Navigating the College Audition Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Julie Kavanagh, Aspire Program Director

The college audition process for musical theatre can feel like a whirlwind of applications, prescreens, and auditions. At Broadway Vocal Coach (Aspire), we specialize in guiding students and families through every step of this journey. Below, we’ve outlined the essential steps to help you feel confident and prepared, from choosing the right schools to making your final decision.

For a deeper dive, grab our free 'Getting Started Guide' HERE.

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Step 1: Create Your "Schools List"

Decide which schools/programs you will be applying to! Start by researching what type of degree you are looking for (BFA, BA, or BM), and what type of University you would like to attend (Conservatory or Liberal Arts). Then dive into location, school size, course offerings, extracurricular opportunities, and more.

Top 2 things to think about as you compile this list of schools:

1. Create a varied list of schools.
2. Every program on your list, from your dream schools to safety schools, should have something that you LOVE about it. There are so many options out there and you should never feel like you have to put a school on your list if it’s not a program or place you feel passionate about! 🧡 

Step 2: Submit your prescreen & application materials

Many Musical Theatre programs will require pre-screens. A Musical Theatre pre-screen is a preliminary series of videos and supplemental materials that are submitted alongside your academic application, essays, and test scores (if required). If you “pass” your pre-screen you are then invited to audition for the program, either on-campus, at Unified auditions, or virtually.

Just like differing application materials and essays, different MT programs may have different pre-screen requirements. Keeping track of everything you need for each school is KEY! Whether it’s a spreadsheet, a board filled with sticky notes, or folders for each school, you will want to have a home base with information on all of your needed materials! Our program includes expert guidance on crafting standout prescreens tailored to each school’s requirements.

• Most schools have pre-screen deadlines in November up until the beginning of December.
• Inside Aspire, we recommend finalizing your prescreens by the end of September to get a head start on applications and reduce stress during your senior year. This ensures that programs see your pre-screens with fresh eyes and take the weight off your shoulders so you can enjoy your last year of high school!

Step 3: Understand Early Action vs. Early Decision

And then the waiting game begins!

If you apply Early Action or Early Decision you will start to get notifications about auditions and acceptances in November and December!

• EARLY DECISION is BINDING. If you are accepted into your Early Decision program, you MUST attend.
• EARLY ACTION is NON-BINDING. This allows for you to audition for a program earlier than others while still keeping your options open.

For Regular Decision, you will start to receive notifications if you pass the pre-screen portion of your application. You will then be able to begin scheduling your auditions. For schools that do not require a pre-screen, you will be able to begin scheduling your auditions once you have submitted your application.

Step 4: Schedule and Attend Auditions

The next step will be auditions! Most programs will give you the option to audition at Unifieds, On-Campus, or with a scheduled Zoom Appointment. Each option has its merits, but what is most important is to find what will be best for YOU, your family, and your finances!

• On-Campus: This is a great option if you have the time and means to travel. It also allows you to get a feel for the school, and the location, and to meet faculty and students!
• Unifieds: Unified auditions are a series of auditions held in NYC, Chicago, and LA where many programs come together in the same location allowing students to audition for multiple schools within one weekend. This is a great option for students to knock out a bunch of auditions at one time. You will get to meet TONS of other students. AND some programs offer walk-in auditions*, which allows you to audition for a school that may not have initially been on your radar. (*With walk-in auditions, you will still need to apply to the program but this will happen after your audition!)
• Virtual: Many programs offer a Virtual Audition Day for students who are unable to travel to the campus or Unifieds. This is a great option if traveling is not something you or your family can do.

Step 5: Receive admission notices

And then, the next waiting game begins: Finding out if you have been accepted to the programs you auditioned for. 🤪

It’s important to note that some schools have rolling admissions (admissions notices going out once their audition process begins) while others won’t start accepting students until they have completed all of their auditions.

By the early spring, you will start to hear about acceptances, denials, and the WAITLIST. If you are put on the Waitlist, stay pleasantly persistent! Send an email of appreciation. A note of why you want to attend their program. These communications go a long way in showcasing you and what you will bring to the community.

Step 6: Make Your Final Decision by May 1st

May 1st is National College Decision Day! (with some programs allowing decisions up until May 15th)

You will decide on the program you will attend, put down your deposit, and CELEBRATE! 🎉

Terminology to Know:

• Repertoire: The material that you will need for your Pre-Screen videos & In-Person Auditions. Ex: Songs & Monologues
• Cuts: The shortened version of your Repertoire that matches the instructions from the programs you are applying to. Ex: 32-bar cut or 90-second monologue
• Prescreen: The videos & supplemental materials submitted to a musical theatre program that acts as an initial evaluation before you are invited to audition for the program.
• Callback/Live Audition: The performance element of the college admissions process for a Musical Theatre program.
• Unifieds: A series of auditions held in NYC, Chicago, and LA where many programs come together in the same location allowing students to audition for multiple schools within one weekend.
• BFA, BA, BM, etc: Differing types of degrees that a student may receive when studying Musical Theatre.
  • BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • BA = Bachelor of Arts
  • BM = Bachelor of Music
• Conservatory: A type of program in which students primarily take courses within their selected degree program and are not required to take general education requirements like they would at a Liberal Arts University.

Your Next Steps

The Musical Theatre College Audition Process is unique and can be a rollercoaster ride, but with information, preparation, organization, and a solid support system, you can turn this journey into an exciting step toward your future.

If you’re ready for expert guidance and personalized support, join us at BVC Aspire and make this your best audition season yet!

BVC Aspire offers a four-month full-service program designed to guide you every step of the way. From choosing schools to preparing prescreens and acing your auditions, we’re here to help.

Learn more and save your spot here: https://www.bwayvocalcoach.com/aspire