Emerson College

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Boston, MA•PrivateCityMedium (4,145 students)

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Program Characteristics

Prescreen Required

Highly Selective

12-24 Students

Key Info

Apply viaAcceptd

Application Deadlines

Early Action/Early Decision I: November 8 Early Decision II: January 10 Regular Decision: January 22

Audition Dates

Boston (In-Person) - November 15-16, 22-23, 2025 Boston (In-Person) - January 17, 31, 2026 Boston (In-Person) - February 7, 14, 2026 NYC Unifieds - January 23-25, 2026 Chicago Unifieds - February 2-4, 2026 Virtual (Acceptd) - February 7-8, 2026 Note: Boston auditions are 5-hour blocks with dance call, info session, then flexible volunteering system for audition order

Good to Know

If not invited to MT audition, you MAY be invited to audition for BFA Theatre & Performance instead—no additional fee required.

Application Fee

AUDITION FEE: $30 (waiver available)

Prescreen Requirements

Songs

PRESCREEN (MTCP Option A):

•Two 60-90 sec songs filmed separately

•One pre-1970, one post-1970 (contrasting styles)

•Any genre: MT, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.

•Use accompaniment track (no a cappella)

LIVE AUDITION:

•Two ~1-minute contrasting songs from published musicals

•One pre-1970, one post-1970

•Accompanist provided—bring sheet music in proper key

•May use prescreen songs if they meet requirements

Monologues

PRESCREEN (MTCP Option A):

•One 60-90 sec monologue from published play or professional writer

•Age-appropriate

•Active monologues preferred (real-time, direct communication with scene partner)

•Avoid extreme emotions that are hard to justify in short pieces

LIVE AUDITION:

•Two 1-3 minute contrasting monologues from contemporary plays (1950-present)

•One MUST be comedic

•May use prescreen monologue if it meets requirements

Dance

PRESCREEN (MTCP Option A):

•60-90 sec showing best dancing/moving

•Include at least one turn, one jump, one kick (or suitable alternatives)

•Any style: jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, etc.

•Can use Emerson-provided combo or self-choreographed

•Full body in frame throughout

LIVE AUDITION:

•Dance call at all in-person auditions

•Virtual auditions use prescreen dance video

•Wear practical clothes with jazz shoes, character shoes, or dance sneakers

Wildcard / Special Skill

OPTIONAL 60-90 sec:

•Special skill, interesting story about yourself, passion speech

•Instrument, original composition

•SNL-style comedy skit, how-to video

•Performance in another language

•Additional dance style (tap, hip hop, ballet, etc.)

Additional Materials

•1-page theatrical resume

•Headshot/selfie (professional not required)

Video Specifications

•Each piece filmed/uploaded SEPARATELY (no continuous videos)

•Waist-up framing for slate, songs, and monologues

•Full body (head to floor) for dance

•Landscape orientation recommended

•Label files: Title – Show/Playwright – Your Name

•Solid-colored background, face well-lit (light source behind camera or to side)

•Test audio AND visual before filming

What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)

•Uses Musical Theater Common Prescreen (MTCP) Option A

•Prescreen results within 2 weeks via Acceptd messages

•Musicianship exercise at live audition: pitch matching, short phrase memory, simple sight-singing

•Audition slots first-come, first-served—fill up as early as August

•Contact: pa_artisticreview@emerson.edu, 617-824-8780

Program Highlights

•One of the most celebrated pre-professional MT programs in the nation

•Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District

•Over 40% of degree requirements in liberal arts

•Faculty with Broadway, regional, opera, TV/film credits

•Audition modality/location has NO bearing on admission decision

•Opportunities to audition for summer positions in NYC and New England

Program info updated 5 days ago

Academic School Information

47%

Admit Rate

78%

Grad Rate

4,145

Enrollment

$62,832

Earnings

10yr after

Tuition & Fees

$55,392

before aid

Average Annual Cost

$46,766

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$31,412

Family Income $30k - $48k$34,742

Family Income $48k - $75k$39,297

Family Income $75k - $110k$43,628

Family Income $110k+$55,833

View full data on College Scorecard