Auditions and Interviews

Admission to BFA Acting

Applicants must be accepted academically to Southeast Missouri State University and separately audition for and be admitted to the BFA in Acting program.

To begin, apply to Southeast through the Common App or the university's application portal. After applying to the university, complete the BFA Acting application through Acceptd.

Application Deadlines

Early Action

December 6, 2026

Applicants must submit their BFA Acting application and complete their audition (in person or by video) by December 6, 2026. Admission decisions will be communicated in mid-December.

Regular Decision

February 28, 2027

Applicants must submit their BFA Acting application and complete their audition (in person or by video) by February 28, 2027. Admission decisions will be communicated by mid-March.

BFA Acting Application

All applicants must register through Acceptd after applying to the university.

Your application will include:

• Basic personal and contact information.

• A headshot (a clear, recent photograph is sufficient; professional photography is not required).

• A performance résumé listing relevant experience, training, and awards or recognitions.

• Your preferred in-person audition date or video audition materials.

Audition Requirements

All applicants must prepare two contrasting monologues, each approximately 60 seconds in length, using one of the following options:

Option A: Two Contemporary Monologues

Two contrasting monologues from plays written after 1950.

Option B: One Contemporary and One Classical Monologue

One monologue from a play written after 1950 and one classical monologue featuring heightened or poetic language, such as Shakespeare or other classical playwrights.

Applicants should select material from published plays that showcases their individual strengths, demonstrates contrasting performance qualities, and provides opportunities for active, character-driven acting.

Audition Formats

In-Person Auditions

Applicants may audition on campus and will have the opportunity to tour the Conservatory's facilities, participate in a masterclass, and speak with faculty.

Applications must be submitted at least five days before the selected audition date.

Video Auditions

Applicants may submit a video audition through Acceptd in place of an in-person audition. Video submissions constitute a full audition for admission to the BFA Acting program; no preliminary prescreen is required.

Video Recording Guidelines

• Record and upload each monologue as a separate video, approximately 60 seconds in length, not including the introduction.

• Begin each video with a brief introduction stating your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

• Frame your performance from approximately mid-chest to just above your head.

• Record in a well-lit space with clear audio and a non-distracting background.

• Professional recording equipment is not required. A smartphone is sufficient.

Optional Wild Card Video

Applicants may submit one additional video highlighting a special skill, personal interest, artistic ability, or another aspect of themselves they would like the Conservatory faculty to know.

This video is optional and does not replace either required monologue.

Interviews

Applicants may be contacted to arrange a remote interview and/or participate in a virtual working session with Dobbins Conservatory faculty.

Admission to the BFA in Musical Theatre

Applicants must be accepted academically to Southeast Missouri State University and separately audition for and be admitted to the BFA in Musical Theatre program.

To begin, apply to Southeast through the Common App or the university's application portal. After applying to the university, complete the BFA Musical Theatre application through Acceptd.

Application Deadlines

Early Action

December 6, 2026

Applicants must submit their BFA Musical Theatre application and complete their audition (in person or by video) by December 6, 2026. Admission decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis at the beginning of each month, depending on the date of submission.

Regular Decision

February 28, 2027

Applicants must submit their BFA Musical Theatre application and complete their audition (in person or by video) by February 28, 2027. Most applicants will be notified of their admission decision in March, with select offers made on a rolling basis.

BFA Musical Theatre Application

All applicants must register through Acceptd after applying to the university.

Your application will include:

• Basic personal and contact information.

• A headshot (a clear, recent photograph is sufficient; professional photography is not required).

• A performance résumé listing relevant experience, training, and awards or recognitions.

• Your preferred in-person audition date or video audition materials.

Audition Requirements

Dobbins Conservatory participates in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP) and follows its standardized audition guidelines.

Applicants must prepare two contrasting songs, one monologue, and a dance audition, following the requirements below.

Two Contrasting Songs

Applicants must prepare two contrasting song selections, each approximately 60–90 seconds in length:

• One song written before 1970.

• One song written after 1970 that contrasts with the first selection.

Styles may include musical theatre, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, and other musical genres.

Applicants should select material that showcases their vocal strengths and demonstrates contrasting performance qualities.

One Monologue

Applicants must prepare one monologue, approximately 60–90 seconds in length, from a published play or written by a professional playwright.

Applicants should select material that showcases their individual strengths and provides opportunities for active, character-driven acting.

Dance

All applicants will complete a dance audition, either through an in-person dance call or a video submission.

Specific instructions for each audition format are provided below.

Audition Formats

In-Person Auditions

Applicants may audition on campus and will have the opportunity to tour the Conservatory's facilities, participate in a masterclass, and speak with faculty.

Applicants should prepare the two contrasting songs and one monologue outlined above.

Dance Call

Applicants will work with a faculty member to demonstrate their best version of choreographed dancing or movement. No prepared dance material is required.

