Music Theatre

The audition should demonstrate that the student has a strong potential for developing the skills and artistry necessary for a professional career. Enrollment is small and highly selective.

Auditions are divided into two sections:

A group dance audition involving ballet, contemporary, and jazz techniques.
A ten-minute private voice audition consisting of two art songs and two musical theatre songs, a monologue, and a brief interview. (You may not be asked to sing all four songs, but you should be prepared to do so if asked.)

Singing

Classical selections:
Your two art songs should represent contrasting styles chosen from early Italian, 19th- and 20th-century art songs, and folk songs. Freshman may sing both selections in English. Transfer students should include at least one piece in a foreign language.

Music Theatre selections:
For your two music theatre numbers, select two contrasting songs with which you are comfortable and which demonstrate your voice at its best. One selection should be ballad style and the other more rhythmic or "up-tempo." It is not necessary that the selections be from a musical, although it is recommended.

All four pieces must be memorized. A pianist will be provided, but you may bring your own accompanist if you wish. Be sure that the music you bring is clear and that pages can be turned easily. Do not ask the pianist to transpose. Any cuts or alterations must be clearly marked.

Acting:

You should select a character that is within your commercial range. Select a piece that you like and enjoy performing. Any dramatic or comic monologue is suitable. The piece must not exceed 90 seconds in length. Be sure that it is timed carefully and does not exceed this limit.

Interview:

Provide a copy of a resume of your academic and performance experience, and be prepared to discuss your long-range goals and your reasons for wishing to be in a Music Theatre program. Include with your resume, an 8x10 headshot.

Dance:

You will participate, with other candidates, in a dance class. Combinations in varying degrees of difficulty will be given. Appropriate dance-wear is required.

Music Theatre Dos and Don'ts

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