To be invited to an audition day, you must first submit a prescreen audition through acceptd.com.

Please open an Acceptd account and apply following the instructions on acceptd.com. Your application will include a headshot and resume, high school transcript, an essay, and the prescreen videos.

Prescreen Submission Criteria

Indiana University Musical Theatre is a participant in the 2023-2024 Musical Theatre Common Prescreen

Overall

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 included as part of the time allotment.

The proper slate for a song is to state your name, the song title, and show in which it appears.

The proper slate for a monologue is to state your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

Songs

Students should prepare two contrasting pieces.

• One song should be a ballad and one song should be an uptempo
• 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)
• Songs should be filmed in a 3/4 shot, which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
• Students must sing to musical accompaniment. This may include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without
  insturmental accompaniment) 
  • Option A from the common application
    • One song should be written prior to 1970. This song can be either the uptempo or the ballad (student’s choice).
    • One song should be written after 1970 and contrast in style from the first.

Monologue

Please use Option A from the 2022-2023 Musical Theatre Common Prescreen.

The monologue must be from a published play. It cannot be from a musical, television show, or movie.

• Monologue must be contemporary (written after 1950) 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)
• 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 Video

• 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 with a sense of purpose.

Dance Option

• 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 clearly featured on your own.
• All choreography must be performed to music; please no “a cappella” dance media.

Wild Card Video

Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.

This media can be anything you like: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc. “What would you like us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”.

Essay Question (*this is in addition to the university admissions essay)

Please answer the following questions in a one-page essay:

What work of literature, piece of art, real-life event or person, or movie do you think would make a good original musical, and what might this new musical have to say? What role might you see yourself playing in this production?

For this essay, please observe the following guidelines:

• The essay must be a minimum of one page, double-spaced
• If choosing a film to musicalize, the film may not be:
  • an existing musical (nor may any soundtrack music be used in the “new musical” version)
  • an animated movie featuring any songs that forward the story (Disney, etc.)
• Be creative!

You must complete your General Admissions application to Indiana University. In order to be considered for merit scholarships, you should submit your application by November 1.

Early application is helpful in the audition process.

You can direct questions to Scott Hogsed, Musical Theatre B.F.A. Liaison (shogsed@iu.edu)

It is our intention to hold in-person auditions during the 2023-2024 season.

Audition Dates for 2023-2024:

The audition day is both morning and afternoon. Upon the passing of the prescreen audition, specific audition times will be sent via an audition invitation. 

Audition day activities:

• Check in will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center.

Students:

• Dance class (1 hour)
• Acting class (1 hour)
• Break
• 7-minute individual audition

Parents:

• Meeting with Professors
• Discussion of program requirements and opportunities
• Break
• Reconnect with students following individual auditions

Prospective students will begin the day with a dance workshop. This is an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency and potential. Please wear comfortable stretch clothing. There will be opportunity to change for the afternoon auditions.

An acting class will follow, in which basic ensemble work and improvisation will be explored. After lunch, individual auditions will commence.

Please prepare two contrasting songs 60-90 seconds each. Material should be chosen that best demonstrates vocal and acting ability. Treat the song as a monologue with a strong sense of character, wants, and desires. To whom are you singing, why and what do you hope to achieve?

Your music should be clearly marked and in the correct key for our accompanist. We prefer you sing with a piano. CD, cassette tape, or a cappella is not allowed.

Please bring your sheet music to the audition in a looseleaf binder with your chosen songs easily accessible.

You are free to leave after your individual audition.