Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualHighly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App RequiredMTCP Participant
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
TRAINING
•Triple-threat training: music theory, keyboard, private voice, extensive dance (jazz, tap, modern, ballet, MT dance)
•Also take courses with BFA Acting majors (diction, dialects, movement, voice for stage, scenework, acting for TV/film, Shakespeare)
•Annual evaluation — must meet professional standards to continue
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Audition for ALL mainstage productions, not just musicals
•Additional opportunities: directing workshops, vocal ensembles
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase produced in NYC for agents and casting directors
•Potential 10-week internship in American professional theatre
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Jordan Donica — Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Camelot (Tony nom for Best Featured Actor)
•Dee Hoty — three-time Tony nominee (The Will Rogers Follies, Footloose, Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public)
•Aaron Ramey — six Broadway shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Bridges of Madison County, The Visit
•Lindsay Nicole Chambers — Broadway's Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Lysistrata Jones
Expert Tips
Applicants are not required to submit the Common App until they have passed the prescreen. Money saved!
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
PrescreenDec 1, 2025
Auditions
On-CampusJan 17, 2026
Unified Auditions (New York, NY)Jan 24, 2026
Unified Auditions (Chicago, IL)Feb 2, 2026
Unified Auditions (Los Angeles, CA)Feb 7, 2026
Acceptd Fee
$60
Prescreen 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 B:
-One contemporary monologue (written after 1950)
-One classical monologue (written before 1950, heightened language)
-60-90 seconds each
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)
•Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds
•This media can be ANYTHING you want: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc.
•Prompt: "What do you want us to know about you?" and "What makes you unique?"
Additional Materials
•SLATE VIDEO
-Name and pronouns, if you would like
•RESUME
•PHOTO/HEADSHOT
Callback Requirements
Songs
CALLBACK SONG
•Total audition time is 3 MINUTES (shared across all elements)
•One song should be in classical MT style (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe era, or contemporary shows in that style)
•Bring sheet music in your key
•Accompanist provided
Monologues
CALLBACK MONOLOGUE
•Within your 3-minute total audition time
•May be asked to perform monologue
•Brief interview included
Dance
CALLBACK DANCE
•May be asked to do basic dance and technique
Good to Know
IMPORTANT
•DO NOT apply for university admission until you have PASSED the prescreen and been INVITED to audition
•If you already applied (e.g., Common App), that is fine — but otherwise wait
PRESCREEN TIMELINE
•Opens September 1, 2025
•Submit at least 30 DAYS before preferred audition date
•December 1, 2025 is FINAL deadline — late prescreens may not be processed
•Pre-screens reviewed as received; limited audition slots available
MTCP
•Program participates in Musical Theater Common Prescreen
OHIO RESIDENTS
•Must audition on campus (Unified slots reserved for out-of-state students)
•After passing prescreen, immediately complete university admission application
What's The Process
CALLBACK FORMAT
•On-campus: Full day 8am–5pm, plan to stay entire day
•Unified: Select specific 10-minute audition time
•Equal consideration whether on-campus or Unified
YOUR TOTAL AUDITION TIME IS 3 MINUTES
•Time your selections before you come
•Remainder includes brief interview and possibly basic dance/technique
WHAT OTTERBEIN IS LOOKING FOR
•"We need students who want to use their acting, singing and dancing skills to tell stories to audiences hungry to hear them."
ATTIRE ADVICE
•NOT a business interview (no suits)
•NOT a picnic/party (no torn jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts with logos)
•NOT a prom (no cocktail/prom dresses)
•Avoid: military boots, long hair across eyes, too much exposed skin, flip-flops, sandals, athletic shoes
CONTACT
•theatre@otterbein.edu
Scholarship Info
•BFA students eligible for university scholarships
•Must apply for university admission for scholarship consideration
•University admission decisions made at same time as BFA offers
Program info updated 2d ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•NAST accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
TRAINING
•Triple-threat training: music theory, keyboard, private voice, extensive dance (jazz, tap, modern, ballet, MT dance)
•Also take courses with BFA Acting majors (diction, dialects, movement, voice for stage, scenework, acting for TV/film, Shakespeare)
•Annual evaluation — must meet professional standards to continue
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Audition for ALL mainstage productions, not just musicals
•Additional opportunities: directing workshops, vocal ensembles
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase produced in NYC for agents and casting directors
•Potential 10-week internship in American professional theatre
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Jordan Donica — Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Camelot (Tony nom for Best Featured Actor)
•Dee Hoty — three-time Tony nominee (The Will Rogers Follies, Footloose, Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public)
•Aaron Ramey — six Broadway shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Bridges of Madison County, The Visit
•Lindsay Nicole Chambers — Broadway's Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Lysistrata Jones
Updated 2d ago
Academic School Information
3.63
Avg GPA
85%
Admit Rate
68%
Grad Rate
2,157
Enrollment
$53,313
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$35,548
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,237
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$12,458
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,659
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,478
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,061
Family Income $110k+$24,620
