Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredScholarship InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Scholarship Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
INTEGRATED 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 OPPORTUNITIES
•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
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
•Focus on preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre
•Students gain diverse performance approaches and industry-ready skills
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
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Domestic Fee
$25Waiver
International Fee
$50
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Scholarship Audition DeadlineMar 29, 2026
Auditions
Audition/Interview Day 1 (On-Campus)Dec 6, 2025
Audition/Interview Day 2 (On-Campus)Feb 21, 2026
Audition/Interview Day 3 (On-Campus)Feb 28, 2026
Audition/Interview Day 4 (On-Campus)Mar 21, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
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
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
DANCE AUDITION
•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
Good to Know
DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATION
•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
•Upload a RESUME with past theatre work
•Upload a short essay on background, theatrical interests, and why you want to study in the department
REGIONAL AUDITIONS
•Florida Thespian Festival
•South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC)
•Tennessee Thespian Festival
•Must register separately with each event organization
IMPORTANT
•Musical Theatre auditions ONLY offered on the four scheduled audition dates — not available on other days
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•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 29, 2026 for scholarship consideration
•Space in the program is limited — admission based on potential for development
AUDITION DAY
•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 29, 2026 for scholarship consideration
•Scholarship decisions generally made during first week of April
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
INTEGRATED 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 OPPORTUNITIES
•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
PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
•Focus on preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre
•Students gain diverse performance approaches and industry-ready skills
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
Updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
Academic School Information
3.62
Avg GPA (W)
72%
Admit Rate
50%
Grad Rate
12,701
Enrollment
$48,458
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,728
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$15,384
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$12,397
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$10,607
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,968
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,923
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,384
Family Income $110k+$18,691
