Gateway Process
An interview/audition is required to major in Theatre. At the time of your audition/interview, you may also choose a concentration. Concentrations are not required. If you are a prospective JMU student, you must apply to both JMU and the School of Theatre and Dance separately. Please download the Theatre Gateway Audition Requirements for information on what to prepare for your audition, and the application materials you are requested to submit via Slideroom. To apply to the School of Theatre and Dance, please register for an audition date and submit an application on SlideRoom using the links at the bottom of this page.
What to Expect
So, what is the goal of our gateway process? Demonstrated ability within a particular area of theatre such as acting, design, or playwriting is wonderful, but we are just as interested in getting to know you as a person.
You will begin by sharing material, such as auditioning with a monologue, presenting a visual portfolio, or discussing writing samples. Next, you will continue with a short interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience in theatre and the arts. For us, your interview is just as important as what you present. We are seeking applicants with a variety of skills and interests both in and outside of the arts. Of course, we also know that prospective students have had varying access to theatrical training and opportunities. So, don’t worry, we are looking for potential, not perfection.
Prospective Students may apply for BOTH the Theatre and Musical Theatre majors. Students who wish to be considered for both majors must register for each audition separately. You are encouraged to attend the audition for both on the same day.
Early registration is suggested in order to make sure that slots are available for both majors on your desired audition date. You should prepare the requirements for both the Theatre major and the Musical Theatre major if auditioning for both programs.
Schedule Audition and/or Interview
1. Submit your Undergraduate Admissions Application via the JMU Admissions Office.
Apply to JMU using the Common App. Once you have listed JMU as one of your schools and have listed your intended major, a portfolio section will open in the JMU portion of the Common App. That will link you directly to JMU’s SlideRoom application, where you can submit your artistic application and upload your portfolio of work to be reviewed by our faculty.
- Nov. 2, 2024 (in-person) (recommended for those applying to JMU Early Action)
- Nov. 16, 2024 (in-person) (recommended for those applying to JMU Early Action)
- January 25, 2025 (in-person) in NYC, NY for those attending Unifieds
- January 26, 2025 (in-person) in NYC, NY for those attending Unifieds
- Feb. 1, 2025 (in-person)
- Feb. 8, 2025 (in-person)
The following is a general guide to scholarship programs specific to JMU Theatre and Dance. Prospective students who audition for the JMU Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Dance majors are offered scholarships in the Spring. Continuing students make application early in the spring semester for the following academic year.
For information on more general financial aid and scholarship information, try the following two resources:
For Incoming First-Year Applicants
Criteria for determining scholarship recipients include the following:
- Talent and Ability, based on in-person or virtual audition, portfolio review, submitted materials and interview
- Academic promise, based on high-school transcript, GPA (minimum equivalent of 3.0 in a 4-point scale), and standardized test scores
- Application Essay (A program-admission essay also serves scholarship application purposes.)
- Letter of recommendation (A program-admission recommendation also serves scholarship application purposes.)
National Association of Schools of Dance
and the National Association of Schools of
Theatre.
