MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance
BFA in Theatre Concentration in Music Theatre Application – page 1 (rev. 7_20)
An Ensemble where Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes! And Every Cares!
BFA in Theatre
Concentration in Music Theatre
The Department of Theatre and Dance at MSU Denver produces outstanding musicals, dramas, dance concerts,
and multidisciplinary performances and festivals. The department also develops and tours original works and
cultivates strong community partnerships (such as with Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Touring
Company and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance).
The work of our theatre and dance students, faculty, and staff has earned local and regional awards for many
years. We believe that theatre and dance are inclusive ‘ensemble’ experiences that provide transferable skills that
will support you in a variety of professions. Our coursework and practical experiences prepare you for a career in
theatre or dance or for graduate school after graduation. Our department has highly accomplished and
professionally skilled faculty and staff who care about your success toward achieving your educational and
professional goals. Carefully crafted curriculum provides theoretical foundations and practical applications to
prepare students for graduate school, employment, and for personal and aesthetic development, all grounded in a
strong liberal arts tradition. The theatre program’s motto is “Theatre as Equipment for Living” and the dance
program’s motto is “Dance to Be Moved.”
As a Liberal Arts based university and in partnership with the Department of Music, our program is the only one
of its kind in the Denver-Metro region. The theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools
of Theatre (NAST) (http://nast.arts-accredit.org/) that sets standards for training programs in theatre and music
theatre nationally. Our qualified faculty of theatre professionals mentor students toward the goal of becoming
well-rounded, professionally prepared artists ready for the working world or for additional training in a graduate
program.
The BFA Music Theatre Program provides:
✓ A positive ensemble-based learning environment where “Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes!
and Every Cares!”
✓ Individualized training in music theatre performance, audition techniques and a balance of theatre, music
and dance classes to help you become a well-rounded artist.
✓ Training in music theory, basic piano skills, involvement in choral groups, and private voice lessons with
music theatre repertoire.
✓ Training in jazz and tap dance with opportunities to take other dance styles.
✓ Performance opportunities in our productions, classes, events, and clubs.
Program Requirements:
✓ Promote ‘ensemble’ where “Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes! and Every Cares!”
✓ Audition for every mainstage production and seek audition feedback.
✓ Participate in two mainstage theatre productions every year.
✓ Attend music theatre coaching sessions every Friday from 2pm-4pm.
✓ Attend every MSU Denver theatre production. Students receive one free ticket with your student I.D.
✓ Fulfill the requirements of the BFA/MT Handbook.
✓ Maintain a “C-” grade or above in all theatre and associated classes (including music and dance).
✓ Maintain a 2.0 GPA in the major and overall (as required for graduation).
✓ Complete 120 total hours (including 40 upper-division hours and all general studies requirements).
NOTES:
1) All applicants must be able to demonstrate some level of competency, experience and/or educational training in
theatre and music prior to acceptance into the program.
2) ALL TRANSFER STUDENTS are required to fulfill two (2) years (four semesters not including summers) in the
BFA/MT program after acceptance.
MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance
BFA in Theatre Concentration in Music Theatre Application – page 2 (rev. 7_20)
An Ensemble where Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes! And Every Cares!
Application Process & Deadlines
Application
Deadlines
Music Department Audition
Call 303-615-1010 to schedule.
Theatre Department Audition
BFA/MT will contact you after receiving
your application.
Apply by:
JULY 15
The 1st and/or 2nd
Saturday in August
(Dates are subject to change).
The Thursday before the start of
the Fall semester.
(Dates are subject to change).
Apply by:
DECEMBER 15
The 1st and/or 2nd
Saturday in January
(Dates are subject to change).
The Thursday before the start of
the Spring semester.
(Dates are subject to change).
NOTE: Additional audition dates for the Department of Music may be available. All audition dates are subject
to change. Contact each department to verify dates.
Late Applications will not be processed until the next published application deadline.
STEP 1: APPLY BY POSTED DEADLINES
STEP 2: AUDITION FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
STEP 3: AUDITION AND INTERVIEW FOR THE
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE
MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance
BFA in Theatre Concentration in Music Theatre Application – page 3 (rev. 7_20)
An Ensemble where Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes! And Every Cares!
1) SUBMIT THE APPLICATION FORM AN APPLICATION MATERIALS BY THE DEADLINES:
• JULY 15
• DECEMBER 15
2) WRITE A LETTER OF INTENT:
• Provide a 2-page typed letter of intent addressing the following:
o What are your educational goals?
o What are your professional aspirations and goals after graduation?
o What skills are you hoping to learn through our training program?
o What personal attributes and strengths do you bring to the program?
o Why did you choose MSU Denver?
