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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WisconsinPublicCity
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Program Characteristics

Prescreen Required
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required

Program Highlights

TRIPLE THREAT TRAINING

Combines music, dance and theatre disciplines
Voice, theory, musicianship and piano courses
Ballet, tap, jazz and theatre dance training
Acting, play analysis and theatre production coursework

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Carefully chosen musical productions essential to pre-professional training
Perform in front of audiences from first year through graduation
Large and small music ensemble participation
State-of-the-art Mainstage Theatre

STUDENT LIFE

Performing Arts Living Learning Community
Professional internships with Milwaukee theatre companies
Study abroad opportunities

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
PriorityNov 1, 2025
Rolling

Program App

Deadlines
Fall EnrollmentAug 27, 2025
Spring EnrollmentJan 19, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus InterviewDec 5, 2025
On-Campus InterviewFeb 13, 2026
On-Campus InterviewMar 6, 2026
On-Campus InterviewApr 3, 2026

Prescreen Requirements

Monologues

ONE CONTEMPORARY MONOLOGUE, 1 minute max

Memorized monologue from a contemporary play
Pre-recorded and submitted with application
Songs

TWO CONTRASTING 32-BAR VOCAL EXCERPTS

From standard musical theatre repertoire
Must contrast in style
May sing a cappella, with an accompanist, or to a karaoke backing track
Use a recording with pre-recorded vocals only if you have no alternative
Dance

ONE-MINUTE DANCE SOLO

From musical theatre, ballet, jazz or tap genres
Pre-recorded and submitted with application
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials

STATEMENT OF INTENT (required)

One-page describing why you chose theatre, why UWM, and career goals

RESUME (required)

One-page detailing performance/production or teaching experience and extracurricular activities

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE (required)

Name, title, relationship, email and phone number of reference

MUSIC THEORY PLACEMENT EXAM (optional)

Does not impact audition results
Select option in application if you have music theory experience

PIANO PLACEMENT VIDEO (optional)

For those with prior piano experience
Record one classical piece hands together and two scales (one major, one minor, two octaves)
Upload to YouTube with frame showing entire upper body and both hands

Callback Requirements

Monologues

ONE MONOLOGUE (may be requested)

May be asked to repeat your monologue and take direction from faculty during interview

Good to Know

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Statement of Intent, Resume and Professional Reference required
Optional: Music Theory Placement Exam and Piano Placement Video
Materials must be submitted at least 1 week prior to interview date

APPLICATION DEADLINES

August 27 for Fall enrollment
January 19 for Spring enrollment

VIRTUAL OPTION

Contact theatre-admission@uwm.edu to request a virtual interview

CONTACT

theatre-admission@uwm.edu

What's The Process

TWO-STEP PROCESS

Step 1: Apply and be admitted to UW-Milwaukee
Step 2: Apply to Peck School of the Arts with digital audition and interview

DIGITAL AUDITION (PRESCREEN)

Submit monologue, two vocal excerpts and dance solo
All performances pre-recorded
Record in a studio or gym if possible
Upload to a file sharing site with links and passwords

ON-CAMPUS INTERVIEW

30-minute interview with faculty
May be asked to repeat monologue and take direction
Opportunity to visit classes and meet current students

INTERVIEW DAY SCHEDULE

8:30-9 a.m. — Check-in
9-9:30 a.m. — Theatre Faculty Welcome and Overview
9:30-11:30 a.m. — Individual Interviews
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Q&A with Current Theatre Student

Scholarship Info

DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Priority deadline: March 1
Available to incoming and continuing theatre students
Apply through Peck School of the Arts scholarship process
Program info updated Today

Academic School Information

88%
Admit Rate
50%
Grad Rate
16,762
Enrollment
$54,990
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$10,020
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,020
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$10,860
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,001
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,762
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,773
Family Income $110k+$21,112