Thank you for considering the performing arts programs at Dean College!

Dance and Theatre In-Person Audition Overview

Admission to the Dance or Theatre program is based on the review of the applicant's academic credentials through the Office of Admissions, as well as a required audition.

Dean College performing arts audition days are designed to give applicants the opportunity to be evaluated in a comprehensive manner, while also getting more familiar with the Dean campus, as well as some of our faculty, and to obtain more information regarding degree tracks, student life, and more.

Students applying to degree programs in Dance or Theatre are required* to complete an audition so that the applicant's ability to succeed within the demanding performance curriculum may be assessed. Prospective students must complete their admission application before participating in an audition. Click here to submit your admission application!

*Students applying to the Production and Design-BA program must submit a portfolio. Students applying to the Theatre Studies-BA program must provide a writing supplement outlining their theatre background. These may be submitted in lieu of an audition. Instructions for these can be found on the student's Dean College Application Portal. Please contact Joe Zumbo for more information.

Prepare for Auditions

Auditions are an essential part of the admissions process for the Dance and Theatre programs at Dean College. While the experience is professional, we want you to feel comfortable in order to be your best.

Be on Time

Audition check-in begins 45 minutes before your scheduled audition time in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center. Please be sure to be on time. Auditions begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Directions to the College can be found here.

Get Yourself Organized

Below is an additional list of materials needed for the audition. If you did not submit these items to the Office of Admissions, be sure to bring them to your audition.

Items to Prepare

  • Complete the Performing Arts Supplement, found in the Application Portal prior to the audition.
  • A headshot
  • A performance resume outlining your training and performance opportunities within the last 4 years. Please keep this to one page.
  • Dancers only- please provide an additional full-body dance photo in a pose of your choosing. 

Dance Audition Requirements

Students auditioning for the BFA and BA in Dance can expect a masterclass-style audition in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Tap. No solos or costumes are required. Students who do not wish to participate in tap will observe during that portion of the audition. 

Theatre Audition Requirements

  • Acting-BFA students should prepare two contrasting monologues that are no more than one minute in length. 
  • Musical Theatre-BFA students should prepare one monologue of no more than one minute in length and two 32-bar cuts of songs from the musical theatre repertoire demonstrating vocal range. Applicants must provide their own sheet music. Musical Theatre students will also participate in a dance class to demonstrate their proficiency in movement.
  • Performance-BA students should prepare one monologue of no more than one minute in length and two 32-bar cuts of songs from the musical theatre repertoire demonstrating vocal range. Applicants must provide their own sheet music.
  • Students applying to the Production and Design-BA program must submit a portfolio. Students applying to the Theatre Studies-BA program must provide a writing supplement outlining their theatre background. These may be submitted in place of an audition. Please contact Joe Zumbo for additional information.

What to Wear

Candidates for Theatre

Musical Theatre-BFA candidates will participate in the Jazz portion of the Dance auditions prior to their vocal and acting auditions. Performance-BA students will have the option to participate in the Jazz audition based on their technical abilities in dance. See the dance section below for required attire. All other Theatre candidates should wear professional, yet comfortable clothing to present their monologues and/or musical selections—no costumes. Please keep in mind that there will be a movement exercise as a part of the warm-up. 

Candidates for Dance

Candidates for the BFA and BA in Dance will need to prepare the following:

  • Hair should be worn up and secured, away from the face, preferably in a tidy bun
  • No skirts, leg warmers, cover-up t-shirts, warm-ups, etc.
  • Please make sure to bring all shoes needed (ballet, jazz (optional), and tap)
  • There will be no pointe as a part of the audition

Dance Attire

  • Female-identifying– A solid, black leotard with pink tights or flesh-toned convertible tights that match your skin tone and matching ballet slippers are preferred.
  • Male-identifying– White or black full length, form fitting crewneck t-shirt, tank, or leotard tucked into your tights. A dance belt, a canvas web belt to hold up your tights, black convertible or full-length footless ballet tights, and black ballet slippers.
  • Please Note: for the Jazz, Modern and Tap sections, black leggings may be worn