Top Navigation

Side Navigation

Audition and Application Information

BA and BFA candidates must be admitted to Western Illinois University. Applications can be made online. Contact the Admissions office for more information or apply online now.

 

bfa classAuditions for the BFA in Musical Theatre

All students interested in musical theatre are first admitted to WIU as an acting major.

Candidates for the BFA program are selected through competitive auditions.  Chosen candidates are then offered a position in the program and the major changes to the BFA in musical theatre.

Auditions are scheduled for:

  • Monday, February 17, 2014
  • Saturday, March 1, 2014
  • Saturday, March 29, 2014
The audition dates sometimes (but not always) coincide with WIU's Discover Western program, when most high schools are not in session.
You do not have to participate in a Discover Western program to audition.

All on-campus auditions are held in Hainline Theatre, Browne Hall, WIU; auditions are held between  1:00-5:00 pm.

Illinois High School Theatre Festival auditions

Faculty from the BFA program attend the festival each year and hold auditions during the festival.  The next festival will be held January, 2014.  Check back on this site for information as it becomes available.  Please contact the department if you wish to schedule an audition during the festival.

Iowa Thespian Festival auditions

Faculty from the BFA program attend the festival each year and hold auditions during the festival.  The next festival will be held November 15-16, 2013.  Check back on this site for information as it becomes available.  Please contact the department if you wish to schedule an audition during the festival.

 

Audition Requirements for the BFA in Musical Theatre

Applicants perform two contrasting monologues and two contrasting songs. Piano accompaniment will be provided. Applicants are asked to bring movement/dance attire and be prepared to show movement abilities. Formal dance training is not required; however applicants must show the ability to move well and be trainable.  Auditions are scheduled in 15 minute intervals, with 30 minutes at approximately 3:00 pm for a group dance/movement audition.

To audition, submit an audition form and make an appointment with the Department of Theatre and Dance by phone at 309-298-1543 or e-mail at theatre@wiu.edu.

Download the PDF version of the Musical Theatre audition form  

Frequently Asked Questions

 

visconprojects
Auditions and Interviews for the BA in Theatre
(options in Acting, Directing, and Production/Design)

Auditions/interviews are not required for admission to the BA program. However, if you want to be considered for a Talent Grant/Tuition Waiver award in acting or directing for your first semester at WIU, acting and directing students must audition during the first week of fall classes for all Mainstage and Studio theatre productions. The faculty and directors will use your audition for both Talent Grant/Tuition Waiver awards and for specific production casting.

Production/design students must meet with design faculty for an interview to qualify for Talent Grant/Tuition Waiver awards. Applicants in Production/Design should be prepared to discuss their experience and interest in those areas. Presentation of a resume and/or portfolio are recommended. The production/design interview can happen at any time, from the time of your acceptance to WIU through the first week of fall semester.

After the first semester, students apply each semester for continued support.

Applications for Talent Grant/Tuition Waiver Awards
For both BA and BFA candidates, fill out a Talent Grant/Tuition Waiver application. If you have further questions, please contact the Department of Theatre and Dance by phone at 309-298-1543 or e-mail at theatre@wiu.edu.