Audition & Interview Requirements
All Musical Theatre (BFA) applicants have a two-step audition process.
Musical Theatre Fall 2024: As of December 1, 2023, the Fall 2024 Musical Theatre application is closed. The strict deadline was November 30, 2023. We are no longer accepting Musical Theatre applications for Fall 2024.
Step One: Prescreening
After submitting the university application, Musical Theatre applicants must submit a recorded prescreen, following the appropriate audition guidelines.
(see details in “Video Prescreening Requirements” below). You may only submit a prescreen after you have submitted an application to Shenandoah.
Prescreening Registration and Materials Submission can only be accessed through the Shenandoah Application Portal.
- The Musical Theatre recorded prescreen must be submitted between September 15, 2023, and November 30, 2023.
- Strict application and prescreening submission deadline is November 30, 2023.
- Prescreening recordings must be in mp4 or WMV format. No DVDs or YouTube videos will be accepted.
- The applicant’s artistic résumé and headshot must be uploaded with the prescreening submission.
- Applicants will be notified of prescreening results on a rolling basis via the email address listed on their application.
- An applicant may not register for a live audition until they have received an invitation from the Office of Admissions via auditions@su.edu.
Step Two: Live Audition
Musical Theatre applicants who successfully pass the recorded prescreening audition will be invited to complete a live audition either on campus or in New York City.
Live Audition Registration will open after December 1, 2023.
- An applicant may not register for a live audition until they have received an invitation from the Office of Admissions via auditions@su.edu.
- Live auditions will be scheduled for one of the official audition dates.
- A limited number of live audition slots will be available during the Theatre Division’s regional auditions in New York City.
Video Prescreening Requirements & Guidelines
Shenandoah University is working in accordance with the 2023-24 Musical Theatre Common Prescreen Guidelines. 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.).
Common Tips & Resources Common FAQs
Introduction (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. (Read through these Tips & Resources for examples of each of the three slates described below).
- The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and 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 share your name, the title of the song you are dancing to, and the name of the choreographer. If the piece is “self-choreographed” you should share your own name as choreographer.
Songs (required)
Students should prepare two contrasting pieces. Each institution is responsible for indicating which options are accepted.
- Style: one song should be a ballad (where the piece has longer, sustained vocal lines) and one song should be an uptempo (where the vocal line moves at a conversational pace) so as to contrast style.
- Length: 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).
- Accompaniment: Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).
Songs: Option A
-
- One song should be 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.
- One of the two songs (student’s choice) should be filmed in a full frame shot to see your full range of expression, and the other one in a close-up shot (top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame).
Songs: Option B
-
- Both songs should be from contemporary musicals (any musical written after 1970) and contrast in style (“ballad” and “uptempo”).
- One of the two songs (student’s choice) should be filmed in a full frame shot to see your full range of expression, and the other one in a close-up shot (top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame).
Monologue (required)
Students should prepare one contemporary monologue (typically written after 1950).
- Each monologue 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).
- Should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
- Must be from a published play.
- Cannot be from musicals.
Dance (optional)
- Framing: All dance media should be filmed in a “full frame” shot taking care to keep the student’s entire person in the frame at all times. (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 60 seconds)
- Style: Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should be connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
- All choreography must be performed to music; please no “a cappella” dance media.
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, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles.
- Please do not submit “barre work”. Instead, check to see if the auditioning program offers the optional “Ballet Submission” which is listed below.
- Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. To the best of your ability, move your body fully. Please include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body).
- Dance media can be “self-choreographed”, but it 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.
Ballet Option
-
- Ballet Media should be no more than 60 seconds.
- Execute a brief series of plié, tendu, and grande battement;
- Execute pirouette en déhors (to both sides)
- Execute one or more grand jeté across the floor.
Wild Card (optional)
Students may be asked to execute a “Wild Card” submission. Each institution is responsible for indicating whether the “Wild Card” is accepted.
- Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
- Applicants do not need to slate in any wild card media.
- This media can be ANYTHING you want – a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?” (See these Tips & Resources for ideas on Wild Card submissions)
Live Audition Requirements (On-Campus or New York Regional Auditions)
Prepare two song selections (Medium Cuts – 60-90 seconds each) that best represent your work. Selections may be from Golden Age, Contemporary Musical Theatre, or Pop/Rock and should be chosen to demonstrate your strengths, not your weaknesses. We want to see what you do well now, not what you will eventually be able to do. At least one of the two selections should be contemporary musical theatre (90s or later). If you play guitar or another instrument and would like to accompany yourself on a selection, you may bring your instrument to the audition. A piano will also be available in the room.
- Prepare a one-minute, age-appropriate, monologue from a contemporary play – George Bernard Shaw or later.
- Students will learn and be evaluated on a dance combination at the live audition. Dance or workout attire is required.
- Bring a standard 8” x 10” headshot and résumé to the audition.
Note: The Musical Theatre program requires every invited applicant to make the necessary arrangements to participate in a live audition in order to fully demonstrate their skills and potential. Pre-recorded auditions are NOT accepted, regardless of the applicant’s geographical proximity to Shenandoah.
Audition Dates
- Saturday, January 27, 2024 – New York City Regional*
- Sunday, January 28, 2024 – New York City Regional*
- Saturday, February 10, 2024
- Saturday, February 24, 2024
*New York City Regional Auditions: Acting & Musical Theatre ONLY.