Dance Performance Admissions and Audition Information

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Audition and Enrollment Process

1. Apply to Illinois State University
2. Choose an audition/interview date
3. Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
4. Attend audition/interview
5. Receive a decision within two weeks
6. Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird

Scholarship notifications will take place in March.

Program Requirements

Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film 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. More information about this process is outlined below. (If you later need to change your selected date, please contact the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film, Cristen Monson.)

2026-2027 Audition Dates and Information

October 2026 Illinois High School Dance Festival (Must be registered for this dance festival through your high school)
November 2026 Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM) (Must be registered for this dance festival through your high school)
Friday November 13 Illinois State University
Saturday February 27 Illinois State University
Upload a recorded audition

Requirements for Dance Program Consideration

1. Dancers will attend class in our studio and be evaluated.
2. Dancers will perform a solo 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer
3. Photo in motion
4. Performance resume
5. Interview with faculty

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Audition and Enrollment Process

1. Apply to Illinois State University
2. Choose an audition/interview date
3. Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
4. Attend audition/interview
5. Receive a decision within two weeks
6. Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird

Scholarship notifications will take place in March.

Program Requirements

Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film 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. More information about this process is outlined below. (If you later need to change your selected date, please contact the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film, Cristen Monson.)

2026-2027 Audition Dates and Information

October 2026 Illinois High School Dance Festival (Must be registered for this dance festival through your high school)
November 2026 Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM) (Must be registered for this dance festival through your high school)
Friday November 13 Illinois State University
Saturday February 27 Illinois State University
Upload a recorded audition

Requirements for Dance Program Consideration

1. Dancers will attend class in our studio and be evaluated.
2. Dancers will perform a solo 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer
3. Photo in motion
4. Performance resume
5. Interview with faculty

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.82 - 3.64

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

None

Additional Information

Sequence requires an audition.

Academic Advising

Middle 50% GPA

2.82 - 3.64

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