Department of Theatre and Dance

Undergraduate Audition Requirements

BFA Musical Theatre

Step 1: Prescrees (First Audition)

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, virtual and Unified Auditions (NYC, Chicago, LA). All prescreen videos should be submitted as an “unlisted” YouTube or an accessible Vimeo link (we will not accept google drive links).

Please note, even though Montclair State follows the Common Prescreen set forth by Acceptd, you must upload your prescreen videos when you choose an audition day through Montclair State University’s Admissions Portal, not through Acceptd.

You must pay the $65 audition fee in order to receive your prescreen results

The live audition is by invitation only after faculty review. Upon selection to a live audition (in person or virtual) please follow the guidelines below:

Step 2: You must first submit an online application to Montclair State University 

Applicants should be an incoming freshman or sophomore

The University application will request the documents below

  • $65 University Application fee
  • $65 Audition Fee
  • 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.
  • After completing your University Application, please check your email for instructions on accessing your application portal.  Any additional required materials may be submitted there. 
  • 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.

Step 3: Live Audition

On Campus:

    1. Vocal / Acting Portion
      • Two songs* cut to approximately 60 seconds each. Sing what you love and the music that speaks to you. Your song choices give us insight into who you are and the music that makes you shine. Ideally, choose at least one musical theatre song that demonstrates your skill with the form. A contrasting up-tempo with a ballad is preferred but there is no genre requirement.
      • One 60 second contemporary monologue from a published play.*Please note that we will initially hear one song and one monologue and if we need to see more material, we may ask you to sing your second song.
    2. Dance Portion
      • The dance placement class will last for one hour. Clothing for class should be movement, athletic, or dance wear that allows for full range of movement. Ideally, something that is light, comfortable, form fitting, and allows for flexibility. Please wear the dance shoes in which you are most comfortable. Jazz or character shoes are preferred but sneakers are also acceptable.

Please bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume with you.

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Your application to the University should be completed and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions should be in receipt of all your required materials (such as application and audition fees, transcripts, and other items) before your audition. If your application is not complete, you will not receive the outcome of your audition. You can check the status of your application anytime at apply.montclair.edu/portal/admissions.

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Partner Organizations (Pittsburgh Unifieds / Moonifieds / NY, Chicago, LA Unifieds):

Applicants who choose to audition through a Partner Organization must register online with BOTH the partner organization AND Montclair State University’s Admissions Portal.

Applicants must complete and submit an online application to Montclair State University before scheduling an audition through one of our Partner Organizations.

Please note, no pre-screen required for Pittsburgh Unifieds 

Please reach out to mtauditions@montclair.edu for any questions or concerns