Ouachita Baptist University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of only two BFA Musical Theatre programs in Arkansas
•Housed in the Department of Theatre Arts within the School of Performing Arts
•NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre) accredited
•MTCP (Musical Theater Common Prescreen) participant
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Cast in productions starting freshman year — no waiting for upper-level roles
•Musicals staged in Jones Performing Arts Center (JPAC)
•Smaller productions in Verser Theatre
•Training in acting, dance (ballet, jazz, modern, tap), and music
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Jacob Keith Watson — Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera, Amelie, Hello Dolly!, Carousel
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•NYC Audition Intensive study trip
•Internships in Chicago and Disney College Program
•Touring opportunities in Italy
•Study abroad programs curated for performing arts
•Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (Region VI)
•NATS (National Association of Teachers in Singing) Competitions
Key Info
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
ONE DANCE VIDEO, 30-60 sec
•Any discipline you are most comfortable with: jazz, ballet, modern, African, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary
•No barre (ballet solo is acceptable)
•No tap (showcase tap as part of wildcard instead)
PERFORMANCE
•Choreography should be story-driven and connected to the music
•Can be self-choreographed but must be a solo video of you
•May include a show, competition, or other performance if you are clearly featured alone
•Must be performed to music — no a cappella dance
FRAMING
•Full body shot — keep entire body in frame at all times
•No slate required
•Tip: Keep a full-length mirror behind the filming device to check framing
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
WILDCARD (OPTIONAL)
•Up to 60 seconds of anything you want
•Can be a special skill, interesting story, passion speech, instrument you play, etc.
•Prompt: "What do you want us to know about you?" and "What makes you unique?"
•No slate required
Additional Materials
VIDEO SUBMISSION
•Submit all videos via student application portal at admissions.obu.edu
•Access included as part of university application process
Good to Know
MTCP
•Program participates in Musical Theater Common Prescreen
•Accepts ONLY Option A for songs, monologues, and dance
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Rolling admissions — no application deadline
•Free university application
•Complete audition early for highest scholarship consideration
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment
•Audition required for admittance — not just scholarships
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•On-campus audition or online video submission
•Videos submitted via student application portal
•Students who submit video auditions may be asked to audition in person
ON-CAMPUS AUDITIONS
•Register at obu.edu/audition to schedule audition time
•Pianist provided for on-campus auditions — bring copy of sheet music
•Practice rooms available for rehearsal prior to audition
•Check in at School of Performing Arts office (Mabee 107)
VIDEO SUBMISSIONS
•Accompaniment tracks by staff pianists available upon request
•Contact: Dr. Ian Aipperspach, Music Auditions Coordinator
-870-245-5134 | aipperspachi@obu.edu
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•Audition is for both admittance and scholarship consideration
•Potential admittance and scholarships based on faculty recommendation
•Complete audition early in the academic year for highest scholarship awards
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.80
Avg GPA (W)
68%
Admit Rate
66%
Grad Rate
1,602
Enrollment
$51,673
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$34,500
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$22,409
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$15,207
Family Income $30k - $48k$15,954
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,007
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,151
Family Income $110k+$26,281
