Auditions & Scholarships

All students who wish to audition for the Musical Theatre Program are asked to first submit an application to the Carthage College Office of Admissions. Students may use the Common App or the Carthage application. Once you have submitted your application, you may go ahead and request an audition date.

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Carthage offers multiple in-person audition dates and a virtual option. Auditions will consist of vocal warm-ups, a dance call, an audition work session, and an interview.

In-Person Auditions

In-person auditions take place on the Carthage campus. We do prefer to see students in person, so we can spend more time getting to know you. This year’s in-person audition dates are:

• Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024
• Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
• Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025
• Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

Students unable to attend the scheduled audition dates may contact the Fine Arts Coordinator at vpascholarships@carthage.edu about alternate audition dates.

We recommend that students participating in the February Presidential Scholarships try to schedule their musical theatre audition on a separate date if at all possible.

Virtual Audition Option 

While we prefer to see students in person, we understand that not every student may be able to travel to campus. If you would like to schedule a virtual audition, please select “Virtual Audition” when you complete your Audition Request Form, and we will contact you by email with information and requirements.

IN-PERSON AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Your in-person audition will consist of vocal warm-ups, a dance call, an audition work session, and an interview. The full audition time will be approximately four hours. In-person auditions are preferred, but virtual auditions are available. Please see the Virtual Audition section below.

Performance Requirements

• Perform two memorized song cuts (solos) of contrasting nature (any style, genre, or tempo), each approximately no more than 90 seconds.

• Perform one memorized monologue, no longer than two minutes. Your piece must come from a published play. Do not use your own writing, movies, TV, forensics or speech tournament pieces, or undocumented internet sources.

• Attend a group assembly and jazz class in addition to the main audition. No experience is required for the jazz class, but attendance and participation are required. Please bring clothes you can easily move in for the jazz class.

Note: All students will be placed in Keyboard I, Music Theory I, and Aural Skills I, unless a placement test is requested. Students can learn more about how to request a placement test by talking to faculty on their audition day, or reaching out once they are accepted into the program.

Please bring the following items to your audition:

• A resume noting both your musical and academic accomplishments.
• A copy of your music in a three-ring binder with the cuts clearly marked for the accompanist.
• A headshot photograph.
• A change of clothes you can easily move in for the jazz class.

Suggestions for your In-Person Audition and Interview

• Pick pieces that show off your vocal and dramatic abilities. Remember, we don’t want to hear just big and/or loud notes.
• Wear appropriate audition attire. This means that you should be dressed in clothing that is comfortable, shows you at your best, and reflects who you are.
• Be yourself and show us who you are!

VIRTUAL AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

In-person auditions are recommended for the best scholarship consideration. However, if your circumstances require a virtual audition, please check “Virtual Audition” on the Audition Request Form and we will contact you via email with information and requirements.