3) PROVIDE AN ACTOR RESUME AND PHOTO:
• An actor resume is a one-page document that includes:
o Your name, contact information, and other appropriate artist information (voice type, range,
height, etc.).
o A listing of your theatre, music, and dance performance experience.
o A listing of your education, degrees, workshops, and training (voice lessons, dance classes, etc.).
o A listing of honors of awards, professional affiliations, club associations, etc.
o A listing of special skills (juggling, gymnastics, dialects, impressions, etc.).
• Provide a photo.
o Application photos can be a 3”x 5” photo or a professional 8”x 10” headshot.
4) PROVIDE TWO (2) LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
• Letter #1 should be from a previous teacher, director, or coach who knows your artistic work, habits,
and ethics as an artist in theatre.
• Letter #2 should be from a work manager or mentor who know your skills, habits, and ethics in the
work place.
o Letters can accompany the application and do not need to be mailed separately.
5) PROVIDE A TRANSCRIPT:
• Include an unofficial copy of your most current high school or college/university transcript.
• NOTE: A transcript must accompany your application. Even if you submitted a transcript for
admission to MSU Denver, a separate un-official copy must be included.
• Current students should supply your most Degree Progress Report (available from the Student
Hub).
SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:
BY MAIL:
Associate Professor Jeffrey Parker
MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance
Campus Box 93, PO Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-3362
BY EMAIL:
jparke80@msudenver.edu
IN PERSON ON CAMPUS:
Department Office – Arts Building 269
STEP 1: APPLICATION
MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance
BFA in Theatre Concentration in Music Theatre Application – page 4 (rev. 7_20)
An Ensemble where Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes! And Every Cares!
Call the Department of Music at 303-615-1010 to set up your music audition 4-6 weeks in advance of each
audition date. Auditions are in August, January (with some additional spring semester dates). Notify the
Department of Music that you are applying to the Music Theatre Concentration.
MUSIC AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
• Present TWO (2) contrasting songs from American musical theatre repertoire.
Please provide sheet music in the appropriate key for both songs. No transpositions are allowed. Music should be double-
sided and placed in a 3-ring binder. An accompanist will be provided. Acapella, self-accompanied, CD or digital
accompaniments are not allowed.
• All applicants will take a Theory Placement Test, Sight-Singing & Ear Training Test.
NOTE: All applicants are required to PASS this audition BEFORE proceeding to the Theatre Audition.
THEATRE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: All BFA/MT applicants are required to
PASS this audition BEFORE proceeding to the Theatre Audition.
1) Present TWO (2) fully blocked contrasting songs from American musical theatre repertoire. (3-minute
time limit per selection)
Please provide sheet music in the appropriate key for both songs. No transpositions are allowed. Music should be double-
sided and placed in a 3-ring binder. An accompanist will be provided. Acapella, self-accompanied, CD or digital
accompaniments are not allowed.
2) Present TWO (2) one-minute contrasting monologues. (1-minute time limit per selection)
Monologues should be contrasting in style. No Shakespeare or Classical period monologues allowed.
3) Participate in the BFA/MT INTERVIEW:
a. A 30-minute interview will follow your audition.
STEP 2: MUSIC DEPARTMENT AUDITION
STEP 3: THEATRE AUDITION & INTERVIEW
MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance
BFA in Theatre Concentration in Music Theatre Application – page 5 (rev. 7_20)
An Ensemble where Everybody Counts! Everybody Contributes! And Every Cares!
BFA in Theatre (Concentration in Music Theatre) Application Form
First Name
Address
City
Cell Phone
Email
High School
College/University
Enrollment Term Fall Spring Year
Status:
Incoming Freshman
Current MSU Denver Student
Transfer
Vocal Range:
Soprano Alto Tenor Baritone/Bass
Voice Lessons:
< than 1 year 1-2 years 3-5 years 5+ years
Choir Experience:
< than 1 year 1-2 years 3-5 years 5+ years
Dance Training:
< than 1 year 1-2 years 3-5 years 5+ years
Instrumental Training:
< than 1 year 1-2 years 3-5 years 5+ years
Special Skills: List special skills (magic, juggling,
acrobatics, gymnastics, specialty acts, etc.):
How did you hear about our program?
A friend told me
My school counselor
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: 900#
Application Intent Resume/Photo LOR #1 LOR #2 Transcript
Audition Music-P/NP Theory-P/NP Essentials Theatre -P/NP