Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre offers BFA degrees in Acting, Design, Stage Management. On this page you will find information about how to audition/interview for the BFA in Acting, and how to interview for the BFA in Design and BFA in Stage Management.

At the auditions and interviews, you will be considered for specific scholarships and entrance to the BFA program. In order to receive a scholarship you must have been accepted to MSU by the date outlined on your scholarship notification.

BFA Acting Audition Procedures

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre looks for students that display potential for a professional acting career in theatre, film, television, and other media. We seek students that are enterprising, self-driven, innovative, imaginative, and prepared to shape the future of this profession.

Our “School of Choice” approach supports actors that possess a versatile skill set by providing multiple pathways to achievement while taking advantage of all that MSU has to offer. For more information about the program, click here: BFA in Acting for Stage Screen and New Media.

Admission to the BFA in Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media* is competitive and by audition only. There are now three ways to audition: 

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.

  1. Live streaming auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will be held on February 10, 2024. If you’re unable to attend in-person auditions, this is another option. To sign up for a slot, please click the “How to Audition” tab below.
  2. 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. For information on how to submit a pre-recorded video audition, click on the “How to Audition” tab below.
*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.

General Audition Information

  • First, please apply to MSU as soon as possible. Although this is not required in order to schedule your audition, it is highly recommended.
  • We recommend visiting campus so you can see what life as a Spartan is like. Click here to schedule a campus tour.
  • 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 Sarah Hendrickson at hendresar@msu.edu or Adam Yankowy at yankowya@msu.edu

In-person Auditions

  • Who should do this? If you’re able to travel to campus for in-person auditions. 
  • Auditions for Fall 2024 will take place on MSU campus on February 3rd and 17th, 2024. 
  • Please prepare two contrasting memorized monologues (no longer than 3 minutes combined total). Both must be from a contemporary (post-1960) play. “Contrasting” can mean two distinct styles, such as comedic and dramatic, or two distinct types of characters. We recommend selecting monologues that aren’t too far removed from your age and experience.
  • One monologue will be performed live; the other will be performed on-camera. 
  • After performing your monologues, there will be a brief informal interview.
  • On the day of your audition, we will also provide opportunities for group warmups, tours, and a Q&A with students and faculty

Live Streaming Auditions

  • Who should do this? If you’re unable to travel to campus for in-person auditions.
  • Live streaming auditions for Fall 2024 will take place on Acceptd on February 10th, 2024. 

Pre-Recorded Video Auditions

  • Who should do this? In the event that you have an immovable conflict on the day of our in-person and live streaming auditions, we are happy to accept a pre-recorded video audition.
  • Pre-recorded video auditions for Fall 2024 will be viewed via Acceptd
    • A pre-recorded video audition must include:
      • A slate (introduction with your name and location)
      • Two contrasting memorized monologues (no longer than 3 minutes combined total). Both must be from a contemporary (post-1960) play. “Contrasting” can mean two distinct styles, such as comedic and dramatic, or two distinct types of characters. We recommend selecting monologues that aren’t too far removed from your age and experience.
      • Please set up a medium shot, showing from the top of your head to approximately your waist. As much as possible, please make sure that your space has plenty of light and very little ambient noise.
  •  

BFA Theatre Design Application Procedures

The Department of Theatre design faculty are looking for students who display potential in Theatrical Design.

Auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will be scheduled on an individual basis. Auditions are open to incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current MSU students. 

Applicants for the BFA in Theatre Design will provide the design faculty with a current resume, and present a portfolio in an interview session. If you have previous theatre design experience, include sample designs from these projects – sketches, drafting, renderings, light plot/hook-up, and photos of finished scenery, costumes, lighting, makeup, construction, props, scene painting, or any document that represents the work you have done. 

For your interview, put together a slide show of your work that you will present to a board of design faculty. You will be presented with questions based on the materials you present and your resume, followed with an opportunity to ask the faculty any questions you have. The interview typically takes between 15-30 minutes. 

To schedule an interview, please reach out to Ranae Selmeyer, BFA Design Coordinator at selmeyer@msu.edu 

BFA Theatre Stage Management Application Procedures

The Department of Theatre stage management faculty are looking for students who display potential in Stage Management.

Interviews for the BFA Stage Management program will be held on February 17, 2024 either by live stream or in the Auditorium Building at 542 Auditorium Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823. 

Applicants for the BFA in stage management will need to register for an interview and submit a resume and portfolio at least 24 hours before their interview session using the form below. If you have previous theatre experience, you will want to include information from these projects in any format such as paperwork, sketches, or photos of a production.

Your portfolio may include any information that showcases who you are as a student, person, creative, or manager. This should showcase your interests and can relate to schoolwork, outside activities, work experiences, as related to theatre or not. We want to get to know YOU! Class projects and photos of production work are also encouraged for submission.

Feel free to choose a format or a mix of formats that is convenient for you, such as digital files, photos, sample materials in pdf or PowerPoint format, or a personal website.

To schedule an interview, please do so 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 email Tina Newhauser (Head of the BFA in Stage Management Program) at newhause@msu.edu if you have any questions regarding the interview requirements and/or if you would like to learn more about our program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

All incoming, current, and transfer students.   

Yes. Accept’d charges a $35.00 application fee. You can apply for a fee waiver by clicking HERE

No. We believe that everyone that wants to be seen should have that opportunity.

It is highly recommended but not strictly required. Most of our auditioners/interviewees will have already received a determination from the university before they audition.

No. Acceptance into the BFA is contingent upon meeting the university’s admission standards for enrollment.

Applying early to MSU allows you to be considered for the greatest number of scholarships through MSU’s Office of Admissions. 

Spartan Tuition Advantage

As the nation’s premiere land-grant university, we are dedicated to making an MSU education within reach for all Michigan residents. In support of this commitment, the Spartan Tuition Advantage is a financial aid program that covers the full cost of tuition for all qualifying in-state students through a combination of federal, state, and institutional gift aid, beginning with the 2024-25 aid year. For more details, visit their page

The Department of Theatre has a small number of partial scholarships and you will automatically be considered for those at your audition/interview. Click here for more info

With few exceptions, most courses are open to students in the BA, which doesn’t require an audition. Students not selected for the BFA may audition again.

Yes. You can graduate with a BFA and another major. It takes careful planning, but we have many students that take that path.

We would love to meet you! Use this link or e-mail the relevant program director: https://theatre.msu.edu/schedule-a-tour/ 

Contact the program director, as it may still be possible. 

Contact Information

BFA in Acting Program Director: Ryan Welsh

BFA in Design Program Director: Ranae Selmeyer

Minor in Musical Theatre Director: Adam Yankowy

BFA in Stage Management Program Director: Tina Newhauser

BA in Theatre Program Director: Angie Wendelberger

If you have further questions about our programs, please visit the Department of Theatre website or e-mail: Department of Theatre.