BACHELOR of FINE ARTS
AUDITION GUIDELINES
Music Theatre Performance Major
Your audition gives you the opportunity to showcase your acting, singing and dancing talents as well as your passion and commitment.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS
If you have questions after reviewing these guidelines, contact the academic advisor in the Department of Theatre from your MacEwan University student Gmail account.
1. Apply to the Bachelor of Fine Arts
You must apply for admission to the program and receive your MacEwan student ID number before you submit your audition form. We will not respond to submissions that do not have a corresponding application on file.
Apply online through the ApplyAlberta website. Select Bachelor of Fine Arts as your program and then select the Music Theatre Performance Major. Check MacEwan's How to Apply page for the steps in the application process.
Decide if you want to attend the audition in person or submit a video audition. If you select the in-person audition, you choose an audition date. If you select the video audition, you will upload recordings during a submission window.
2025/26 In-person auditions
| Audition date | |
|---|---|
| 1st in-person audition | November 23 |
| 2nd in-person audition | February 8 |
| 3rd in-person audition | March 8 |
2025/26 Video auditions
| Submission window | Review process begins | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st video submission window | October 1 – November 22 | November 23 |
| 2nd video submission window | November 23 – February 7 | February 8 |
| 3rd video submission window | February 8 – March 7 | March 8 |
| 4th video submission window | March 8 – July 7 | July 8 |
Music Theatre Performance is a competitive program and seats in the program are limited. We encourage you to complete the audition requirement as early as possible. However, if seats are still available, video auditions will be accepted until the last day of the final submission window.
3. Select and rehearse your audition materials
You will be expected to prepare and demonstrate your skills in three components. There are additional instructions for your chosen audition format.
Choose material you connect with. You may select material of any gender and you are welcome to make cuts to the monologue or song you choose. Alternatively, you can select pieces from our audition materials folder.
Note: You must log in with your MacEwan University google account to access the audition materials folder. Logging into the MacEwan portal does not mean you are logged out of your personal google account. More Information.
Requirements
Prepare one monologue (1-2 minutes) from a published play.
To prepare for the monologue, read the whole play. This will help you understand the context. You should be able to locate the play at a public library. Avoid monologues from the internet from unpublished plays and movies.
Prepare one song (1-2 minutes) from a musical in any style.
To prepare for the song, learn about the musical. Read about its plot and history, watch videos, and/or listen to recordings.
Do not worry if you have little or no dance training. Your commitment to learn is more important than your previous experience.
- If you choose an in-person audition, you participate in a group dance class.
- If you choose a video audition, you learn a short dance combination from the video provided in the audition materials folder and record your performance to supplied music.
Audition formats
In-person auditions will take place in Room 11-307 of Allard Hall, located at 11104 104 Ave NW in Edmonton, Alberta. Parking is behind the building.
We provide practice rooms for you to rehearse before your audition.
The audition consists of two parts:
- Group dance class
- In the morning, you will participate in a group dance class. No preparation is required.
- Warm up before the class. Wear clothing that allows you to move freely (e.g. jazz shoes or sneakers; tights or shorts; t-shirt, tank top, or body suit). No jeans, dresses, or jewellery. Long hair must be worn off the face.
- Monologue and song
- In the afternoon, you will perform your monologue and song for the audition panel. In this portion of the audition, there is no prescribed sequence for the monologue and song. You are free to decide the order.
- Piano accompaniment will be provided. Please provide sheet music in a binder for the accompanist. No other type of accompaniment is acceptable (e.g. guitar, CD, etc.).
video audition Dance component
Please learn the combination from the "Dance Audition" video provided in the audition materials folder. Once you feel you are able to perform the piece with presentation and energy, film yourself performing the piece to the music provided.
video Recording guidelines
Record one video of you performing a monologue, a second video of you performing a song, and a third video of you performing the dance combination to the supplied music.
- Start each video by saying your full name and the piece you will perform.
- Record yourself with a full body shot (from head to toe).
- Each recording must be one continuous take.
- Include your name at the beginning of the video file name.
Upload the three videos directly in the Audition Form.
Preparation tips
- Define who your character is speaking to and what your character wants from them.
- Memorize the lines as written. Playwrights and lyricists choose every word for a reason.
- Rehearse over and over again—preferably in front of friends and/or family.
- Make bold performance choices.
In your cover letter, describe how this MacEwan University program is aligned with your interests and goals.
The ALIS Alberta website hosts cover letter resources you can use for guidance.
5. Submit your audition form
Fill out the audition form online and upload your cover letter and resumé directly in the form. If you select the video audition, you will also upload your recordings.
Note: You must log in with your MacEwan University google account to access the audition form. Logging into the MacEwan portal does not mean you are logged out of your personal google account. More Information.
Next steps
Audition panel’s assessment
The audition panel will evaluate your audition using the following criteria:
- Preparedness
- Performance skills
- Willingness to take creative risks
- Ability to incorporate direction
- Professionalism (attire, etiquette, etc.)
Admission decisions
Avoid delays by submitting any outstanding admission documents as quickly as possible and monitoring your To Do List in myStudentSystem for changes or new requests. After an admission decision is made you will receive a notice from the Office of the University Registrar.