Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualSelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style immersive training in voice, acting, and dance
•Comprehensive dance training including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and musical theatre styles
•Private vocal performance lessons throughout the program
SELECTION
•Only 10 students selected from national auditions each year
CAREER PREPARATION
•Capstone experience and entertainment arts management training
•Field studies and internship opportunities
•Study abroad opportunities available
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Leah Hocking — 10 Broadway musicals including Hairspray, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia, and Grease; honorary Doctor of Theater Studies from NMU
•Michael Detroit ('85) — Executive Producer at Playhouse on the Square; creator of UPTA, the largest professional theatre audition convention in the U.S.
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
Scholarship DeadlineJan 1, 2026
Auditions
Pittsburgh Unifieds (Pittsburgh, PA)Oct 10, 2025
Mid Atlantic Theatre and Dance (Glassboro, NJ)Nov 14, 2025
Texas Thespian Festival (Corpus Christi, TX)Nov 14, 2025
Texas Thespian Festival (Grapevine, TX)Nov 19, 2025
Audition Requirements
Songs
ONE 16-32 BAR CUTTING OF A SONG in the musical theatre style
Monologues
ONE SHORT MONOLOGUE
Dance
•Include a video of you dancing/moving in a musical theatre dance style (preferably jazz, tap, and/or ballet)
•If you are not the only person in the video, please be sure to indicate which performer you are
•It is helpful if your movement demonstrates any technical dance training you may have
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
•Optional "Wild Card" Video (not to exceed 3 minutes): Think of this as an opportunity to show us your personality or something about you--what do you want us to know about you? This video might include a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, a skit, another dance style, a hobby that is meaningful to you, a day in your life, stand-up comedy, a "how-to" video, etc.--let us know who you are!
Additional Materials
SLATE VIDEO
•Brief close-up shot stating your full name, current city, state, country, and the pieces you will be performing
HEADSHOT
•Upload to audition form
RESUME
•Detail all acting, music, and dance training, as well as performance experience
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit audition materials via Acceptd — no cost to applicant
•Must include ALL required materials to be considered for program acceptance and scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP
•Applications must be submitted by January 1 for departmental scholarship consideration
•Scholarship offers sent no later than February 1
•Offers must be formally accepted by March 31
ADMISSION
•Rolling admission — you may hear relatively soon after your audition
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Submit video materials via Acceptd, OR audition live at a regional/national event
•If attending an event that uses Acceptd or Submittable (PUAs, thespian festivals, etc.), no separate Acceptd submission needed
INTERVIEW
•A short Zoom interview with faculty may be required after reviewing your audition
•Be prepared to discuss your interest in the BFA Musical Theatre program and past experience
CALLBACKS
•Callbacks typically scheduled for day after final auditions
•Callback does not guarantee acceptance, and not being called back does not mean rejection
Scholarship Info
•Departmental scholarships awarded based on auditions and interviews
•Scholarship offers sent no later than February 1
•Offers must be formally accepted by March 31
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
TRAINING
•Conservatory-style immersive training in voice, acting, and dance
•Comprehensive dance training including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and musical theatre styles
•Private vocal performance lessons throughout the program
SELECTION
•Only 10 students selected from national auditions each year
CAREER PREPARATION
•Capstone experience and entertainment arts management training
•Field studies and internship opportunities
•Study abroad opportunities available
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Leah Hocking — 10 Broadway musicals including Hairspray, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia, and Grease; honorary Doctor of Theater Studies from NMU
•Michael Detroit ('85) — Executive Producer at Playhouse on the Square; creator of UPTA, the largest professional theatre audition convention in the U.S.
Updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
Academic School Information
3.33
Avg GPA (W)
84%
Admit Rate
52%
Grad Rate
6,556
Enrollment
$47,107
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,277
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,773
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,085
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$7,697
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,185
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,051
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,324
Family Income $110k+$22,268
