Admission to l MUSICAL THEATRE (undergraduate)

Musical Theatre Program Coordinator:  Prof. Clay James (tel: 973-655-4217)
Admission Requirement:  Audition and Interview

To be considered for the Musical Theatre concentration you must:

1. Submit an online application to Montclair State University.
2. Be an incoming freshman or sophomore.
3. Be invited to attend an audition.(note: The remaining instructions apply to invitees.)  Once the Admission Application to the University is complete with all required materials you will be sent an invitation to register for an audition though e-mail notification
4. Submit the following written materials and application fee at least one week prior to scheduled audition: 

• Completed Musical Theatre Application form (note: separate from the online University application, provided when you are invited to an audition)
• Resume of Experience
• Letter of Intent, providing highlights of previous theater experience and plans for the future
• Photocopy of your high school or college transcript
• Two Letters of Recommendation completed and provided by teachers, director and/or other professionals familiar with your work and potential.  These may be copies of letters you have already submitted to Admissions.(note: Letter should evaluate the applicant's self-discipline, attitude, motivation, creativity, and potential for success in the performing arts.)
• A small recent school photo (or head shot if you have it)
• $30 Audition fee payable by check or money order

Send to:

Clay James
Dept. of Theatre and Dance
Attn: Audition Request

Montclair State University
1 Normal Ave.- 126 Life Hall
Montclair, NJ 07043

Musical Theatre Audition Preparation

    5. Attend the audition

Students applying for Musical Theatre are asked to prepare and participate in the following:

Acting/Vocal Audition

1. Two contrasting songs, (1) a ballad and (2) an up-tempo from the classic American Musical Theatre repertoire, e.g. Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kern, Porter, Gershwin. Each should be no longer than 32 bars that show us your vocal best. It is acceptable to start in the middle of a song if you so choose. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key.
2. Two monologues, one from a realistic contemporary play; the other from a time period of your choosing. Each should be no longer than 90 seconds and offer as much contrast as possible. Choose roles in which you could be cast at this stage of your career and that show you off to your best advantage. Monologues must be memorized. All time limitations will be strictly enforced.
3. For On-site Auditions, the use of pre-recorded music is not allowed.  An accompanist will be provided. 

Theory Placement Test

You will be given a Music Theory test immediately following your acting/vocal audition. This test is strictly for placement purposes and will have no bearing on your acceptance into the program. The placement test is designed to assess your music training and theory/sight reading skills.

Dance Placement Audition

Your dance placement class will last for one hour and will incorporate ballet and jazz technique. Please bring appropriate dance attire to allow freedom of movement, as well as ballet or jazz shoes. If not available, loose fitting attire and sneakers are acceptable. (Jeans and hard sole shoes are not.) If you would like to demonstrate your tap skills, please also bring your tap shoes.