Audition Requirements
for the Department of Theatre and Dance (Theatre)

Musical Theatre BFA concentration (BFA Theatre)

 

Audition Requirements:

First, you must submit an application to the University  on or before Nov. 30. 

Second, you must submit a video pre-screen audition (using the  Accept'd  platform) on or before Jan. 06, following the Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP), as follows: 

Slate(s): There should be a separate video and not individually placed on every video the student submits.

Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera.

This is an opportunity for the auditors to get a sense of your personality and to learn the pronunciation of your name.

There is no need to slate your individual performance videos & pieces. Instead, clearly label each video with your name and the title of the piece you are performing (see more details below).

One monologue [MTCP Option A] from a published play or written by a professional writer.

A professional writer is someone whose plays have been produced, but may not have been professionally published.

Framing: CSUF prefers 3/4 shots, but is happy to accept any framing, including close-up or full body (student's choice).

Two contrasting songs [MTCP Options A or B] in any genre that best demonstrates your voice (pop, contemporary musical, golden age musical, etc.).

Option A: 

One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.).

One song written after 1970 (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.

Option B: 

One musical theater song from any time period.

One song of your choice from any time period and in any style that best suits you (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.

Length: Each song file should be 60-90 seconds.

Accompaniment: Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).

Framing: CSUF prefers 3/4 shots, but is happy to accept any framing, including close-up or full body (student's choice).

Dance video(s) 60-90 seconds of dance in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. Show us your best version of dancing or moving. Please include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body).

A pirouette turn is preferred.

Preferred: no barre work.

Make sure you can execute all the choreography well. It is to your advantage to choose steps and movement that highlight your strengths instead of your weaknesses.

You may use recent videos of you from a show or concert, but it must just be you in the frame.

Dance sample should be in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles.

Dance media can be “self-choreographed”, but it must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.

Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. Fully move your body to the best of your ability.

To assist applicants with the dance prescreen, several institutions provided the following resource videos for applicants who do not have access to a choreographed combo for the prescreen process. You may submit this choreography (or a combination of it) to any of the schools you are applying to that ask for a dance prescreen. This list will be updated as more institutions share resources, so be sure to check back.

Ballet is optional, but if chosen, please show us your best version of ballet. Please include a brief series of plié, tendu, and grande   battement, a pirouette   en   déhors   (to both sides), and one or more grand   jeté   across the floor.

One “Wild Card” video (OPTIONAL).

Think about the wild card section as an opportunity to show your personality or share something about you. This media can be ANYTHING you want - a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” Below is a list of ideas that have been successful in the past:

Singing a pop song

Singing or playing an original composition/song/poem or choreographed dance.

Performing your own Saturday Night Live-styled skit where you create a comedic character

Sharing a hobby or activity that means something to you

Performing in a language other than English in which you are fluent

Playing an instrument

Making a “how-to” video on something you are good at, baking, calligraphy, gymnastics.

If you are a dancer and want to show us a different style you excel in: Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, etc.

Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.

Applicants  do not  need to slate in any wild card media.