Oakland University
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredMTCP Participant
Program Characteristics
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) — one of only three Michigan universities
•Member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance (MTEA)
•Only Designated Linklater Voice Teacher (DTL) in Michigan on faculty
•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts university
•90% job placement rate for theatre majors in recent years
MEADOW BROOK THEATRE
•Michigan's largest Actors' Equity contracted theatre on campus (founded 1966)
•Work alongside professional actors and directors under Equity contracts
•One of the few undergraduate programs in the nation with a professional theatre company on campus
•Three to four musical theatre productions per year on main stage
TRAINING
•Acting classes, individual vocal instruction, and dance training
•Ballet, jazz, and modern dance coursework
•Musical theatre and opera performance opportunities
•Nightclub Cabaret Acts course (THA 4051)
SENIOR SHOWCASE
•Senior Experience and Showcase in New York City
•Connects graduating students with industry professionals, casting directors, and agents
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
•Classical Theatre study abroad in Greece
•Workshops and masterclasses with Broadway and regional theatre leaders
•Performance collaborations with OU's Film Studies and Production program
•Kaleidoscope Cabaret — annual student-produced cabaret
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Jayne Houdyshell '74 — Tony Award winner (The Humans), 4 Tony nominations, 11 Broadway productions, 2 Obie Awards
•David Hasselhoff — Knight Rider, Baywatch, Guinness World Record most-watched man on TV
•Curtis Armstrong '75 — Risky Business, Revenge of the Nerds, Moonlighting, 160+ screen credits
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus Audition DayJan 31, 2026
On-Campus Audition DayFeb 21, 2026
On-Campus Audition DayMar 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
•MTCP Song Option A:
-One song written BEFORE 1970
-One song written AFTER 1970
-Contrasting styles
-60-90 seconds each
Monologues
•MTCP Monologue Option A:
-One monologue from a published play or professional writer
-60-90 seconds
Dance
•MTCP Dance Option A:
-Dance/movement video required
-Must include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick
-Or suitable rotation, elevation, and extension
-60-90 seconds
Ballet
•MTCP Ballet Option A:
-Ballet video required
-Include: plié, tendu, grand battement series, pirouettes en dehors (both sides), grand jeté
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
WILDCARD (video auditions only)
•Optional as part of MTCP Option A video submission
•Up to 60 seconds — no slate required
•Can be anything: a special skill, an interesting story, a passion speech, an instrument you play
•Not required for in-person auditions
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Headshot or recent photograph
RESUME (required)
•Single-page resume listing productions, roles, and training
SLATE VIDEO (video auditions only)
•Combine slate into the first video submitted per MTCP guidelines
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply and be accepted to Oakland University first
•Complete university application at least two weeks before audition date
•Register for an audition via the SMTD registration form
•No application fee — Oakland University is a fee-free institution
MTCP
•Program aligns with Musical Theatre Common Prescreen Option A
•Video auditions follow full MTCP Option A requirements
•In-person auditions are final auditions — no prescreen round
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment
•Transfer students follow the same two-step process and provide unofficial transcripts
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Three parts: singing, acting, and dancing
•Two 32-bar song selections with provided accompanist
•One contemporary monologue (1 min max)
•Group dance call
•Interview with faculty
DANCE CALL PREPARATION
•Choreography video sent one week before audition
•Learn choreography and present it at audition
•Years of technical training beneficial but enthusiasm valued
VIDEO AUDITIONS
•Follow MTCP Option A for all selections
•Required sections: Slate, Song 1 & 2, Monologue, Ballet, Dance
•Wildcard section is optional
•Upload to a file sharing platform (YouTube, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
•Set sharing permissions so anyone with the link can view
•Virtual interview scheduled after faculty review
CONTACT
•Alex Sellers at smtdadmissions@oakland.edu or (248) 370-2030
Scholarship Info
DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
•Talent-based scholarships awarded based on audition performance
•Students who audition in February or March are automatically considered
•No separate scholarship application required
Program info updated Mar 27, 1:50 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre) — one of only three Michigan universities
•Member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance (MTEA)
•Only Designated Linklater Voice Teacher (DTL) in Michigan on faculty
•Conservatory-style training within a liberal arts university
•90% job placement rate for theatre majors in recent years
MEADOW BROOK THEATRE
•Michigan's largest Actors' Equity contracted theatre on campus (founded 1966)
•Work alongside professional actors and directors under Equity contracts
•One of the few undergraduate programs in the nation with a professional theatre company on campus
•Three to four musical theatre productions per year on main stage
TRAINING
•Acting classes, individual vocal instruction, and dance training
•Ballet, jazz, and modern dance coursework
•Musical theatre and opera performance opportunities
•Nightclub Cabaret Acts course (THA 4051)
SENIOR SHOWCASE
•Senior Experience and Showcase in New York City
•Connects graduating students with industry professionals, casting directors, and agents
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
•Classical Theatre study abroad in Greece
•Workshops and masterclasses with Broadway and regional theatre leaders
•Performance collaborations with OU's Film Studies and Production program
•Kaleidoscope Cabaret — annual student-produced cabaret
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Jayne Houdyshell '74 — Tony Award winner (The Humans), 4 Tony nominations, 11 Broadway productions, 2 Obie Awards
•David Hasselhoff — Knight Rider, Baywatch, Guinness World Record most-watched man on TV
•Curtis Armstrong '75 — Risky Business, Revenge of the Nerds, Moonlighting, 160+ screen credits
Updated Mar 27, 1:50 AM
Academic School Information
3.48
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
57%
Grad Rate
12,351
Enrollment
$58,612
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$15,262
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,188
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$9,120
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$4,422
Family Income $30k - $48k$4,560
Family Income $48k - $75k$6,711
Family Income $75k - $110k$11,874
Family Income $110k+$19,217

