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Rockford University

Rockford, IL

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Training

Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

Required to audition for every main-stage production

Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

Optional semester at Regent's University in London

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.25

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

972

Earnings

$55K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$40,370

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$60,160

Before aid

Average net price

$22,436

After aid

Undergraduate · rockford.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 5, 2:13 AM

Program Highlights

Training

Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

Required to audition for every main-stage production

Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

Optional semester at Regent's University in London

Program Highlights

Training

Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

Required to audition for every main-stage production

Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

Optional semester at Regent's University in London

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On-Campus / Virtual Audition

Oct 2, 2026Nov 20, 2026Feb 19, 2027Mar 26, 2027Apr 23, 2027

Chicago Unified AuditionsFeb 2, 2027

Audition · rockford.edu

Audition Requirements

Songs

Two Contrasting Songs

32 bars (1 minute) each maximum

Have sheet music clearly marked for the accompanist (in-person)

For virtual auditions, have accompaniment track ready — no a cappella

Monologues

Two Contrasting Monologues, Combined Not to Exceed 2.5 Min

Two contrasting monologues

Combined time should not exceed 2 1/2 minutes

Dance

In-Person Dance Audition

Bring a change of clothes that you can move in

Jazz shoes preferred

Virtual Dance Video

Share a 1-3 minute dance video in advance of virtual audition

Genre of your choice (jazz, tap, musical theater, ballet, etc.)

Can be movement from a past show or a self-choreographed solo

Additional Materials

Resume (Required)

Submit a performing arts resume

Letter of Recommendation (Required)

One letter of recommendation

Sheet Music (Required for in-Person)

Bring sheet music clearly marked for the accompanist

Audition · rockford.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Admission by audition only — must coincide with university acceptance

Transfer students welcome

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Three parts: singing, monologues, and dance

Followed by a short interview with faculty

Decision typically communicated within 10-14 days

Campus tour begins at 11 AM

Lunch with students and faculty at noon

Audition begins at 1:00 PM

School-provided accompanist available

Audition times between 10 AM - 12 PM (Central)

Dance video must be shared in advance of virtual audition

Use recorded accompaniment — no a cappella

Student-hosted "Green Room" available for Q&A

Contact

Timm Adams — TAdams@rockford.edu

Scholarship Info

Performing Arts Scholarship

$64,000 - $80,000 over four years, based on talent and potential

Amount depends on GPA and ACT/SAT score

Replaces Academic Scholarship if PA Scholarship is higher

Scholarships awarded in July, November, and March

Competitive Scholarships

Colman Scholarship — full tuition for all four years

Trustee Scholarship — 75% of tuition for all four years

Outside scholarships accepted without reducing RU scholarships

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.25

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

47%

Enrollment

972

Earnings

$55K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$40,370

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$60,160

Before aid

Average net price

$22,436

After aid

Undergraduate · rockford.edu College Scorecard

Training

Integrated studies in music, dance, and theatre

Required to audition for every main-stage production

Encouraged to audition for Three-Penny and Artists' Ensemble Theatre productions

Annual season includes two musicals, two plays, student-directed productions, and Artists' Ensemble shows

Professional Development

Artists' Ensemble Theatre — professional Equity company in residence

Frequent trips to professional productions in Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee

Graduates pursue professional performance careers in Chicago and New York

Attend leading graduate programs nationwide

Study Abroad

Optional semester at Regent's University in London

Updated Aug 5, 2:13 AM

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