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University of Memphis

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BFA Theatre

Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Intensive studies in dance (ballet, tap, musical theatre styles), theatre (acting, history, technical production), and music (voice, piano, theory)

Training in career strategies and audition techniques

Curriculum develops ability to synthesize music, dance, and acting simultaneously

Performance & Productions

Dynamic performance opportunities in four campus performance spaces

Part of the College of Communication and Fine Arts alongside the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Approximately 70% of coursework in major area with 30% in liberal arts

Notable Alumni

Michael Jeter — Tony Award winner for Grand Hotel (1990), the signature musical theatre achievement from a Memphis State graduate

Daniel Mueller — IBDB-credited video designer for Les Misérables on Broadway and in Toronto

Professional Development

Focus on preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre

Students gain diverse performance approaches and industry-ready skills

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.62

Admit rate

72%

school-wide

Grad rate

51%

Enrollment

12.7K

Earnings

$48K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$11,256

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$15,960

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,536

Before aid

Average net price

$12,397

After aid

Coa · memphis.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 4, 12:12 AM

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive studies in dance (ballet, tap, musical theatre styles), theatre (acting, history, technical production), and music (voice, piano, theory)

Training in career strategies and audition techniques

Curriculum develops ability to synthesize music, dance, and acting simultaneously

Performance & Productions

Dynamic performance opportunities in four campus performance spaces

Part of the College of Communication and Fine Arts alongside the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Approximately 70% of coursework in major area with 30% in liberal arts

Notable Alumni

Michael Jeter — Tony Award winner for Grand Hotel (1990), the signature musical theatre achievement from a Memphis State graduate

Daniel Mueller — IBDB-credited video designer for Les Misérables on Broadway and in Toronto

Professional Development

Focus on preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre

Students gain diverse performance approaches and industry-ready skills

Program Highlights

Training

Intensive studies in dance (ballet, tap, musical theatre styles), theatre (acting, history, technical production), and music (voice, piano, theory)

Training in career strategies and audition techniques

Curriculum develops ability to synthesize music, dance, and acting simultaneously

Performance & Productions

Dynamic performance opportunities in four campus performance spaces

Part of the College of Communication and Fine Arts alongside the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Approximately 70% of coursework in major area with 30% in liberal arts

Notable Alumni

Michael Jeter — Tony Award winner for Grand Hotel (1990), the signature musical theatre achievement from a Memphis State graduate

Daniel Mueller — IBDB-credited video designer for Les Misérables on Broadway and in Toronto

Professional Development

Focus on preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre

Students gain diverse performance approaches and industry-ready skills

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fees

Domestic Fee

$25

International Fee

$50

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Deadline

Fall scholarship applicants: University application strongly encouraged by this dateNov 1, 2026

Fall scholarship priority deadline (applicant must be admitted)Dec 1, 2026

Fall domestic university application deadlineJul 1, 2027

Fall domestic university file-completion deadlineAug 1, 2027

Theatre · memphis.edu Deadlines · memphis.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Deadline

Final Audition Deadline (Admission & Scholarship)Mar 27, 2027

Auditions

Fall Audition Day (On-Campus)

Dec 5, 2026Feb 20, 2027Mar 27, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded electronic audition scholarship deadlineMar 27, 2027

Index · memphis.edu Mtapplication · memphis.edu

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Songs

Requirements

One Song from Standard Musical Theatre REPERTOIRE, 32-64 bars

Must be memorized and performed in the context of the entire show

Accompaniment

Accompanist provided on campus

You may bring your own accompanist

No recorded accompaniment permitted

No a cappella singing permitted

You may be asked to do short pitch-matching exercises

Preparation

Music should be in a binder or taped without page turns

If using a transposition, ensure melody, lyrics, and accompaniment are correctly printed in the new key

Choose songs that fit comfortably within your range

Make the situation as honest and specific as possible

Additional Songs

Additional songs may be seen at the discretion of the faculty

Monologues

Requirements

One Monologue from a play, 2 min max

Must be memorized and performed in the context of the entire play

Emphasis is on simple reality

Material Selection

Choose monologues appropriate for your age and experience

Select from published plays — avoid monologue books

Avoid historic styles such as Shakespeare, verse, or poetry

Avoid dialects

Use good judgment — avoid pieces with inappropriate language or situations

Be prepared to discuss the play as a whole

Additional monologues may be seen at the discretion of the faculty

Dance

Requirements

Short dance class followed by a musical theatre combination

Combination taught and performed for faculty in small groups

Preparation

Prior dance training or dancing in productions is helpful but not required

Equal emphasis on the class section and the combination performance

Students who seem readily trainable in movement will be most successful

Additional Materials

Resume (Required)

Include any past work in theatre

Essay (Required)

Short essay on general background, theatrical interests and hopes, and interest in studying at UofM Theatre and Dance

Recommendation

At least one reference who will submit a recommendation on your behalf

Sheet Music (Required)

Bring copies for provided accompanist

Mtapplication · memphis.edu

Good to Know

Important Notes

University application opens September 1

Supplemental application link sent after university admission

Application due no later than one week before chosen audition date

Must provide biographical information, academic background (GPA and test scores), and one reference

Musical Theatre auditions only offered on the three scheduled audition dates — not available on other days

The department's central admissions page lists Fall 2027 audition dates, but the linked Musical Theatre application page still publishes Fall 2026 audition requirements and older deadline language

Musical Theatre requirements remain verified for Fall 2026 until the department publishes Fall 2027-specific requirements

What's The Process

Audition Process

South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC)

Tennessee Thespian Festival

Must register separately with each event organization

Audition Expectations

Comprehensive audition evaluating singing, acting, and dance

In-person auditions required for students within 150 miles of Memphis

Students unable to travel receive instructions for electronic audition after submitting departmental application

Auditions must be received by March 27, 2027 for scholarship consideration

Space in the program is limited — admission based on potential for development

Group dance class

Monologue presentation

Song presentation

Tour of department facilities

Decisions

Application status notification approximately two weeks after audition

Scholarship decisions generally made during first week of April

Scholarship Info

Automatic Consideration

All applicants automatically considered for scholarships through audition/interview

Must complete audition/interview by March 27, 2027 for scholarship consideration

Scholarship decisions generally made during first week of April

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.62

Admit rate

72%

school-wide

Grad rate

51%

Enrollment

12.7K

Earnings

$48K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$11,256

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$15,960

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,536

Before aid

Average net price

$12,397

After aid

Coa · memphis.edu College Scorecard

Training

Intensive studies in dance (ballet, tap, musical theatre styles), theatre (acting, history, technical production), and music (voice, piano, theory)

Training in career strategies and audition techniques

Curriculum develops ability to synthesize music, dance, and acting simultaneously

Performance & Productions

Dynamic performance opportunities in four campus performance spaces

Part of the College of Communication and Fine Arts alongside the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

Approximately 70% of coursework in major area with 30% in liberal arts

Notable Alumni

Michael Jeter — Tony Award winner for Grand Hotel (1990), the signature musical theatre achievement from a Memphis State graduate

Daniel Mueller — IBDB-credited video designer for Les Misérables on Broadway and in Toronto

Professional Development

Focus on preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre

Students gain diverse performance approaches and industry-ready skills

Updated Sep 4, 12:12 AM

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