Southern Illinois University Carbondale
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
ACCREDITATION
•Dual accreditation: NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre) and NASM (National Association of Schools of Music)
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Small class sizes with focused, individualized instruction
•Equal emphasis on singing, dancing, acting, and movement
•Faculty with extensive professional performance experience
•Barrier jury after third semester ensures continued artistic progress
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Performance opportunities beginning freshman year
•Students must audition for all musicals and plays each semester
•McLeod Theater full productions each fall and spring
•McLeod Summer Playhouse — professional summer company affiliated with the program
•Student showcases, cabarets, and workshop performances
CURRICULUM
•120 credit hours: 27 in music, 34 in theater, 14 in dance
•Courses in audition technique, stage makeup, movement, directing, and musical theater dance
•End-of-semester juried performances
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Fee
$40Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
National Unified Auditions (Chicago, IL)Feb 2, 2026
On-Campus Audition (Carbondale, IL)Feb 16, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
TWO CONTRASTING SONGS, 60-90 sec each (including slate)
•One ballad and one uptempo
•One song written before 1970, one written after 1970
•Must sing with musical accompaniment (live or prerecorded) — no a cappella
•Accompanist provided for in-person auditions
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 60-90 sec (including slate)
•Must be from a published play
•Written after 1900
•Must not be from a musical, television show, or movie
Dance
IMPROMPTU DANCE COMBINATION
•Taught on audition day — no advance preparation required
ATTIRE
•Bring appropriate athleisure or dance attire suitable for choreographic movement
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Two-step process: university application plus specific application to the School of Music via Acceptd
•Submit audition materials via Acceptd
UNIFIED AUDITIONS
•Program participates in National Unified Auditions (Chicago)
ELIGIBILITY
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Three-part audition: singing, acting, and dance
•In-person auditions at Unified Auditions (Chicago) or on campus (Carbondale)
•Video submission available for students unable to attend in person — email Angela Shultz to arrange
CONTACT
•Angela Shultz, Director of BFA in Musical Theater: angela.shultz@siu.edu
Scholarship Info
MERIT & PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Scholarships available through the School of Theater and Dance and School of Music
•Based on audition performance and academic merit
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.23
Avg GPA (W)
90%
Admit Rate
52%
Grad Rate
8,116
Enrollment
$53,390
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,244
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,244
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,177
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$12,928
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,082
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,206
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,819
Family Income $110k+$23,582
