FAQs about Musical Theatre
- How do I audition?
You must first apply for an audition through our prescreening process, then audition in person on campus.
- How many students do you accept into the program each year?
We will accept between 10 and 15 students each year.
- Is there an advantage to auditioning at an early date?
No.
- May entering freshmen audition for the mainstage season?
Auditions for each fall semester are conducted at the end of the previous spring semester, so incoming students will not have an opportunity to audition for mainstage productions during their first semester at IU.
- Do you offer scholarships for incoming freshmen?
Talent grants for Musical Theatre B.F.A. students are offered. Enrollment in the campus-wide Merit Scholarship program is automatic when the General Admissions application is filed prior to the Admissions November 1 deadline. Financial aid information is available on the Office of Admissions website.
- Do you offer summer work?
The Indiana University Summer Theatre produces one musical and two plays. In addition, Premiere Musicals at Indiana University brings musicals in development to campus for workshop productions. Our students work with professional creative teams from New York and Los Angeles in a three week rehearsal period culminating in four public performances. Our students are encouraged to audition for summer theatre work and are successful in being cast in theatres across the country.
- Have your graduates been successful? Where do graduates find employment?
Graduates of the Department of Theatre and Drama have appeared on Broadway, national and international tours, regional theatres and cruise lines and Television.
- Emily Kelly – Thoroughly Modern Millie Goodspeed Opera House & Gypsy Engeman Theatre
- Kaitlyn Mayse – Cinderella national tour
- Mia Fitzgibbon – Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder National tour
- Cameron Mullin – Rent national tour
- Kayla Eilers – Disney Cruise
- Maddie Shea Baldwin – Bright Star national tour
- Julian Ramos – Hamilton national tour
- Is there showcase support for graduating students?
The Department takes a group of graduating seniors to New York for a Showcase in May. The showcase is attended by invited theatre representatives, agents and managers and is a by-audition course for credit at Indiana University.
- When will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
We will notify those accepted no later than two weeks after the final audition in March.
- If I am not accepted in the B.F.A. program, may I be considered for the B.A. degree program with a major in Theatre and Drama?
Yes! You should have already applied with the University through the Admissions Office which will notify you of your acceptance. There will be no audition requirement for this program.
- Are there elimination points during the B.F.A. program?
You will be expected to follow standard academic levels of progression since the B.F.A. exists within the College of Arts and Sciences. Indiana University academic standards are clarified in the College of Arts and Sciences Online Academic Bulletin. A discussion of progress is given by the Musical Theatre Committee and musical theatre students at the end of each academic year. It is the hope and intent of the Musical Theatre program that, maintaining University standards, all admitted B.F.A. students will continue through completion of the degree.
- Will I have any academic advising within the B.F.A. program?
The Head of the Musical Theatre program will serve as your specific program advisor. You will also have general degree advising support from the Department’s Academic Advisor.
- What is the format of vocal study in the B.F.A.?
B.F.A. students have weekly private vocal training with B.F.A. faculty each semester of four year attendance as well as a combined studio master classes each week.
- Will there be any production performance guarantees for participants in this program?
As per NAST requirements all B.F.A. students will receive at least one featured role in their college career.
- Will it be possible to move to the standard B.A. major in Theatre and Drama or even another major at a later time?
Although we do not expect this to happen, changing to another major is clearly possible as long as academic standards are met.
- Will I be allowed to do production work outside the Department?
Though you will be expected to give first priority to the main stage musical theatre opportunities of the Department, there are many opportunities for musical theatre experience in Bloomington, on campus and off, including IU independent projects, IU Summer Theatre, University Players, Union Board Productions, The Jacobs School of Music, and multiple community theatre companies including Bloomington Playwrights Project and Cardinal Stage Company.
- How do I contact someone if I have other questions?
You can email the B.F.A. program at bfaaud@indiana.edu.
The College of Arts