Applying to the BFA in Musical Theatre
The School of the Arts at ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« offers high caliber programs designed
to expand students’ potential in the arts and beyond.
Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at the School of the Arts should:
- Submit their application, transcript, and recommendation through ÑÇÖÞÇéɫ’s undergraduate application portal.
- There are also many opportunities in the arts for majors and non-majors alike at ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.
Specific instructions for those applying to the BFA in musical theatre appear below.
How is a BA different from a BFA?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a liberal arts degree, which is one of the most common degrees in undergraduate education, providing a broad educational path across many areas of knowledge in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The Theatre BA in the School of the Arts at ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« is structured to make it easier for students to double major, to focus on multiple areas within theatre, and/or to merge the arts with liberal arts or sciences.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a specialized, pre-professional degree intended for students wishing to pursue a specific artistic field as their career. ÑÇÖÞÇéɫ’s BFA in musical theatre aims for students to graduate prepared to begin a professional career in musical theatre performance with skills in acting, singing, musicianship, and dance. Because it is an intensive program, it provides less flexibility for double majoring or taking elective courses, particularly for students intending to graduate in four years. A breakdown of requirements can be viewed here.
ÑÇÖÞÇéɫ’s BA in theatre requires fewer credits (56) than the BFA in musical theatre (76), and does not require an audition. Students pursuing a BFA in musical theatre, however, must be accepted to both ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and the Musical Theatre BFA program. The Theatre BA does not require an audition; you need only apply to ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and then declare the major once a student.
Application & Prescreen Materials for the BFA in Musical Theatre
- Step 1: Apply to ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« by December 1
- Step 2: Submit your portfolio by December 10
Students may also apply by the January 15/January 25 deadlines, but will only be considered as space allows.
When submitting your portfolio of prescreen materials, you will be asked to upload the following through the application status checker:
- A personal statement explaining the type of training you hope to receive through a BFA in musical theatre
- A theatre résumé
- Videos of two contrasting songs:
- Each video should be 60-90 seconds long
- The songs should contrast in style, mood and/or character
- At least one song must be from the musical-theatre canon
- The second may be another musical-theatre song or a song from another genre or time period
- Both videos should include accompaniment that does not overpower your voice.
- One 60-90-second video of a monologue from a published play or written by a professional writer
- Optional: one "wild card" video that shares your personality, interests, experiences, or another skill
Dance and ballet videos are not required. Submit all materials through ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« University's application status checker, not through Accepted.
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« follows the guidelines. Film and upload each piece as a separate video. Use a simple background, adequate front or side lighting and an eye-level camera positioned horizontally. Frame songs and monologues from approximately the waist up, test the sound and image before submitting, and label each file with the piece, show or playwright, and your full name.
Callbacks for the BFA Musical Theatre Program
After you’ve applied, the musical theatre faculty will review your submitted prescreen materials. Selected applicants will receive an invitation and additional instructions for a live audition.
AUDITION DATES - by invitation only:
- ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«: Feb. 6, 2027
- New York City: Feb. 13, 2027
For questions about the BFA in musical theatre or its prescreen and audition requirements, contact Tommy Iafrate, Director of Musical Theatre, at tiafrate@binghamton.edu.