Admission and Audition
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Program Requirements
Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre and Dance begin by applying for admission to the University, using the regular admissions procedure. When you fill out your admission application form, you will also select a date for a Dance Program audition, portfolio review or interview. More information about this process is outlined below. (If you later need to change your selected date, please contact the Head of the Dance Program, Sara Semonis, at ssemoni@ilstu.edu.
2017-2018 Dance Program auditions on the Illinois State University campus:
Monday, November 4, 2017
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018 (not for scholarship consideration)
2018 Dance Program audition in Chicago, Illinois:
Saturday, January 20, 2018, 1 p.m.
Dovetail Studios
2853 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL
Dance Performance and Dance Teacher Education majors participate in the same audition.
Audition Schedule
- Audition Check-in: Center for Performing Arts Lobby
- Turn in photo and receive audition number - Photo in first arabesque
- Sign up for solo/interview time
- 90-minute technique class (ballet, modern & jazz components) – Centennial East 116
- Individual solo/interview with Illinois State Dance Program Faculty – Centennial East 116
Audition Preparation
All prospective Dance Performance or Dance Teacher Education students should prepare a solo dance or variation in the genre of their choice.
- Solos: 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer.
- Dancers should bring a device if they wish to use musical accompaniment. Please have a CD as a backup recording.
- Each student should wear professional, fitted dance attire with footless tights or leggings.
- Students should bring ballet and jazz shoes and will also dance barefoot.
Electronic Audition
If you cannot attend one of the on campus auditions you may upload your audition electronically via Acceptd. A Skype or phone interview will also be required if uploading electronically. The submission must include the following:
- ballet barre
- Center pirouette combination
- a turning and leaping phrase across the floor
- a two to three minute solo
Electronic Submission Guidelines
Prospective students submitting electronic auditions must follow these guidelines:
- Dancers must wear the same dance attire throughout the video
- Dancers must record the audition material on the same day in the same space
- Send link to video with resume and photo in first arabesque in email attachment to:
- Sara Semonis, Head of the Dance Program, at ssemoni@ilstu.edu
- Video audition submissions must be received by March 15 for scholarship consideration
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Dance Education major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks whether or not they have passed their audition or portfolio review.
School of Theatre and Dance scholarship awards are announced after March 1.
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Applying to Illinois State
Program Requirements
Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre and Dance begin by applying for admission to the University, using the regular admissions procedure. When you fill out your admission application form, you will also select a date for a Dance Program audition, portfolio review or interview. More information about this process is outlined below. (If you later need to change your selected date, please contact the Head of the Dance Program, Sara Semonis, at ssemoni@ilstu.edu.)
2017-2018 Dance Program auditions on the Illinois State University campus:
Monday, November 4, 2017
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018 (not for scholarship consideration)
2018 Dance Program audition in Chicago, Illinois:
Saturday, January 20, 2018, 1 p.m.
Dovetail Studios
2853 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL
Dance Performance and Dance Teacher Education majors participate in the same audition.
Audition Schedule
- Audition Check-in: Center for Performing Arts Lobby
- Turn in photo and recieve audition number - Photo in first arabesque
- Sign-up for solo/interview time
- 90-minute technique class (ballet, modern & jazz components) – Centennial East 116
- Individual solo/interview with Illinois State Dance Program Faculty – Centennial East 116
Audition Preparation
All prospective Dance Performance or Dance Teacher Education students should prepare a solo dance or variation in the genre of their choice.
- Solos: 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer.
- Dancers should bring a device if they wish to use musical accompaniment. Please have a CD as a backup recording.
- Each student should wear professional, fitted dance attire with footless tights or leggings.
- Students should bring ballet and jazz shoes and will also dance barefoot.
Electronic Audition
If you cannot attend one of the on campus auditions you may upload your audition electronically via Acceptd. A Skype or phone interview will also be required if uploading electronically. The submission must include the following:
- ballet barre
- Center pirouette combination
- a turning and leaping phrase across the floor
- a two to three minute solo
Electronic Submission Guidelines
Prospective students submitting electronic auditions must follow these guidelines:
- Dancers must wear the same dance attire throughout the video
- Dancers must record the audition material on the same day in the same space
- Send link to video with resume and photo in first arabesque in email attachment to:
- Sara Semonis, Head of the Dance Program, at ssemoni@ilstu.edu
- Video audition submissions must be received by March 15 for scholarship consideration
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Dance Education major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks whether or not they have passed their audition or portfolio review.
School of Theatre and Dance scholarship awards are announced after March 1.
Minimum GPA
2.50
Middle 50% GPA
2.53 - 3.32
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
Additional Information
Sequence requires an audition.
It is strongly recommended that students meet the Basic Skills Requirement prior to enrollment. Visit the College of Education's website for details on acceptable ACT or SAT scores which can be used to meet this requirement.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristen Monson | Centennial West 203 | cbmonso@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3936 |
Middle 50% GPA
2.53 - 3.32
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Application Period
Applications are always accepted.
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Major Requirements
Sequence requires an audition.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristen Monson | Centennial West 203 | cbmonso@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-3936 |