Theatre BFA Admission Auditions and Interviews
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Department of Theatre and Dance at CMU! We are so excited to meet you.
Admission to all Theatre BFA programs is competitive and requires an audition (Acting and Directing, Music Theatre) or an interview (Design and Technical Theatre). Students not selected for admission to a BFA program may audition again in the coming year, and/or major in Theatre and Interpretation, which does not require an audition.
All students who apply for admission to a BFA program through the audition/interview process will also be automatically considered for any available Theatre Special Talent Scholarships.
For Michigan residents, BFA auditions will be held in-person for Acting/Directing, Design/Tech, and Musical Theatre programs on Saturday, February 3 and Saturday, March 23, 2024. To schedule an audition, please apply through our partner site, Accept'd, by clicking on this link and choosing your program of interest from the drop-down menu.
If you are an out-of-state student, you may audition virtually through the same link listed above.
Audition information
Music theatre
The information below is included to assist you in understanding the audition elements and requirements considered by our Music Theatre Council when making admission decisions.
There are three elements to every audition and students will be considered for their talent in vocal performance, acting, and dance. Students who audition for the Music Theatre Program are automatically considered for the BFA Acting Program.
SINGING: Prepare two songs. Each song should be 32 bars long.
One up-tempo song from a musical;
One ballad from a musical.
ACTING: Prepare 2 contrasting monologues from published plays (no musicals):
Select age-appropriate monologues.
The monologues should highlight your talents.
Please limit the total time for both monologues to two minutes.
Hand-help props and costumes are not permitted
DANCE: Students will participate in a dance master class
Bring attire appropriate for Dance to the audition.
For additional information, contact Ann Dasen the Music Theatre Council Chair.
Acting and directing
Central Michigan University's Department of Theatre and Dance seeks students that display potential for a professional acting career. We seek students that are self-driven, imaginative, motivated, and talented.
Audition Preparation and Requirements
Prepare two contrasting memorized monologues (no longer than 3 minutes combined total). Both must be from a contemporary play. "Contrasting" can mean two distinct styles, such as comedic and dramatic, or two distinct types of characters. We recommend selecting monologues that aren't too far removed from your age, type, and experience.
One chair will be provided for use in your audition. No costumes or other props are allowed. Please dress appropriately for the performance.
For additional information about the BFA Acting and Directing degree program, please contact Professor Keeley Stanley-Bohn.
Design and technical theatre
Students wishing to enter our BFA Design and Technical Theatre program are required to complete an interview.
We are aware that opportunities to gain production experience and training are uncommon in some areas, and this will be considered in our admissions decision. To prepare for your interview:
1. Prepare a list of your previous experiences in the field, noting the position you held or the role you played in the production, including stage manager, set/lighting/costume design and construction, light/soundboard, run crew, properties, etc.
2. Prepare a list of any educational experiences you may have had in any of the design/tech-related areas noted above.
3. Be prepared to discuss your interests and goals, and why you'd like to be a part of the program.
4. You may submit any pertinent documentation in advance as part of the Interview registration process.
Please contact Professors Ann Dasen (Costumes, Make-up, Hair) or Paul Collins (Scenery, Lighting) for more information.
If you haven't already done so, please apply for admission to CMU. Preference is given for CMU Merit Scholarships to students who apply before December 1.
Scholarship information
New students
To qualify, first, complete the new student Theatre Scholarship registration form or the form for returning students. New students will receive an immediate confirmation email letting you know that we received your registration request and providing important event information.
Audition preparations for acting and directing
Prepare two contrasting memorized monologues (no longer than 3 minutes combined total). Both must be from a contemporary (post-1960) play. "Contrasting" can mean two distinct styles, such as comedic and dramatic, or two distinct types of characters. We recommend selecting monologues that aren't too far removed from your age, type, and experience.
Please bring a headshot (if you have one) and résumé that highlights any related training you may have had, performance experience, leadership or volunteer experience, and special skills. You may leave these at the registration desk when you arrive.
In addition to the monologues, there will also be an interview and a 45-minute group movement workshop. Please dress to move and bring a change of clothes for your audition pieces.
Interview details for design and technology
Students applying for a design/technical scholarship will meet with our designers in an interview setting. These students will be asked to discuss their design/technical background and interests in the areas of scenery, costuming, and lighting. If students have a portfolio, they may present it. We do not expect that most students will have such material, and therefore we do not require it.
First nighter scholarships
First Nighters, the Central Michigan University Theatre support group, have endowed a scholarship for TAI majors and minors which is awarded each spring for use in the following academic year. The amount of the award varies but has been $1,000 - $2,000 for the past three years. TAD Faculty and Staff will choose recipients with regard to their demonstrated overall contribution to the theatre program at CMU. (Note: requires a minimum of 15 completed credit hours of TAI coursework with a grade of "B" or above, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5)