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.
The following auditions are open to incoming freshmen and transfer students. To sign up for a slot, please click the “How to Audition” tab below.
There are three ways to audition:
1. In-person auditions for the 2025-2026 academic year for incoming freshmen and transfer students will be held on November 16, 2024 and February 22, 2025 on MSU’s campus.
2. Live streaming auditions for the 2025-2026 academic year will be held on February 15, 2025.
3. 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.
The following auditions are open to current MSU students. To sign up for a slot, email Sarah Hendrickson at hendrsar@msu.edu
1. In-person auditions for the 2025-2026 academic year for current MSU students will be held on February 21, 2025 and August 22, 2025 on MSU’s campus.
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.
- 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 hendrsar@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.
- 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.
- 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.
- After performing your monologues, there will be a brief informal interview.
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 2025 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
- A pre-recorded video audition must include:
BFA Theatre Design Application Procedures
The Department of Theatre design faculty are looking for students who display potential in Theatrical Design.
Auditions for the 2025-2026 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.
- We are now taking applications via Acceptd.
- 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 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 November 16, 2024, and February 22, 2025, 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 sign up for an interview and submit a resume and portfolio at least 24 hours before their interview session. 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. 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. 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.
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
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.
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.
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.