Muhlenberg College Theatre & Dance

An audition/interview or theatre design portfolio submission is not required for admission to study in the department. Students do have the option to audition or submit a portfolio in support of their application if desired. An audition or interview is required for applicants who wish to be considered for talent-based scholarship awards.

Students with strong skills are encouraged to audition/interview with the department. Prospective students are also encouraged to combine the audition/interview with a campus visit and the opportunity to observe or take classes in the department.

Audition/Interviews in theatre and dance are held on campus from September through February. Students who plan to apply for early decision should complete auditions and/or interviews by the middle of December. Students who live more than 200 miles from Allentown may submit a videotape audition, have a telephone interview or submit a portfolio by mail.

For a spirited look at auditioning, read this article from Stage Directions (October 2009), which features Professor Charles Richter.

ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE
For the acting audition, two contrasting monologues totaling not more than five minutes in length are required. It is recommended that no accents be used and characters chosen should be in the actor's age range. Students with an interest in musical theatre performance may also sing one song selected from the musical theatre repertoire in addition to the monologues. Students with classical voice training have the option to sing an additional art song or aria. A song is not required for the audition. Students with an interest in musical theatre performance who have strong dance skills may also schedule a dance audition on the same day as the acting audition.

Auditions are held on campus, Monday through Thursday, from September 7 to December 8 and January 25 to February 25. To schedule an audition via e-mail send three possible dates in order of preference to Charles Richter (richter@muhlenberg.edu). In your e-mail please specify what time you can arrive on campus and if you plan to do a vocal or dance audition. We will send you an audition date confirmation by return e-mail. For more information or to schedule an audition via phone you can call Charles Richter at 484-664-3330.

DIRECTING & STAGE MANAGEMENT
An interview is required. Students may bring prompt books from productions they have directed or stage managed. Two letters from theatre teachers or theatre professionals attesting to the quality of the student's talent and work habits are also required. Directing students are strongly encouraged to present an acting audition in addition to the interview. Interviews are held on campus, Monday through Thursday, from September 7 to December 8 and January 25 to February 25. To schedule an audition via e-mail send three possible dates in order of preference to Charles Richter (richter@muhlenberg.edu). We will send you an audition date confirmation by return e-mail. For more information or to schedule an interview via phone you can call Charles Richter at 484-664-3330.

THEATRE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Scene design, light design, and costume design students need to schedule an interview and are encouraged to bring a portfolio. The portfolio can be an informal collection of the student's work including (but not limited to) drawings from art classes, photos of work presented on-stage, or other materials that show visual artistic ability and imagination. To schedule an interview/portfolio review or for more information, contact Curtis Dretsch, Director of Design and Technical Theatre, at 484-664-3739 or via e-mail at dretsch@muhlenberg.edu.

PLAYWRITING
Applicants may submit a sample of their dramatic writing to Charles Richter, Department of Theatre and Dance, Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104-5586. Professor Richter will contact the applicant to arrange an interview after reviewing the work. Contact Professor Richter at 484-664-3330 or via e-mail at richter@muhlenberg.edu for more information.