Admission to BFA Musical Theatre

To be considered for admission to the BFA Musical Theatre program, students must first submit an online application to Montclair State University, then follow the guidelines below:

Applicants should be an incoming freshman or sophomore.

The University application will request the documents below.

• $65 University Application fee
•  Audition submission (if applicable)
• Transcripts
• Essay response: Please discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair State. Be sure to include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals.
• Resume of Performance Experience
• Headshot or 8×10 Color Photo
• Two Letters of Recommendation.  One must come from a teacher, director and/or other theater professional who can speak to your potential as a Musical Theatre major. Letter should evaluate your self-discipline, attitude, motivation, creativity and potential for success in the performing arts.
• $65 Musical Theatre Audition fee (required for all pre screen, Unified and on campus auditions)
• Pre-screen Video (See details under Pre-Screen Audition Preparation) – FOR ON CAMPUS AUDITIONS (In person and virtual) ONLY
• After completing your University Application, please check your email for instructions on accessing your application portal.  Any additional required materials may be submitted there. 
• Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

You will not receive information regarding the outcome of your application if your submission materials are incomplete or you have not paid the audition fee. If an applicant is not accepted based on the pre-screen, they will receive an email letting them know and will not proceed with the full audition on campus or by Zoom.

• • Partner Organization audition alternative
    • Applicants submitting an audition who instead choose to participate in an audition conducted by a Partner Organization must register online for their preferred event.
      • • Partner Organizations include National Unified auditions, Moonifieds, CAP and Pittsburgh Unifieds. – NO PRE SCREENS REQUIRED FOR THESE AUDITIONS
        • Applicants must complete and submit an online application to Montclair State University before scheduling an audition through one of our Partner Organizations.
        • Participating Partner Organization events and dates are displayed on the Department Admission – Prospective Student Appointment Calendar
• ON CAMPUS AUDITION COVID GUIDELINES •Only the auditioning student should enter Life Hall. Accompanying parents or friends should plan to wait elsewhere or drop off and pick up•Completing Hawk Check prior to your visit is necessary for everyone who will be entering campus•Masks are to be worn on campus, in auditions (unless otherwise stated)•Vaccination Cards & Hawk Check clearance email will need to be presented at your scheduled audition date.
• Here is a link to MSU’s Policies and Protocols regarding COVID-19
  https://www.montclair.edu/redhawk-restart/covid-precautions-for-campus-events/

For students auditioning for the BFA Musical Theatre Program all audition requirements must be demonstrated by following the Musical Theater Common Prescreen guidelines listed below: PRE SCREEN VIDEOS ARE FOR ON CAMPUS AUDITIONS (In person and virtual) ONLY

The digital audition submission will consist of three segments: Vocal audition, monologue, and dance placement audition.

Each segment should be filmed/uploaded to your University application as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.

There should not be a separate “slate” video. Instead, slates are to appear at the beginning of each segment.  The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and show in which it appears.  The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

• IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL AUDITIONS ON CAMPUS
• PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS 

FOLLOW THE SAME FORMAT AS PRE SCREENS FOR AUDITION

Vocal Audition:

Students should provide two contrasting songs:

• One song should be a ballad and one song should be an uptempo.
• Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
• Students must sing to live or recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing.
• Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.

• One song should be written prior to 1970. This song can be either the uptempo or the ballad (student’s choice).
• One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.

Monologue:

Students should provide one 60 to 90 second contemporary monologue:

• Monologue must be from a published 20th or 21st century play.
• The contemporary monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.

Dance Placement Audition:

• All dance media should be filmed in a “full body” shot, keeping the student’s entire body in the frame at all times.
• Applicants do not need to slate in any dance media.
• Regardless of which style of dance presented, the choreography and the movement should be story-driven and connected to the music so that the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
• HELPFUL HINT: Applicants are encouraged to keep a full-length mirror behind the filming device so as to see themselves as they execute choreography.

DANCE OPTION

30-60 seconds of dance, in whatever dance discipline you are most comfortable with: jazz, ballet, modern, African, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary.

No tap. For applicants that tap, consider showcasing that skill as part of your wild card submission.

Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well.

Dance media can be self-choreographed, but must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance in which you are clearly featured.

All choreography must be performed to music; no “a cappella” dance media please.

BALLET OPTION

Ballet Media should be no more than 30 seconds.

Execute a brief series of plié, tendu and grand battement; and also pirouette en déhors (to both sides), and grand jeté across the floor.

WILDCARD – OPTIONAL

This media can be ANYTHING you want: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”.  Wildcard submissions should be no longer than 60 seconds.

DANCE CALLS FOR ON CAMPUS AND PARTNER ORGANIZATION AUDITIONS

WILL BE TAUGHT ON SITE

Learn more about the Musical Theater Common Prescreen