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Entrance Auditions and Interviews
In order to be admitted into the BFA Acting, BFA Musical Theatre, and BFA Theatre Technology and Design, and BA/BS Dance programs at Northern Michigan University, students must complete an entrance audition and/or interview. The Department of Theatre and Dance awards program admittance and scholarships based on auditions and interviews.
NMU Theatre and Dance is excited to be attending numerous national and regional events and festivals where we will be conducting interviews, reviews, and auditions for our BFA programs and BA/BS Dance program. We are also excited to announce that we have moved to the ACCEPTD platform (if you are unable to attend an in-person event)! Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open on October 1, 2024.
Students applying to the BA/BS Theatre and Entertainment Arts program must complete an interview for scholarship consideration but do not have to complete an audition/interview/review for entrance into the program.
PLEASE NOTE: While prior theatre/dance training/experience is preferred, it is certainly not required to audition or interview for our department. We understand that not all students have had access to these opportunities and will consider students of all backgrounds and experience levels who demonstrate facility and potential for our programs and scholarships.
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2025-2026 Live Audition and Interview Dates
Pittsburgh Unifieds: (All Programs)
October 4-7, 2024
Eisenhower Dance Detroit: See and Be Seen (Dance Only)
October 6, 2024
Texas Thespian Festival (All Programs)
Corpus Christi (November 15-19, 2024) and Grapevine (November 20-23, 2024)
Mid-Atlantic College Theatre and Dance Auditions (All Programs)
Nov 15-16, 2024
Oakland Dance Festival (Dance only)
November 22-23, 2024
Michigan Thespian Festival (All Programs)
December 13-14, 2024
Illinois Thespian Festival (All Programs)
January 9-11, 2025
Minnesota Thespian Festival (All Programs)
January 9-11, 2025
Audition and Interview Requirements
NMU Theatre and Dance in moving to ACCEPTD! Applications will open October 1, 2024.
LINK TO NMU THEATRE AND DANCE ACCEPTD APPLICATION LANDING PAGE
BFA Musical Theatre Audition Materials
The following may be submitted as one video or as separate files as needed. You must include all video components in order to be considered for this program. Your total video package should not exceed three (3) minutes.
Please your label video file(s) as follows: first initial, last name, and context of the video. Ex. XLastnameSlate.filetype; XLastnameMonologue.filetype; XLastnameSong.filetype; XLastnamedance.filetype
Slate: A brief close-up shot in which you state your full name, current city, state, country, and introduce the pieces you will be performing.
Monologue: One short monologue
Song: One 16-32 bar cutting of a song in the musical theatre style
Dance: Include a video of you dancing/moving in a musical theatre dance style (preferably jazz, tap, and/or ballet). If you are not the only person in the video, please be sure to indicate which performer you are.
You will also be required to upload a resume and headshot.
Note: A short interview with our faculty may also be required after reviewing your audition. If needed, this will be scheduled via Zoom. Please be prepared to discuss your interest in the BFA Musical Theatre program at NMU, as well as any past experience.
BFA Acting Audition Materials
The following may be submitted as one video or as separate files as needed. You must include all video components in order to be considered for this program. Your total video package should not exceed three (3) minutes.
Please your label video file(s) as follows: first initial, last name, and context of the video. Ex. XLastnameSlate.filetype; XLastnameMonologue1.filetype; XLastnameMonologue2.filetype
Slate: A brief close-up shot in which you state your full name, current city, state, country, and introduce the pieces you will be performing.
Monologue 1: One short contemporary monologue
Monologue 2: One short classical monologue
You will also be required to upload a resume and headshot.
Note: A short interview with our faculty may also be required after reviewing your audition. If needed, this will be scheduled via Zoom. Please be prepared to discuss your interest in the BFA Acting program at NMU, as well as any past experience.
BA/BS Dance Video Audition Materials
The following may be submitted as one video or in separate files as needed. You must include all video components in order to be considered for this program. Your total video package should not exceed three (3) minutes.
Please your label video file(s) as follows: first initial, last name, and context of the video. Ex. XLastnameSlate.filetype; XLastnameDanceSolo.filetype
Slate: A brief close-up shot in which you state your full name, current city, state, country, and introduce the piece you will be performing (including the choreographer of the piece).
Technical Skills:
-Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans (in both parallel and turned out positions)
-A short movement phrase that includes développé to the side (or tilt), layout, and arabesque
-Traveling combination including your choice of jumps and turns on both right and left sides
Solo Dance Performance: One solo dance piece in the style of your choice. The piece must be at least 90 seconds and no longer than 2.5 minutes. This piece should demonstrate both technical and artistic excellence. The piece should be filmed in a well-lit, quiet location, free from distraction or background noise.
You will also be required to upload a resume and headshot.
Note: A short interview with our faculty may also be required after reviewing your audition. If needed, this will be scheduled via Zoom. Please be prepared to discuss your interest in the BA/BS Dance program at NMU, as well as any past experience.
BFA Theatre Technology and Design
In order to be admitted into the BFA Theatre Technology and Design program at Northern Michigan University, students must submit a resume, complete an interview, and have the option to submit a portfolio. The Department of Theatre and Dance awards program admittance and scholarships based on this process. Please your label file(s) as follows: first initial, last name, and context of the file. Ex. XLastnameResume.filetype; XLastnamePortfolio.filetype. Please submit the following materials in your review package:
Resume: Please include the following: relevant previous training in theatre and/or adjacent entertainment industries, relevant previous experience in theatre and/or adjacent entertainment industries, awards
Interview: A 15-minute interview with our faculty will be required following review of your resume. This will be scheduled via Zoom. Please be prepared to discuss your interest in the BFA Theatre Technology and Design Program, as well as your resume and any submitted portfolio materials. You will be asked to have your "hardcopy" portfolio materials on hard for the interview.
Portfolio (optional): A portfolio may be submitted as one PDF file (which is preferred) or multiple pdf or jpeg files. Your total number of files may not exceed 25. Please submit a portfolio that includes examples of design and/or technical work that you have done in high school, community theatre, summer stock, or at other colleges/universities. Please present your portfolio in a way that you feel best represents you, though it should be presented in an organized fashion.