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 AND UNIFIEDS ( NY, CHICAGO AND LA)
• 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 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

At Montclair State our goal is to create an audition process that is clear and accessible to every student interested in our program. What’s most important is that you feel good about the work you are presenting. Ideally, your videos allow us to see and hear you clearly so your individuality and unique talents shine through your submission. Below you will find some suggestions for crafting your prescreen video. However, invest your time and effort in the work itself rather than external factors like the perfect background or expensive lighting. We are much more interested in YOU and the spark that makes you special. Thank you for your interest in Montclair State Musical Theatre and break-a-leg.

PRESCREEN SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Montclair State University is a participant in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen.

The Common Prescreen criteria offers excellent detailed guidelines to help you look and sound your best. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these resources which have been thoughtfully and intentionally crafted by the expertise of multiple programs nationwide.

Please be sure to visit the Resources and FAQ section of the GetAcceptd MTCP website!

Prescreen videos are required for on campus and Unified Auditions (NYC, Chicago, LA). All prescreen videos should be submitted as an accessible YouTube or Vimeo link.

General Information and Tips

• Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
• Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.)
• Solid-colored walls are ideal, but any background that does not steal the focus from your performance is desired.
• Take care that your space allows for adequate lighting. Having a lamp or window directly behind you will cast a shadow over your face. Keep the lighting source behind your recording device or to the side of you so that your face is lit.
• When using pre-recorded music, place the music source (the speaker) closer to you than it is to the device on which you are recording. By having the accompaniment near you, your voice and music will reach the microphone on your device in a more balanced manner.
• Before filming, do a trial run to test both your audio & visual presentation. Watch your video back to ensure everything looks AND sounds okay.
• Ensure the camera portion of your device is at eye level (see example). You can use a tripod built for a smartphone or tablet. If you do not have a tripod, consider using a stack of books on a desk or box. Filming in “landscape” (horizontally) is recommended.

Prescreen Introduction “SLATE” Video

• Record one introduction “slate” video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera. This is an opportunity for the auditors to get a sense of your personality and to learn the pronunciation of your name.
• There is no need to slate your individual performance videos & pieces. Instead, clearly label each video with your name and the title of the piece you are performing (see more details below).
• This slate video should be no longer than 10 seconds.

Song Requirements

(Common Prescreen Option B)

• One musical theatre song from any time period.
• One song of your choice from any time period and in any style that best suits you (musical theatre, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.

Monologue Requirements

(Common Prescreen Option A)

• One monologue from a published play or written by a professional writer. (A professional writer is someone whose plays have been produced, but may not have been professionally published.)

Dance Requirements

(Common Prescreen Option B)

• Show us your best version of dancing or moving.
• No ballet or tap submissions are required. However, if either of these are a specialty for you please consider showcasing that in your optional wild card video

Optional Wild Card Video

Think about the wild card section as an opportunity to show your personality or share something about you. This media can be ANYTHING you want – a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passionate speech, an instrument you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?”

Below is a list of ideas that have been successful in the past:

• Singing or playing an original composition/song/poem or choreographed dance.
• Performing your own Saturday Night Live-styled skit where you create a comedic character
• Sharing a hobby or activity that means something to you
• Performing in a language other than English in which you are fluent
• Playing an instrument
• Making a “how-to” video on something you are good at, baking, calligraphy, gymnastics.
• If you are a dancer and want to show us a different style you excel in: Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, etc.

 

Refer to  Department Admission – Prospective Student Appointment Calendar