Southern Illinois University Carbondale

BFA in

The Department of Theater is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA. 20190.

Musical Theater

The School of Music is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA. 20190

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

announces auditions for admission and

scholarship for its BFA in Musical Theater!

The BFA in Musical Theater is a four year interdisciplinary course of study jointly sponsored by the Department of Theater and School of Music. It is designed to prepare students for a career in musical theater performance by offering intensive training in acting, singing and dancing. A liberal arts core combines with a rigorous performance curriculum, guiding students to develop and hone the skills necessary to excel as a professional “triple-threat” performer. more

Listing of courses and times by semester click here.

Advisors' checklist click here.

There are 3 steps to your admission:

1) Download, print, fill out and return our BFA Musical Theater application form.

BFA Application form , click here.

2) Audition

You will select a date and receive time from us when we receive your application.
- January 23 (Sat), SIUC, Altgeld Hall
- February 5 (Heartland Honor Band and Choir Festival Participants only.
- February 15- SIUC, Altgeld Hall

Prepare 2 contrasting musical theater selections and 1 monologue, the total not to exceed 5 minutes. An accompanist will be provided.

3) Apply to and be accepted by the university.

Online and PDF Application to SIU: click here

Performance Opportunities: Each year the Department of Theater and the School of Music collaborate on full scale musicals and operas (Production Photos) . Musical theater and opera scenes are also regularly prepared for public performances. In the summer, McLeod Summer Playhouse, a professional summer stock theater in operation for 40 years, gives students their first professional experience working with actors, directors and choreographers from around the country.

Transfer Students: Transfer applicants will need to audition at one of the established audition times for admission. After the completion of one semester at SIUC, students will need to pass the barrier jury, as do all BFA Musical Theater students after their third semester in residence.

Much of the program is sequentially designed, so it is not necessarily the case that two years at another school would transfer as two years at SIUC. It would likely be the case that one year of music, theater and dance courses would transfer fully, placing the applicant in their second year.

Courses that would likely transer would be:

Music Courses:

Music Theory, Ear Training 2 Semesters
Class or private piano 2 Semesters
Choir 2 Semesters
Private Voice 2 Semesters

Theater Courses:

Beginning Acting 1 Semester
Make Up 1 Semester
Theater Appreciation 1 Semester
Theater Practicum 2 Semesters

Dance Courses:

Beginning Ballet 1 Semester
Beginning Jazz 1 Semester
Beginning Tap 1 Semester

Core Curriculum :

Most if not all