After a fall season featuring sold-out performances that showcased the Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) theatre and dance program’s growing reputation for excellence, the nationally recognized program is inviting prospective students to audition for entry into the program in fall 2025. Auditions will be held in January, February, and March, offering aspiring performers the chance to join one of the country’s top musical theatre programs.
As the only campus in Missouri dedicated solely to art, dance, music, and theatre, the River Campus provides an unparalleled environment for creativity and collaboration. Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, the historic setting is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities, including the $88 million Cultural Arts Center. With cutting-edge performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and production resources, students have the tools they need to bring their artistic visions to life.
“What sets SEMO’s theatre program apart is its unique combination of professional training, industry connections, and real-world experience,” said Dr. Kenn Stilson, chair of the Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance. “Students participate in six major productions each year, spanning plays, musicals, and a dance concert, giving them extensive performance opportunities. And they can audition for shows their first semester, something unheard of with larger programs.”
Stilson said The Conservatory’s signature Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival connects students with contemporary playwrights and provides a platform to develop and perform world premier works. The University’s Fault Line Film Festival also allows students to expand their storytelling into the realm of filmmaking, but one of the biggest assets for students are the key partnerships The Conservatory has forged.
“Our students benefit from a partnership with Concord Theatricals, one of the most influential theatrical licensing companies in the world, and from our expert faculty who hold Broadway, television, and film experience.
Stilson says this direct link to the entertainment industry equips students with the skills, professionalism, and network to transition seamlessly into their careers. He also says the environment of learning at the River Campus can’t be undersold.
“The sense of community here is unparalleled,” says Tim Nicolai, assistant professor of acting and musical theatre. “Our students are incredibly talented, intelligent and supportive people that go on to become amazing alumni that work in every corner of the professional world.”
The program doesn’t just prepare students to perform; it sets them up for success in every aspect of their future careers in a variety of areas in the entertainment industry. From mastering audition etiquette to developing professional headshots, resumes, and portfolios, students graduate with the confidence, tools and connections to compete on a national stage.
SEMO’s theatre program has grown from a regional gem to a nationally recognized leader in arts education, blending rigorous training with a collaborative, supportive environment. Whether students dream of Broadway, film, television, or creating their own path in the arts, the River Campus is a launchpad for their future.
Ready to take the stage? Discover how SEMO’s River Campus can help you shine at the national level. Audition dates for the spring semester are Jan. 25, Feb. 17, and March 1. Learn more by visiting the website.