MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY

PROGRAM OVERVIEW IN “THEIR WORDS”

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Musical Theatre is designed to prepare students for success in the professional theatre industry. By combining conservatory-style training with a strong liberal arts education, our students explore, develop, and hone their craft to become well-rounded artists with valuable skill sets that will prepare them for professional success.

Our core departmental learning goals have been woven into all aspects of this rigorous four-year program from classroom and studio work, to rehearsals and productions in our mainstage season.

  • Technique
  • Analysis
  • Professionalism
  • Collaboration

LOCATION

Decatur, IL

TRAINING APPROACH

Liberal Arts

DEGREES OFFERED

B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

SCHOOL SIZE

Small (<10k Students)

COST

40K-50K

PRE-SCREEN REQUIREMENTS

No

LIVE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

One memorized contemporary monologue

  • Written since 1960 from a published play
  • 30-45 seconds in length
  • The character should be close to your own age
  • No regional dialect or accent
  • Monologues from films, musicals, or stand-alone works are not appropriate for this audition
  • Please avoid material by Christopher Durang

Two songs

  • From published Broadway literature (one written before 1970, one after 1970)
  • Contrasting in style, i.e. up-tempo and ballad
  • Selections should be cut to 16 bars for a ballad and 32 bars for the up-tempo and may include an additional 2 to 4 bar intro; we do not recommend using a bell-tone intro
  • Your audition songs should be representative of the range of your voice
  • Please bring sheet music in the proper key—no recorded music will be permitted
  • An accompanist will be provided.
  • Note: although you will choose only 16-32 bars for your audition, please be prepared to sing the entire song, if requested
  • Please do not select material by Jason Robert Brown, Adam Guettel, or Stephen Sondheim

Dance

  • Students will learn and perform a short ballet combination for members of the performance faculty
  • Please dress appropriately for a ballet class

AUDITION DATES & LOCATIONS

On-campus

  • November 10, 2017
  • January 15, 2018
  • February 19, 2018
  • March 23, 2018

Chicago

  • Saturday, February 3, 2018
  • Sunday, February 4, 2018

Students wishing to attend Chicago Auditions/Interviews must first apply to and be accepted by the Millikin Office of Admissions prior to scheduling an appointment.

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Students who are pursuing studies in theatre may qualify for either a College of Fine Arts Scholarship or the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship for Excellence.  These scholarships are based on talent or academic achievement and are awarded at the time of your audition. Students pursuing a B.A. degree may also apply for one of our competitive B.A. scholarships which are based on academic standing and require an interview and essay.  Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are renewable annually.

 

SENIOR SHOWCASE

Showcase: senior professional development experience

FRESHMAN PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Performance opportunities are available to students beginning in their first semester. All B.F.A. performance majors are required to audition for our mainstage season and freshmen are eligible for casting. Additional performance opportunities may include: Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, a student run theatre company The Annual Children’s Show Student Cabarets The New Musicals Initiative Faculty Developed Works

OUTSIDE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Yes, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of academic standing and student health.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT

Mary Black
Assoc. Prof/Director of School of Theatre and Dance
(217) 424-6282
mblack@millikin.edu

Mary Spencer
Administrative Assistant
217-424-6282
mspencer@millikin.edu

Main Office
217-424-6282
Shilling Hall, Room 211

LINK TO MT HOMEPAGE

LINK TO ADMISSIONS PAGE

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