Theatre and Dance

Audition and Application Information for B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

Auditions/Interviews are NOT required for admission to the BA program.

Auditions/Interviews for the Graduate Program in Theatre, please go to MFA in Theatre.

Auditions for the BFA in Musical Theatre  

For Audition purposes, you do NOT have to be accepted to the school at the time of your audition. However, if an offer is made contact the Admission Office for more information or APPLY NOW online.  

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.

Audition Requirements for the BFA in Musical Theatre  

Candidates for the BFA program are chosen based on a performance audition along with the general admission standards of Western Illinois University. Auditions are held three/four times a year on the WIU campus. The on- campus audition consists of:

  • Performance of one FULL song and one 16 – 32 BAR CUT of a contrasting song.
  • Performance of two contrasting monologue – each approximately one minute in length.
  • A short interview with the BFA faculty – a chance for us to ask questions and you to ask questions.
  • A movement audition consisting of center work, across the floor work, and a short combination. This will be taught in the room with no advanced preparation required. Formal dance training is not required; however applicants must show the potential to move well and be trainable.

On the day of your on-campus audition, please also bring ...

  • The completed audition form from our website on the Theatre and Dance webpage. Please print the form and bring it with you, rather than emailing it back.
  • One copy of a current resume and a current head shot.
  • One letter of reference from a current educator in the area of singing, acting, or dance speaking to the students’ skill set, potential for success in a rigorous degree program, and general character.
  • Movement or dance attire and appropriate shoes
  • Music for vocal auditions. Proper format is in a binder and properly marked. Please do not bring loose sheets.

Other Information:

  • To set up an audition, please call 309-298-1543 (the Theatre & Dance office) or email us at theatre@wiu.edu or l-fox@wiu.edu. Let us know what day you will be auditioning and we will contact you approximately two weeks prior to the audition with a schedule for the day. The all auditions will begin at 10am. There are several days in which we offer a Day In The Life experience on Friday prior to the Saturday audition. Those dates are indicated below. This is a great way to really see who we are and what we do.
  • On-campus auditions are strongly preferred, however if you are not able to come to the campus for an audition, video auditions strong> are acceptable with additional information being mailed or emailed.

    Please contact Lysa Fox (Head of Musical Theatre) directly if you choose to audition by video at the following email address for further instructions: L-Fox@wiu.edu. . If you are sending in a video audition, we need all materials no later than March 25th, 2020.

On Campus Audition Dates for 2019 – 2020:

  • Saturday, November 2nd, 2019 – Day In The Life event, November 1st
  • Saturday, February 1st, 2020 – Day In The Life event, January 31st
  • Saturday, February 29th, 2020 – Day In The Life event, February 28th
  • Saturday, March 28th, 2020

Please note: We can guarantee you more financial assistance the earlier you audition.

It's not too late to audition. We will accept new students up to the start day of the new semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click on the link Frequently Asked Questions