University of Michigan
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUltra-Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
Ultra-Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the most prestigious musical theatre programs in the nation — known as the "Michigan Mafia" on Broadway
•Part of renowned SMTD with ~1,150 total students and ~150 faculty
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•124 credits minimum (75% SMTD, 25% liberal arts)
•Training: acting, dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, MT styles), theatre history, technical theatre
•4-5 mainstage productions annually
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase in Ann Arbor and NYC for agents and casting directors
•~84 students total in program
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Gavin Creel — Tony winner (Hello, Dolly!)
•Ashley Park (BFA '13) — Broadway (The King and I, Mean Girls), star of Emily in Paris
•Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (BFA '06) — EGOT-winning songwriters (Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman, La La Land)
•Celia Keenan-Bolger (BFA '00) — Tony winner (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
SMTD Application DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$75Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early OptionOct 15, 2025
DeadlineDec 1, 2025
PrescreenDec 1, 2025
Auditions
Ann Arbor (In Person)Jan 16, 2026
Ann Arbor (In Person)Jan 23, 2026
Ann Arbor (In Person)Jan 30, 2026
Chicago Auditions (In Person)Feb 1–3, 2026
Artistic Profile Fee
$45Waiver
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
TWO MUSICAL THEATRE SONGS, max 90 sec each
•One pre-1970, one post-1970
•Contrasting styles: fast/slow, dramatic/comedic, head voice/belt
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Songs must be sung to music — live accompaniment, piano track, or karaoke track
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Choose songs that communicate a specific situation with a clear objective
•Make your situation as honest and specific as possible
•Select material appropriate for your age and experience
•Choose songs that fit comfortably within your range
•Transposing is welcome as needed
•Focus on musicality and storytelling — no need for loudest or highest note
PERFORMANCE
•No chair or props in your vocal audition
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUES, max 90 sec each
•Post-1800s from professional writer
•Sources include published plays, books of monologues, movies, spoken word
•Memorized
MATERIAL SELECTION
•Choose material appropriate for your age and experience
•Contemporary works in a realistic style work best
•Avoid material with inappropriate language or situations
•Avoid dialects
Dance
MOVEMENT/DANCE VIDEO (30-60 sec)
•Full body must be in view at all times
OPTIONS
•A clip from a musical/dance performance you participated in, OR
•Original choreography in any style (ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, MT), OR
•Demonstrate: pliés, tendus, grand battements, pirouettes (side view)
OPTIONAL
•Ballet technique video (upload as separate file)
NOTE
•Video should reflect whether you are a "singer/actor who moves" or a "competitive dancer who sings"
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
•Optional 60-90 second video to share something about yourself not shown through other application materials
•No rules beyond the time limit — have fun with it!
Additional Materials
resume
•Upload PDF including training and experience in music, theatre, and dance
•Include academic honors, work experience, and community service
PHOTOGRAPH
•Upload a recent photo — professional headshot, graduation portrait, or smartphone photo accepted
PERSONAL STATEMENT (choose one)
•Upload one of your supplementary U-M essays from Common App, OR
•Write a 200-500 word essay from the provided prompts
SLATE VIDEO
•Record one introduction video stating your name and, if you wish, your pronouns
VIDEO RESPONSE (60-90 sec)
•Choose one of the following prompts:
1. Discuss a musical theatre character you find difficult to relate to and how you would approach it with truthfulness and empathy
2. Tell us about three musical theatre songs for the soundtrack of your life so far and the significance of each
3. Tell us about performance feedback that was difficult to hear, how you responded, and how it changed you
Callback Requirements
Songs
TWO MUSICAL THEATRE SONGS, 90 sec each
•Same guidelines as prescreen — one pre-1970, one post-1970, contrasting styles
•You may perform the same songs as prescreen or choose new ones
•Have 2-3 additional performance-ready musical theatre or pop/rock songs available
•You will sing both cuts in the order you choose
ACCOMPANIMENT
•Faculty accompanist provided for in-person auditions
SHEET MUSIC PREPARATION
•Music should be in a binder with minimal page turns
•Write song title at top of first page
•Clearly mark introduction and any internal cuts
•Do not use page protectors (causes glare)
Monologues
ONE MONOLOGUE
•Same guidelines as prescreen
•You may perform one of your prescreen monologues or choose a new one
Dance
IN-PERSON
•Group dance call with 20-40 applicants, approximately 1 hour
•Includes warmup, ballet portion, and jazz/MT combination
•Faculty and students provide detailed instruction
•No prior dance experience necessary
ONLINE
•Instructional video with short ballet and jazz/MT combination sent by mid-January
•Film and submit by provided due date
•No prior dance experience necessary
ATTIRE
•Wear shoes you can dance in and clothes you can move in
Additional Materials
•Bring two (2) copies of headshot and artistic resume for in-person auditions
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply via Common App + SMTD Artistic Profile
•Submit all prescreen materials via Artistic Profile (NOT Acceptd or other platforms)
EARLY OPTION
•Submit Common App and Artistic Profile by October 15 for prescreen/academic results by November 15
•This is NOT Early Action — do not mark "Early Action" on Common App unless applying for dual degree with non-SMTD unit
IMPORTANT NOTES
•SMTD does NOT participate in Early Action/Early Decision
•Later submissions through December 1 receive decisions by end of December
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Early Option: submit by October 15 for prescreen/academic results by November 15
•Later submissions through December 1 receive decisions by end of December
•All materials submitted via SMTD Artistic Profile — NOT Acceptd or other platforms
LIVE AUDITION
•In-person auditions in Ann Arbor and Chicago
•Virtual/Zoom auditions available upon request — equal consideration given
•On-campus audition days include faculty/student meetings and interactive workshop
•Contact smtd.auditions@umich.edu to schedule online audition
PROGRAM STATS
•Admits 22-24 students per year from approximately 1,500 applicants
Scholarship Info
•All auditionees/applicants considered for SMTD merit-based scholarships
•Scholarship decisions sent by early April
•Financial need-based aid also available — explore grants, Work-Study, and loans
•December 1 deadline required for merit-based award consideration
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:18 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the most prestigious musical theatre programs in the nation — known as the "Michigan Mafia" on Broadway
•Part of renowned SMTD with ~1,150 total students and ~150 faculty
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•124 credits minimum (75% SMTD, 25% liberal arts)
•Training: acting, dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, MT styles), theatre history, technical theatre
•4-5 mainstage productions annually
CAREER PREPARATION
•Senior Showcase in Ann Arbor and NYC for agents and casting directors
•~84 students total in program
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Gavin Creel — Tony winner (Hello, Dolly!)
•Ashley Park (BFA '13) — Broadway (The King and I, Mean Girls), star of Emily in Paris
•Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (BFA '06) — EGOT-winning songwriters (Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman, La La Land)
•Celia Keenan-Bolger (BFA '00) — Tony winner (To Kill a Mockingbird)
Updated Mar 27, 2:18 AM
Academic School Information
3.90
Avg GPA
16%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
34,177
Enrollment
$83,648
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$17,736
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,946
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,138
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$1,043
Family Income $30k - $48k$1,878
Family Income $48k - $75k$4,895
Family Income $75k - $110k$10,869
Family Income $110k+$26,517
