Musical Theatre

Our Minor in Musical Theatre provides an opportunity to major in another area of study while developing your musical theatre skills and knowledge of the field. Coursework includes acting, singing and dance classes, as well as courses designed to help you learn the history and development of the American musical theatre. 

See the curriculum.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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
• Performing a 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.

• 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.

• 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: 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.

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.