Admission to the Musical Theatre BFA Program
To be admitted to the BFA in Musical Theatre, applicants must both be accepted academically to Southeast Missouri State University and separately audition for and be admitted to the Musical Theatre BFA program.
Instructions on how to apply for the Musical Theatre BFA program are below. Instructions on applying to the university can be found on the page of the Office of Admissions.
BFA Early Decision
If an applicant wishes to be considered for Early Decision, they must submit their application and complete their audition (either in person or by video submission) byDecember 8, 2023.
Early Decision applicants will be notified of their admission decision in mid-December. By applying for Early Decision, applicants agree that they will enroll in the Dobbins Conservatory if they are accepted.
BFA Regular Decision
Regular Decision applicants must submit their application byMarch 20, 2024. All Regular Decision applicants will be notified of their admission decision in early April.
BFA Application
A link to the online application form can be found at the bottom of this page. This audition form will ask you to submit:
- Basic personal and contact information
- A headshot (it need not be professional, so long as it is a good photo of you)
- A resume that includes the roles you have played, any formal training you have, and any awards or recognitions you have received
- A 1-2 minute video of you talking about why you wish to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre, what you are looking for in a program, and your career goals.
You will also be asked to either select an in-person audition date or to submit video links to audition videos.
Guidelines for Musical Theatre BFA Auditions
In-Person Auditions
Applicants will also have the opportunity to tour the Conservatory’s facilities and speak with faculty on the audition day.
Applications must be submitted at least five days before the requested in-person audition day.
The audition will consist of:
Two Contrasting Songs
Musical Theatre BFA applicants will be asked to present cuts (of up to 90 seconds) of two contrasting songs. One should be up-tempo and one should be a ballad. One should be written before 1970 and one should be written after 1970.
One Monologue
The monologue should be from a published contemporary play (written after 1900) and run between 60-90 seconds.
Dance Call
Applicants will work with a faculty member to learn and perform a jazz combination in a modified classroom setting. No pre-prepared material is required.
Video Auditions
Applicants may also audition via video submission. These videos are not a “pre-screen,” but rather represent the applicant's full audition. Conservatory faculty may contact applicants who submit video auditions to request additional material.
Video auditions should be prepared as follows:
Overall
- A complete video audition submission includes two songs, one monologue, and a dance sample.
- Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.)
Slate
- There should not be a separate introduction or “slate” video. Instead, “slates” are to appear at the beginning of each piece and are included as part of the time allotment.
- The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and the show in which it appears.
- The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.
- The proper slate for a piece of dance is to shareyour name, thetitle of the songyou are dancing to, and thename of the choreographer. If the piece is “self-choreographed” you should share your name as the choreographer.
Songs
Please submit two contrasting songs.
- One song should have been written before 1970. This song can be either the “uptempo” or the “ballad” (student’s choice).
- One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.
- Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
- Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).
- Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
Monologue
Please submit one (1) contemporary monologue (written after 1900).
- Monologues must be from a published play.
- Monologues cannot be from musicals, television shows, or movies.
- The file should be 60-90 seconds in length (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
- The contemporary monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
Dance
Please submit 30-60 seconds of dance in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, cultural dance styles, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary.
- Please do not submit “barre work”.
- Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well.
- Dance media can be self-choreographed, but must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are featured on your own.
- All choreography must be performed to music; please no “a cappella” dance media.
- All dance media should be filmed in a “full body” shot taking care to keep the student’s entire body in the frame at all times.
- Applicants do not need to slate in any dance media.
- Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should be story-driven and connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
BFA Interviews
Applicants may be contacted to arrange a remote interview with the Dobbins Conservatory faculty.