Applications must be submitted at least five days before the selected audition date.

Video Auditions

Applicants may submit a video audition through Acceptd in place of an in-person audition. Video submissions constitute a full audition for admission to the BFA Musical Theatre program; no preliminary prescreen is required.

Dobbins Conservatory participates in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP) and has selected the following options:

• Songs: Option A

• Monologue: Option A

• Dance: Option A

• Ballet: Option C (no ballet video required)

• Wild Card: Optional

Applicants should review the official MTCP guidelines for detailed recording instructions, video labeling, and additional audition guidance.

Video Recording Guidelines

• Record and upload each performance as a separate video.

• Submit one brief introduction video, no longer than 10 seconds, stating your name. Individual performance videos do not require separate spoken introductions.

• Record your songs and monologue in a waist-up frame, ensuring that your face is clearly visible.

• Record in a well-lit space with clear audio and a non-distracting background.

• Professional recording equipment is not required. A smartphone is sufficient.

Songs

Submit two contrasting songs, each approximately 60–90 seconds in length, following the requirements outlined above.

Perform with live or prerecorded musical accompaniment. A cappella singing is not permitted.

Monologue

Submit one monologue, approximately 60–90 seconds in length, following the requirements outlined above.

Dance

Submit one dance video, approximately 60–90 seconds in length, showcasing your strongest choreographed dancing or movement.

• Include at least one turn, one jump, and one kick, or suitable alternative movements that demonstrate rotation, elevation, and extension.

• Select a dance style that highlights your strengths. This may include jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, cultural dance styles, or other dance disciplines.

• Perform choreography you can execute safely and confidently. Self-choreographed material is welcome.

• Your video must feature you dancing individually. Footage from a production, competition, or other performance is acceptable, provided you are clearly featured on your own.

• Perform to music and frame your video so that your entire body, including your feet, remains visible throughout.

Optional Wild Card Video

Applicants may submit one additional video highlighting a special skill, personal interest, artistic ability, or another aspect of themselves they would like the Conservatory faculty to know.

This video is optional and does not replace any required audition materials.

BFA Interviews

Applicants may be contacted to arrange a remote interview and/or work virtually with the Dobbins Conservatory faculty.

BFA Early Action

If an applicant wishes to be considered for Early Action, they must submit their portfolio and complete their interview (either in person or virtually) by December 6, 2026.

Early Action applicants will be notified of their admission decision by mid-December. 

BFA Regular Decision

Regular Decision applicants must submit their application and complete their interview by March 14, 2027. All Regular Decision applicants will be notified of their admission decision on a rolling basis.

BFA Application

A link to the online application form can be found below. This application form will ask you to submit:

• Basic personal and contact information
• A photo of you (it need not be professional)
• A resume that includes the design positions, crew and leadership positions, any formal training you have, and any awards or recognitions you have received
• A brief written description of your career goals (250 words or fewer). 
• A link to a website, video presentation, or portfolio file

You will also be asked to either select an in-person interview date or schedule a virtual interview.

Guidelines for Design and Technology BFA Interviews

In-Person Interviews

Applicants will also have the opportunity to tour the Conservatory’s facilities and speak with faculty on the interview day.

The interview will consist of:

A Portfolio Presentation/Review

Applicants are encouraged to present a portfolio. The portfolio may consist of but is not limited to: drawings, drafting, costume pieces, scenic models, video editing, soundscapes, process pictures, photography, or other forms of demonstration of skill and interest in a digital format.

Interview

A brief Q&A with Design and Technology Faculty and Staff.

Video Interview

Applicants may also interview virtually. This represents the applicant's full interview. It is possible that Conservatory faculty will contact applicants who submit virtually to request additional material.  It is highly recommended that students arrange for a campus tour if at all possible.

Virtual interviews should be prepared as follows:

Overall

• A link to a website, video presentation, or portfolio files

The portfolio may consist of, but is not limited to: drawings, drafting, costume pieces, scenic models, video editing, soundscapes, process pictures, photography, or other forms of demonstration of skill and interest in a digital format.

• A virtual interview via Zoom with Design and Technology Faculty and Staff Members

Audition Preparation (on-campus)

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the audition to sign-in, change, and warm up.
• Prepare a 90 second solo in the dance form of your choice. The solo can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer and should highlight the dancer’s technical strengths and performance ability.
• Bring music for your solo. 
• Attire Requirements: solid-colored leotard or tank top, solid-colored tights, ballet and/or jazz shoes. If you are comfortable en pointe, please bring your shoes should you be requested to wear them. No skirts or jewelry. Hair should be secured away from face and neck.

Video Auditions

An in-person audition is preferred but should a student not be able to attend any of the scheduled auditions, they may select submission of a video audition on the application form. Please reach out to BA Dance Coordinator Michael Lomeka at mlomeka@semo.edu for details on video requirements.