Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance

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.

Please note: If you are interested in being considered for the BFA Acting and BFA Musical Theatre degrees, equally, please submit the Musical Theatre application.  There is an option to select that you wish to be considered for the Acting program.  

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 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 horne2@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 2023-2024 Audition Dates:

On-Campus Auditions
Battelle Fine Arts Center

December 9, 2023
January 6, 2024
February 17, 2024

National Unified Auditions
New York City - January 27-28, 2024
Location: Pearl Studios

Chicago - February 5-8, 2024
Locations: The Palmer House Hilton Hotel (Auditions)
Ballet Chicago (Dance Call)

Los Angeles - February 10-11, 2024
Location: Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel

Virtual Audition Dates
January 20, 2024
February 24, 2024
via AuditionRoom in Acceptd

University Application
Please do not apply for admission to Otterbein University until you 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, 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 2023-2024 Design/Technology Interview Dates:

On-Campus In-Person Interview Dates
Friday, September 29, 2023 (for non-Ohio students only)
Friday, January 26, 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024
Friday, February 16, 2024
Friday, April 12, 2024

Virtual Interview Dates
Monday, January 29, 2024
Monday, February 5, 2024
Monday, February 26, 2024

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.

Contact Us

BFA Acting & Musical Theatre, BA in Theatre, and Dance Minor
Dawn Horne, M.F.A.
Director of Recruitment, Department of Theatre and Dance
p/ 614.823.1657
e/JoinTheatreandDance@otterbein.edu

BFA Design &Technology
Rebecca White
Program Director:  Design & Technology BFA
Professor, Costume Design
Department of Theatre and Dance
e/rwhite@otterbein.edu

Office of Admission
Lindsay Cooperrider
Admission Counselor for the Visual and Performing Arts
Admission & Financial Aid
e/cooperrider@otterbein.edu
p/ 614.823.1500



For technical questions, please check out our Help Desk for frequently asked questions.