dance and the John J. Cali School of Music

Performance & Productions

7-10 fully staged, professionally designed productions each year

Students can build resumes as early as freshman year through mainstage/studio productions, workshops, concert productions, recitals, operas, revues, dance performances, and new musical theatre work

Undergraduates do not compete with graduate acting students for roles

Six performance spaces include Alexander Kasser Theater, Memorial Auditorium, and L. Howard Fox Theatre

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

Annual career-building New York Senior Showcase

12 miles from Manhattan for direct NYC industry access

Students attend more than 500 professional events on campus each year, including Theatre and Dance Department and Peak Performances productions

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 Sep 9, 1:44 PM