Otterbein University
Westerville, OH•PrivateSuburbMedium (2,055 students)
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Official Program Page
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Highly Selective
12-24 Students
Key Info
Apply viaAcceptd
Application Deadlines
December 1 (prescreen deadline)
January 17 or February 21 (on-campus auditions)
January-February (Unified Auditions)
Audition Dates
ON-CAMPUS (Battelle Fine Arts Center):
- January 17, 2026
- February 21, 2026
NATIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS:
- NYC: January 24-25, 2026 (Pearl Studios)
- Chicago: February 2-4, 2026 (Palmer House Hilton)
- Los Angeles: February 7-8, 2026 (Westin LAX)
Students who do not audition by February 21, 2026 must defer to following year.
Good to Know
DO NOT APPLY for university admission until you have PASSED the prescreen and been INVITED to audition. If you already applied (e.g., Common App), that is fine—but otherwise wait.
PRESCREEN TIMELINE:
- Opens September 1, 2025
- Submit at least 30 DAYS before preferred audition date
- December 1, 2025 is FINAL deadline—late prescreens may not be processed
- Pre-screens viewed as received; limited audition slots available
OHIO RESIDENTS: Must audition on campus (Unified slots reserved for out-of-state students)
After passing prescreen, immediately complete university admission application.
Contact: theatre@otterbein.edu
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
PRESCREEN (MTCP Option A):
Two contrasting songs, 60-90 seconds each:
-One musical theater song from ANY era
-One song of YOUR CHOICE in any contrasting style (pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.)
CALLBACK (In-Person):
Total audition time is 3 MINUTES
-One song should be in classical MT style (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe era, or contemporary shows in that style)
-Bring sheet music in your key
-Accompanist provided
Monologues
PRESCREEN (MTCP Option B):
One monologue from a published play
-Age-appropriate
-NOT from a musical
-Active monologues recommended
CALLBACK (In-Person):
Within your 3-minute total audition time
-May be asked to perform monologue
-Brief interview included
Dance
PRESCREEN (MTCP Option A):
Dance video, 60-90 seconds
-Include: one turn, one jump, one kick (or suitable rotation/elevation/extension)
-Any discipline: jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, etc.
-ALL choreography MUST be performed to music—no a cappella dance
BALLET VIDEO (Required for MT):
-Follow MTCP Option A guidelines
-No more than 30 SECONDS
-Brief series of plié, tendu, grande battement, pirouette, grand jeté
CALLBACK (In-Person):
-May be asked to do basic dance and technique
Wildcard / Special Skill
Optional special skills submission: video of voice, instrument, composition, etc.
Additional Materials
INTRODUCTION VIDEO:
State your name clearly, city you are from, and the pieces you will perform (for monologues, just play name and author)
RESUME:
Include activities, leadership, and special skills pertaining to theatre
PHOTO:
Headshot preferred, but any close-up acceptable
SPECIAL SKILLS (Optional):
Video of voice, instrument, composition, etc.—anything outside your main audition pieces
Video Specifications
Upload separate videos for each element to Acceptd
-YouTube links will NOT be reviewed
-Standard recording quality acceptable
-Clear audio and lighting
-Label files clearly
What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)
CALLBACK FORMAT:
-On-campus: Full day 8am-5pm, plan to stay entire day
-Unified: Select specific 10-minute audition time
-Equal consideration whether on-campus or Unified
YOUR TOTAL AUDITION TIME IS 3 MINUTES
Time your selections before you come. Remainder includes brief interview and possibly basic dance/technique.
WHAT OTTERBEIN IS LOOKING FOR:
"We need students who want to use their acting, singing and dancing skills to tell stories to audiences hungry to hear them."
ATTIRE ADVICE:
-NOT a business interview (no suits)
-NOT a picnic/party (no torn jeans, cargo pants, t-shirts with logos)
-NOT a prom (no cocktail/prom dresses)
-Avoid: military boots, long hair across eyes, too much exposed skin, flip-flops, sandals, athletic shoes
Program Highlights
•MTCP (Musical Theater Common Prescreen) participant
•NAST accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Triple-threat training: music theory, keyboard, private voice, extensive dance (jazz, tap, modern, ballet, MT dance)
•Also take courses with BFA Acting majors (diction, dialects, movement, voice for stage, scenework, acting for TV/film, Shakespeare)
•Audition for ALL mainstage productions, not just musicals
•Annual evaluation—must meet professional standards to continue
•Senior Showcase produced in NYC for agents and casting directors
•Potential 10-week internship in American professional theatre
•Additional opportunities: directing workshops, vocal ensembles
•Small program in suburban Columbus, OH setting
Program info updated 5 days ago
Academic School Information
83%
Admit Rate
69%
Grad Rate
2,055
Enrollment
$53,313
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$34,899
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$22,140
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$16,326
Family Income $30k - $48k$15,057
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,323
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,815
Family Income $110k+$25,227