<p>Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana and has an enrollment of approximately 18,000 students. Muncie is approximately 50 minutes to the north of Indianapolis. The Department of Theatre and Dance has 375 majors spread out over seven different educational options. These options are musical theatre, acting, dance, production (directing and stage management), theatre studies, theatre education, and design/technology. The musical theatre, acting, and dance programs all require an audition for entrance into the programs. The audition dates for the 2008 class are November 10th, February 15th, and March 1st. The auditions are for both admittance and scholarship consideration. </p>
<p>The musical theatre degree at BSU is a professional training program that is interested in employing students as musical theatre artisans in Broadway, off-Broadway, Regional, and touring productions. Each year, the musical theatre program accepts 18 students (generally 9 males and 9 females) into the freshman class. The Department offers a rigorous curriculum that features extensive courses in musicianship, voice training, sight singing, ensemble singing, musical theatre dance, jazz dance, tap dance, several courses in acting, voice and movement training for the actor, the singing actor, and additional courses in the core theatre curriculum. </p>
<p>Ecah year, the Department produces two mainstage musicals. In addition, several studio musicals and cabaret opportunities also take place on a year to year basis. Over the past three years, musicals produced include URINETOWN, A NEW BRAIN, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, WORKING, CABARET, ANYTHING GOES, BAT BOY, and THE WILD PARTY. In addition, the Department holds annual Showcases in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago every year. These Showcases are cast by professional Casting Directors from each city who select the students during the fall semester. Over the past five years, 85% of the students who have participated in the Showcase Program have either secured representation and or successfully relocated to NY, LA, or Chicago. The New York Showcase is cast by Stephanie Klapper, NY Casting Director.</p>
<p>The Department features 22 full time faculty, 8 adjunct faculty, and 6 staff members. All faculty members are active professionals within their given fields. Our alumni have been featured in Broadway shows (MILLIE, CHICAGO, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, among others), Broadway tours (HAIRSPRAY, CATS, CRAZY FOR YOU, DORA THE EXPLORER, CHICAGO, among others), and major Regional Theatres across the country. In addition, alums are often seen in movies, episodic television, and commercial work.</p>
<p>Starting with the class of 2008, the Department will feature both BFA and BA/BS programs. BFA programs will exist within the musical theatre, acting, and dance programs while all other areas will feature BA/BS curriculums. For additional information on Ball State, visit the webiste at <www.bsu.edu theatre=""> or leave a question for me on the site and I will answer as soon as I can. </www.bsu.edu></p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Bill Jenkins, Department Chair</p>