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The Department of Theatre and Dance seeks students interested in studying Musical Theatre.

Monologues, song, dance, some improvisation, and an interview are part of the audition process. (If you are applying for both the BFA Acting and Musical Theatre programs, please follow this audition procedure for the BFA Musical Theatre program.)

Auditions for entrance into the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in Musical Theatre are scheduled for the following dates:

• FRIDAY, November 13, 2009 at Missouri State University
  Fall round is only for current Missouri State students auditioning for Spring BFA admission.
  Once your application is received you will be contacted with an audition time.
  
  
• SATURDAY, February 27, 2010 at Missouri State University
  Check-in will begin at 9:00 AM in the Craig Hall Lobby, with the first session beginning promptly at 9:30.
  All prospective students (including transfer students) will spend a morning with our faculty. During that time, each candidate will participate in a mini-class, an interview, present his/her work, and have an opportunity to chat with both instructors and student representatives.
  
  
• SATURDAY, March 6, 2010 in Kansas City, MO
  Check-in will begin at 9:00 AM with the first session beginning promptly at 9:30.
  (Candidate will be contacted and notified of exact KC location prior to auditions.)

Monologues

Prepare two contrasting monologues from plays, not to exceed a combined total of three minutes. These selections should be drawn from contemporary (published) theatre literature and should not require props. The selections should be appropriate to your age and type, and be prepared and memorized.

Songs

Prepare two songs: an up-tempo and a ballad. 16 bars of one type, and the complete song of the other. Both selections should be chosen from standard Broadway repertoire, each memorized and accompanied by sheet music (no chord charts, please). We will provide a pianist.

Dance

Musical Theatre candidates will be required to participate in a dance session that demonstrates fundamental skills in Jazz and Ballet. Students with Tap experience may be asked to demonstrate those skills as well.

Improvisation

Candidates may be asked to participate in a group improvisational session. The improvisation segment is designed to illustrate your ability to believe in imaginary circumstances, to live/respond in the moment, and your participatory demeanor within a group context.

Interviews

All prospective students will interview with members of the faculty to discuss skills and interests. An interview will allow the student to talk with a faculty member in an informal manner and discover what Missouri State University and the student have to offer each other.

Attire

During the monologue and/or song segment, all auditionees should wear appropriate audition attire (no hats please). Auditionees participating in the dance audition (Musical Theatre only) will be given an opportunity to change for their dance segment. Women should bring a solid leotard, tights, and character shoes for the dance audition (ballet or rehearsal skirts are optional). Men should bring either jazz shoes or sneakers. For the group improvisation, please have clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably.

Additional Audition Considerations

Audition personnel may ask you to perform one or more of the following tasks, and may ask that some of these tasks be rendered with specific guidelines or conditions:

• Briefly discuss the plays and/or characters of your audition pieces.
• Perform a simple physical task without words.
• Re-perform one of your audition pieces with a different set of goals and conditions.
• Ask the interviewers some questions relating to the Musical Theatre program at Missouri State University.

Parent Chat

During the auditions, an opportunity will be provided for parents of audition candidates to meet with department faculty for a question/answer session.

Student Chat

You will have an opportunity to talk with current MSU students about student life, the department, casting, etc.

Purpose

The purpose of this audition process is to allow us an opportunity to evaluate your training and our ability to educate you with respect to a career in the theatre. The process is also designed to afford you the chance to decide if this program is best suited to your goals and abilities.

Application Process

Admission to the Acting or Musical Theatre programs is competitive. However, each year we accept an estimated body of 12-14 students for each program — some of whom have an enormous amount of experience and some of whom have little to none. While exceptional talent is certainly appreciated, we are not always looking for readiness for the profession. What we are always looking for is readiness to train for the profession!! During your audition experience we encourage you leave your ego at the door, be yourself, be giving to your audition colleagues, and allow the day to be an enjoyable one.

In order to be formally accepted into the BFA Musical Theatre program, prospective students must also be accepted by Missouri State University for general admission.

In addition to their general university application, candidates should submit a completed BFA Program Audition/Interview Application form with accompanying materials no later than 14 days prior to their audition date. Early application is encouraged as audition spaces are on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that university admission due dates are distinct from the BFA application dates. Once departmental application materials are received, auditionees will be contacted and provided with a confirmation and audition time.

IMPORTANT: If you wish to be considered for both the Acting and Musical Theatre programs, you must follow this audition protocol for Musical Theatre.

Click here to download application.

Alternate Audition Days

There are no alternate audition days. The days listed above are the only times that the BFA Acting and Musical Theatre programs will conduct auditions. Candidates are strongly encouraged to make the arrangements necessary to attend. Videotape auditions will not be accepted. Students unable to attend these auditions may still choose to enroll at MSU and audition the following year during the on-site auditions.

Contact Information

Additional inquires may be sent to:
Michael Casey, BFA Musical Theatre — Email MichaelCasey@missouristate.edu;

Audition Preparation Guide

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