Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person OnlyHighly Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App RequiredMTCP Participant
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
MTCP ParticipantProgram Highlights
PROGRAM
•Second-oldest MT program in the country, founded with a pop/rock focus but covering all genres
•Acceptance rate under 3% — one of the most competitive MT programs nationally
•Class size: ~18 students per year with intensive conservatory training
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•J. Robert Spencer '91 — Tony nominee for Next to Normal, original Broadway casts of Jersey Boys and Next to Normal
•Aaron Galligan-Stierle '02 — Broadway credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime, White Christmas
•Jessie Hooker Bailey '10 — Broadway's Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Legally Blonde
•Nisa Mercado '20 — first national tour of RENT in Concert
OUTCOMES & PRODUCTIONS
•70-90% of seniors graduate with a summer stock or full-year contract
•Two main stage musicals + one black box musical per year
•All students required to audition for productions
Expert Tips
ShenCo has one of the hardest dance calls of the season! Get ready!
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 4, 2025
PriorityJan 15, 2026
RollingAug 1, 2026
Fee
$30Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Application & Prescreen DeadlineDec 4, 2025
Auditions
NYC RegionalJan 24–25, 2026
Chicago RegionalFeb 1–4, 2026
On-CampusFeb 27–28, 2026
Audition Fee
$50
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
•MTCP Song Option C:
-Applicant chooses Option A or B:
-Option A: One pre-1970 + one post-1970 song (contrasting styles)
-Option B: One MT song + one contrasting song (any style)
-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 B:
-Dance/movement video required
-Show your best version of dancing/moving
-No specific technical requirements
-60-90 seconds
Ballet
•MTCP Ballet Option B:
-Ballet video optional
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
•Optional 60-90 second video:
-Special skill, passion speech, instrument
-Original composition, comedy skit, hobby demo
-Non-English performance or additional dance style
-"What do you want us to know about you?"
Additional Materials
SLATE VIDEO
•Record one introduction video stating your name
•Include pronouns if desired
•No need to slate individual performance videos—label files instead
HEADSHOT
•Professional not required—candid or senior photo fine
RESUME
•Artistic resume
Callback Requirements
Songs
TWO SONGS, 60-90 sec each
•At least one must be contemporary MT (1990s or later)
•Selections may be Golden Age, Contemporary MT, or Pop/Rock
•Choose songs that demonstrate your strengths
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Piano available in the room for on-campus and NYC auditions
•Bring accompaniment tracks for regional auditions
•May self-accompany on guitar or other instrument
Monologues
ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 1 min max
•Age-appropriate
•George Bernard Shaw or later
Dance
DANCE COMBINATION
•Combination taught at audition
•Wear dance/workout attire
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT
•Bring standard 8" x 10" headshot
RESUME
•Bring resume
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Choose EITHER Common Application OR Shenandoah Application—do NOT submit both
•Must apply to Shenandoah at least 2 days before uploading prescreen
•Submit prescreen via Shenandoah Application Portal
•$50 audition fee required with prescreen submission
MTCP
•Program follows Musical Theater Common Prescreen guidelines
•Songs: Option C | Monologue: Option A | Dance: Option B | Ballet: Option B
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit through Shenandoah Application Portal
•Window: September 15 – December 4
•Must apply to Shenandoah at least 2 days before uploading prescreen
•Results on rolling basis
LIVE AUDITION
•Invitation only after passing prescreen
•Registration opens after November 15
•On-campus, or regional in NYC or Chicago (limited slots)
•NO virtual final auditions accepted—must attend in person
Scholarship Info
•Conservatory Award based on audition talent
Program info updated 4d ago
PROGRAM
•Second-oldest MT program in the country, founded with a pop/rock focus but covering all genres
•Acceptance rate under 3% — one of the most competitive MT programs nationally
•Class size: ~18 students per year with intensive conservatory training
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•J. Robert Spencer '91 — Tony nominee for Next to Normal, original Broadway casts of Jersey Boys and Next to Normal
•Aaron Galligan-Stierle '02 — Broadway credits include The Phantom of the Opera, Ragtime, White Christmas
•Jessie Hooker Bailey '10 — Broadway's Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Legally Blonde
•Nisa Mercado '20 — first national tour of RENT in Concert
OUTCOMES & PRODUCTIONS
•70-90% of seniors graduate with a summer stock or full-year contract
•Two main stage musicals + one black box musical per year
•All students required to audition for productions
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.73
Avg GPA (W)
77%
Admit Rate
69%
Grad Rate
2,116
Enrollment
$58,433
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$36,950
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,298
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$24,356
Family Income $30k - $48k$26,715
Family Income $48k - $75k$26,635
Family Income $75k - $110k$30,332
Family Income $110k+$33,591
