Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is for students whose main interest is acting, design, or stage management. The BFA in Acting requires an audition and interview. The BFA in Design and the BFA in Stage Management requires an interview.

View BFA Audition/Interview Requirements

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is perfect for anyone interested in all aspects of theatre and who show potential in multiple areas of theatre studies and production, including dramaturgy, directing, history, and criticism. No audition or interview required unless you are interested in scholarships. Applicants for scholarships will present a portfolio of writing, research, dramaturgy, artist statements, and/or creative projects in an Interview Session. This portfolio need not contain only writing about theatre and drama; a selection of four-five pieces of varying styles, media and content is ideal. Scholarship interviews are arranged by appointment. To schedule an interview, email Amy Lampe.

Minor in Musical Theatre

The Minor in Musical Theatre is for students who interests include the study of musical theatre through acting, voice, and dance and requires an audition and interview. Any full-time undergraduate MSU student, incoming freshman or transfer student is eligible to audition for the program.

Auditions for Fall 2024

  • In-person auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will be held on February 3 and February 17, 2024 on MSU’s campus. These auditions are open to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current MSU students. To sign up for a slot, please click the “How to Audition” tab below. The audition will consist of: two contrasting, 32-bar cuts from musicals that best show off your voice and range. Bring appropriate and marked sheet music in the proper key, with sheet protectors in a binder. There will be a brief interview to follow. 
  • Live streaming auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will be held on February 10, 2024. The audition will consist of: two contrasting, 32-bar cuts from musicals that best show off your voice and range. Please have your accompanist tracks ready to play from one of your devices. There will be a brief interview to follow. 
  • Pre-recorded video auditions: In the event that you cannot participate in the in-person auditions or the live streaming auditions, we will accept a pre-recorded video audition. Submit two videos of two contrasting, 32-bar cuts from musicals that best show off your voice and range. 

How do I sign up?

  1. First, please apply to MSU as soon as possible. Although this is not required in order to schedule your audition, it is highly recommended.
  2. We are now taking applications via Acceptd
  • If you have any questions regarding the application process, please visit here.
  • There is a $35 fee to apply but Acceptd offers a fee waiver program if needed. For more information, click here.

Please let us know if you have any questions. We are happy to share more about our program and answer any questions you may have. Email Brad Willcuts at willcuts@msu.edu or Adam Yankowy at yankowya@msu.edu

*Note, the BFA in Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media is a separate audition from the Musical Theatre Immersion Program. If you wish to audition for both the BFA and the MT Minor, please indicate it on your application.

Transfer Students

Transfer students may attend these auditions/interviews, or they may arrange an audition/interview immediately prior to the start of their classes. Contact our theatre advisor, Amy Lampe to assist in the transition.

Whether BA or BFA, these audition/interview dates will also place you in consideration for scholarships from the Department of Theatre.

Although at the time of auditions you will be given a tour of the department, we also urge you to schedule a tour with the Department of Theatre to meet with faculty and current students, observe classes, or see a production for free. Once you experience firsthand the supportive and challenging work done in the classroom or onstage, we have no doubt that you will want to be part of the MSU Theatre family!

Graduate Students

For information about the graduate programs, click here