Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance
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Performance Degree Tracks - BFA in Musical Theatre and BFA in Acting
Welcome to the pre-screening website for Otterbein University. We are very pleased that you are interested in our programs.
The Pre-Screening Process
Pre-screens are required for the BFA in Acting and BFA in Musical Theatre programs. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to audition.
All Musical Theatre applicants are required to submit a dance video. Acting applicants with dance training are encouraged to submit dance videos.
We encourage students to submit a short video of any other skills. These are including, but not limited to tumbling, any instruments that you play, piano composition, another song or monologue selection, etc. If you are applying to Musical Theatre and wish to be equally considered for the acting program, an additional monologue would be a good use of the optional video.
Dance Minor
The Dance Minor is a highly selective program that offers students rigorous training as well as performance opportunities in the annual Dance Concert as well as in Main Stage productions. Auditions are held during the academic year and can be arranged for incoming students by e-mailing skane@otterbein.edu. Students auditioning for the program will have an opportunity to take a rigorous and challenging dance class and to meet Director of Dance, Stella Kane, for an interview.
For more information about the program, visit the Dance Minor website here:
https://www.otterbein.edu/programs/minor-dance/
BFA in Musical Theatre and BFA in Acting 2025-2026 Audition Dates:
On-Campus Auditions, Battelle Fine Arts Center
January 17, 2026
February 21, 2026
National Unified Auditions
New York City - January 24-25, 2026
Location: Pearl Studios
Dance Calls: 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. on both days
Chicago - February 2-5, 2026
Locations: The Palmer House Hilton Hotel
Los Angeles - February 7-8, 2026
Location: Westin LAX
A Note for DANCE CALL Participants
Candidates should plan to attend the Dance Call at their scheduled audition location.
We strongly encourage Ohio residents to schedule On-Campus auditions and to attend the Dance Call at that location.
University Application
Students have the option to apply for admission to Otterbein University after they have completed and passed the pre-screen process. If you have applied already, as part of the Common Application, for example, do not be concerned. But if you have not yet applied, we suggest that you wait until you hear if you’ve been invited to audition.
BFA in Design/Technology; BA in Theatre (Double Major (BA only), non performance track)
A resume, recent photo and a minimum of 3 examples of your work are required.
Students invited for an interview can choose from the follow 2025-2026 Design/Technology Interview Dates:
In-Person Campus Visit and Interview Dates
Friday, January 16, 2026
Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Virtual Interview Dates
Monday, January 12, 2026
Monday, January 26, 2026
Monday, February 2, 2026
Monday, February 9, 2026
Monday, February 16, 2026
The full in-person campus visit on interview days will last from 9:00am-3:30pm, so please make sure you can be present that whole day.
Please select your degree track from the drop down menu on the left to schedule your on-campus interview.
Thank you. We look forward to seeing your work!
For more information about all Otterbein's Theatre degree programs CLICK HERE.
Have questions or need guidance navigating the application process?
CONTACT US:
Lenny Leibowitz
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance
p/ 614.823.1097
lleibowitz@otterbein.edu
BFA Design & Technology
Rebecca White
Costume Design Faculty, Director of Design/Tech Area
Department of Theatre and Dance
rwhite@otterbein.edu
BA in Theatre
Patrick Stone
Technical Director, Head of BA Program
Department of Theatre and Dance
pstone@otterbein.edu
Allison Hunter
Admin Assistant
Department of Theatre and Dance
hunter12@otterbein.edu
Office of Admission
Emily Stroble
Admission Counselor for the Visual and Performing Arts
Admission & Financial Aid
stroble1@otterbein.edu
p/ 614.823.1219
For technical questions, please check out our Help Desk for frequently asked questions.
Welcome to the pre-screening website for Otterbein University. We are very pleased that you are interested in our programs.
The Pre-Screening Process
Pre-screens are required for the BFA in Acting and BFA in Musical Theatre programs. You must complete this pre-screening process in order to be invited to audition.
All Musical Theatre applicants are required to submit a dance video. Acting applicants with dance training are encouraged to submit dance videos.
We encourage students to submit a short video of any other skills. These are including, but not limited to tumbling, any instruments that you play, piano composition, another song or monologue selection, etc. If you are applying to Musical Theatre and wish to be equally considered for the acting program, an additional monologue would be a good use of the optional video.
Dance Minor
The Dance Minor is a highly selective program that offers students rigorous training as well as performance opportunities in the annual Dance Concert as well as in Main Stage productions. Auditions are held during the academic year and can be arranged for incoming students by e-mailing skane@otterbein.edu. Students auditioning for the program will have an opportunity to take a rigorous and challenging dance class and to meet Director of Dance, Stella Kane, for an interview.
For more information about the program, visit the Dance Minor website here:
https://www.otterbein.edu/programs/minor-dance/
BFA in Musical Theatre and BFA in Acting 2025-2026 Audition Dates:
On-Campus Auditions, Battelle Fine Arts Center
January 17, 2026
February 21, 2026
National Unified Auditions
New York City - January 24-25, 2026
Location: Pearl Studios
Dance Calls: 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. on both days
Chicago - February 2-5, 2026
Locations: The Palmer House Hilton Hotel
Los Angeles - February 7-8, 2026
Location: Westin LAX
A Note for DANCE CALL Participants
Candidates should plan to attend the Dance Call at their scheduled audition location.
We strongly encourage Ohio residents to schedule On-Campus auditions and to attend the Dance Call at that location.
University Application
Students have the option to apply for admission to Otterbein University after they have completed and passed the pre-screen process. If you have applied already, as part of the Common Application, for example, do not be concerned. But if you have not yet applied, we suggest that you wait until you hear if you’ve been invited to audition.
BFA in Design/Technology; BA in Theatre (Double Major (BA only), non performance track)
A resume, recent photo and a minimum of 3 examples of your work are required.
Students invited for an interview can choose from the follow 2025-2026 Design/Technology Interview Dates:
In-Person Campus Visit and Interview Dates
Friday, January 16, 2026
Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, January 30, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Virtual Interview Dates
Monday, January 12, 2026
Monday, January 26, 2026
Monday, February 2, 2026
Monday, February 9, 2026
Monday, February 16, 2026
The full in-person campus visit on interview days will last from 9:00am-3:30pm, so please make sure you can be present that whole day.
Please select your degree track from the drop down menu on the left to schedule your on-campus interview.
Thank you. We look forward to seeing your work!
For more information about all Otterbein's Theatre degree programs CLICK HERE.
Have questions or need guidance navigating the application process?
CONTACT US:
Lenny Leibowitz
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance
p/ 614.823.1097
lleibowitz@otterbein.edu
BFA Design & Technology
Rebecca White
Costume Design Faculty, Director of Design/Tech Area
Department of Theatre and Dance
rwhite@otterbein.edu
BA in Theatre
Patrick Stone
Technical Director, Head of BA Program
Department of Theatre and Dance
pstone@otterbein.edu
Allison Hunter
Admin Assistant
Department of Theatre and Dance
hunter12@otterbein.edu
Office of Admission
Emily Stroble
Admission Counselor for the Visual and Performing Arts
Admission & Financial Aid
stroble1@otterbein.edu
p/ 614.823.1219
For technical questions, please check out our Help Desk for frequently asked questions.