University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI•PublicCityVery Large (33,488 students)
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Official Program Page
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Ultra-Selective
12-24 Students
Key Info
Apply viaSMTD Artistic Profile
Application Deadlines
December 1, 2025
Early Option: October 15, 2025 (results by November 15)
Audition Dates
Ann Arbor (In-Person):
January 16, 23, 30, 2026
February 6, 13, 2026
February 20, 2026 (Online/Zoom)
Chicago Unifieds (In-Person):
February 1-3, 2026
Dance: February 4, 2026 (Joffrey Ballet)
Voice/Acting: February 5-6, 2026 (Palmer House)
Virtual: Available upon request
Good to Know
Apply via Common App + SMTD Artistic Profile. SMTD does NOT participate in Early Action/Early Decision. Early Option available: apply by October 15 for prescreen/academic results by November 15. Test-optional for 2025 cycle. Submit all prescreen materials via Artistic Profile (NOT Acceptd or SlideRoom).
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
PRESCREEN (via SMTD Artistic Profile):
•Two musical theatre songs, max 90 seconds each
•One pre-1970, one post-1970
•Contrasting: fast/slow, dramatic/comedic, head voice/belt
•Contemporary works with realistic style preferred
•Avoid dialects and inappropriate language
•Memorized
LIVE AUDITION:
•Two 16-bar song cuts
•At least one must be from prescreen recording
•At least one must be pre-1965
•Faculty selects which song to perform
•Faculty accompanist provided—no personal accompanist, a cappella, or recorded tracks
•Bring music in binder with clear markings
Monologues
PRESCREEN (via SMTD Artistic Profile):
•Two contrasting contemporary monologues
•Post-1800s from professional writer
•Max 90 seconds each
•Memorized
LIVE AUDITION:
•Two contrasting monologues (max 4 minutes combined)
•May reuse prescreen material or prepare new pieces
•Faculty selects which one to perform
Dance
PRESCREEN (via SMTD Artistic Profile):
•Movement/dance video reflecting current abilities
•Options: musical/dance performance you participated in, OR original choreography (any style: ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, MT)
•OR demonstrate: pliés, tendus, grand battements, pirouettes (side view)
•Video should reflect whether you're a "singer/actor who moves" or a "competitive dancer who sings"
LIVE AUDITION (Group Dance Call):
•~1 hour with 20-40 applicants
•Includes warmup, ballet portion, jazz/MT combination
•No prior dance experience necessary
Wildcard / Special Skill
PRESCREEN - Personal Response Video (60-90 seconds):
•Choose one prompt from options provided
•Example: Discuss a character from a musical difficult to relate to
•Face-to-camera, candid response
Additional Materials
•Common Application required
•SMTD Artistic Profile with prescreen materials
•Headshot (for live audition)
•Music in binder with clear markings (for live audition)
•Test-optional (ACT/SAT optional for 2025 cycle)
Video Specifications
•Separate files for each component
•Landscape orientation, knees/waist up
•Simple background, lighting in front
•Standard recording devices (smartphones/tablets) acceptable
•Not evaluated on video quality, only clarity
•Upload via SMTD Artistic Profile (NOT Acceptd)
What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)
•In-person auditions planned for 2025-26 year
•Virtual/Zoom auditions available upon request—equal consideration given
•On-campus audition days include faculty/student meetings, interactive workshop
•Chicago Unifieds: Dance call at Joffrey Ballet, Voice/Acting at Palmer House
•Admits 22-24 students per year from ~700 applicants
•Contact smtd.admissions@umich.edu to schedule online audition
Program Highlights
•124 credits minimum (75% SMTD, 25% liberal arts)
•~84 students total in program
•Admits 22-24 students annually from ~700 applicants
•Senior Showcase in Ann Arbor and NYC for agents/casting directors
•Training: acting, dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, MT styles), theatre history, technical theatre
•4-5 mainstage productions annually
•Dual degree options available with other U-M colleges
•One of the most prestigious MT programs in the nation
Program info updated 5 days ago
Academic School Information
18%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
33,488
Enrollment
$83,648
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$17,228
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,072
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,832
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$4,926
Family Income $30k - $48k$5,389
Family Income $48k - $75k$8,756
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,042
Family Income $110k+$26,787