The B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, our largest undergraduate program, shapes our students into complete performers as singers, actors, and dancers. Graduates go on to perform in regional theatres, on and off Broadway, and with regional and national touring companies.

Applicants should bring with them to an in-person audition (or upload, if submitting a video audition) a photo and resume of musical/dramatic experience.  The should also prepare the following 10-minute voice, acting, and dance audition:

• Voice: Two songs from musicals. The songs must be in contrasting styles (ballad, up-tempo); one must be from a musical written before 1960; each should be of a two-minute maximum duration; each must be memorized. For in-person auditions, please bring copies of your music: an accompanist will be provided.
• Acting: Two one-minute, contemporary monologues; one dramatic and one comedic. Choice must be appropriate to the candidate’s age and experience; must be memorized; should be performed in the context of the play, which the candidate must be able to discuss.
• Dance: All applicants participate in a dance audition. The audition is used to assess dance class placement as well as potential. Please wear appropriate dance attire and shoes (jazz or character; tap shoes if you tap). Prior dance training, while desirable, is not a requirement for acceptance to the musical theatre program. 
  
  Candidates submitting video auditions should include a one-minute dance routine.

The B.F.A. in Acting for Theatre, Film, and Television is a degree for the 21st century. It operates with the understanding that actors, to make their living, need to be working across genres. Our graduating actors will be comfortable in all the media of their craft and gain the skills to start professional life immediately upon graduation.

This degree program provides the specificity and studio experience of conservatory training, enriched with the broad knowledge gained from a celebrated liberal arts program. Each semester, B.F.A. candidates take progressive classes in acting, movement, and voice while simultaneously experiencing the richness of the humanities. Our objective is to provide prospective actors with a deep understanding of their art and train the future working artists and theatre visionaries of America.

We hold auditions so that we may assess the seriousness of purpose of the applicants and ensure that the specificity and commitment of the B.F.A. degree is right for you. We are looking for actors who display joy in the craft, collaborative energy, preparedness, and an eagerness to learn. The successful applicant will engage in intensive four-year collaborative relationships with the professors of the department and we want to get to know you better.

For this particular degree, we also ask for a one to two-page Statement of Purpose from applicants. We wish to know more about your passion, drive and ambitions in the field. What is it within the craft of acting that brings you joy? What is it about collaborating with other actors or directors that inspires you? On completion of the degree, what are your goals and to what do you aspire? Why is this degree right for you?

The B.A. in Drama incorporates academic rigor with practical training in all aspects of the theatre with a strong foundation in the liberal arts. Students study acting, design, playwriting, and directing, and take part in top-notch theatrical productions. Our hybrid approach is what differentiates us from specialized conservatory training and the goal is to nurture freedom of expression and the individual creativity of the student. By addressing imagination, intellect, faith, and strength of will, the department strives to train skilled theatre artists who are conversant in all aspects of theatre and well-rounded in their craft.

The B.A. in Drama does not require an audition: prospective students should simply apply directly to the university and do not need to complete any additional steps in the Acceptd portal.