Metropolitan State University of Denver
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
•Intensive BFA program preparing students for careers in commercial arts and entertainment
•Taught by veteran teachers who are working theatre professionals
•BFA Coordinator: Carrie Colton — True West Award-winning choreographer
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•4 major productions per year including 2 musicals with the Music Department
•Music Review Showcase for Music Theatre BFA students
•16 student-directed One Acts each semester
•Weekly coaching sessions with BFA Coordinator and accompanying pianist
INTERNSHIPS & CAREER PREP
•Required internship at DCPA, Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, Curious Theatre Company
•Graduates with complete portfolio (photos, resumes, monologues, music) for professional auditions
FACILITIES & LOCATION
•King Center performing arts complex — one of the most adaptive and accessible venues in the country
•Walking distance from Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex
•NAST-accredited — one of only two universities in Colorado
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Priority (Fall)May 4, 2026
Priority (Spring)Nov 2, 2026
Rolling
International Fee
$50
Program AppApplication
Auditions
BFA Musical Theatre Audition (Theatre Dept)Aug 2, 2026
Music Department Audition Day (King Center)Aug 8, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
MUSIC DEPARTMENT AUDITION
•Major scale ("do" to "do") followed by major arpeggio — sung unaccompanied on neutral syllables or solfege
•ONE MUSICAL THEATRE PIECE displaying vocal quality — performed from memory
•ONE CONTRASTING MUSICAL THEATRE PIECE — performed from memory
•Brief tonal recall exercises (in-person only)
•Accompanist provided — bring a copy of your music
THEATRE DEPARTMENT AUDITION
•TWO CONTRASTING 32-BAR CUTS
-Bring sheet music or a backing track
Monologues
ONE 60-SECOND MONOLOGUE
•Performed during the Theatre Department audition
Dance
SHORT DANCE CALL
•Included as part of the Theatre Department audition
•Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement
Good to Know
BFA APPLICATION
•Separate BFA Music Theatre program application required (PDF form)
-Download from the BFA Music Theatre program page
•All applicants must demonstrate competency, experience, and/or training in theatre and music
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
•Must be enrolled in BFA for at least 2 full years (4 semesters, not including summers)
•Required to participate in 2 mainstage productions each academic year
•Attend every MSU Denver production and audition for every mainstage show
•Maintain 2.0 GPA overall and C- average in all theatre and associated program classes
•Transfer students required to complete 2 years in BFA after acceptance
•Students admitted to BFA/MT are not required to complete a minor
What's The Process
THREE-PART ADMISSION PROCESS
•Step 1: Submit BFA Music Theatre PDF application
•Step 2: Complete Music Department audition
•Step 3: Complete Theatre Department audition and interview
THEATRE DEPARTMENT AUDITION
•August 2nd, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
•Individual audition slots in one-hour increments
•Includes singing, monologue, and dance call
MUSIC DEPARTMENT AUDITION
•Vocal audition with accompanist provided (bring a copy of your music)
•Approximately 12 minutes in length
•In-person auditions held in January, February, and August at King Center
CONTACT
•Carrie Colton: ccolton@msudenver.edu
Program info updated 2h ago
PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
•Intensive BFA program preparing students for careers in commercial arts and entertainment
•Taught by veteran teachers who are working theatre professionals
•BFA Coordinator: Carrie Colton — True West Award-winning choreographer
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•4 major productions per year including 2 musicals with the Music Department
•Music Review Showcase for Music Theatre BFA students
•16 student-directed One Acts each semester
•Weekly coaching sessions with BFA Coordinator and accompanying pianist
INTERNSHIPS & CAREER PREP
•Required internship at DCPA, Arvada Center, Creede Repertory Theatre, Curious Theatre Company
•Graduates with complete portfolio (photos, resumes, monologues, music) for professional auditions
FACILITIES & LOCATION
•King Center performing arts complex — one of the most adaptive and accessible venues in the country
•Walking distance from Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex
•NAST-accredited — one of only two universities in Colorado
Updated 2h ago
Academic School Information
2.56
Avg GPA (W)
99%
Admit Rate
31%
Grad Rate
15,002
Enrollment
$52,093
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$11,124
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,684
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,327
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$12,481
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,436
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,927
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,539
Family Income $110k+$23,822
