Program Overview

Musical Theatre

Overview

The Musical Theatre sequence at Illinois State gives you professional training in acting, dance, and music. Our program teaches you all the allied skills in musical theatre. You'll be able to project yourself through word, song, and action. You’ll gain skills in musicianship and music literacy, get a solid foundation in the art and craft of acting, and learn dance styles and techniques to meet the demands of musical theatre performance.

Program Details

• Small Class Sizes: Our small class sizes and private voice lessons give you the kind of individualized attention you need to focus and perfect your craft.
• Collaborative Approach: We take a collaborative approach to learning. We listen to each other and build on ideas so everyone can thrive and perform their best.
• Faculty: Our faculty are working professionals in their field, providing you with the best possible guidance and mentorship.

Why Study Musical Theatre?

Musical theatre is one of the most popular forms of theatrical entertainment in the world. It draws audiences and entertainers for theatre, music, and dance. There are many opportunities in musical theatre, including contracts for:

• Broadway
• Off-Broadway
• Regional Theatre
• National and Regional Tours
• Theme Parks
• Cruise Ships
• Cabarets
• Concerts
• Theatre for Young Audiences

Career Opportunities

Our training helps you develop all the skills you need to compete for professional musical theatre opportunities. You’ll leave our program with an expressive singing voice that clearly tells a story through song. You’ll also learn how to use your body as an instrument of characterization.

Audition Process

• Application: Apply to Illinois State University.
• Audition Dates: Choose an audition date from the available options.
• Confirmation: Receive a confirmation email from the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film.
• Audition: Attend the audition and perform your pieces.
• Decision: Receive a decision within two weeks.

Audition Requirements

• Songs: Two contrasting songs from American Musical Theatre Repertoire, 60-90 seconds each, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad.
• Monologue: One 60-second contemporary monologue.
• Dance Sample: Optional 30-60 second dance sample in whatever discipline you are most comfortable.

Audition Tips

• Choice of Material: Choose something you like, age-appropriate, and that allows you to connect personally to the character.
• Avoid: Yelling, screaming, using dialects, phone call monologues, climax of the play, sexually explicit or extremely offensive material.
• Appearance: Dress comfortably, but strive to make a good impression. Keep hair away from your face, wear sensible shoes, and avoid distracting jewelry.

Deadlines and Review Dates

• Freshmen: Apply Now
• Transfer Students: Apply by the priority deadline for best consideration.
• Current Students: Apply by the priority deadline for best consideration.

Scholarship Notification

Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.