<p>The dance audition at JMU is not the primary consideration in terms of MT admissions, but it can have am impact on final admissions decision.</p>
<p>All students who we admitted last year were strong singer/ actors. Some were also very strong dancers. (a few strong enough to also be admitted to the dance concentration). All showed potential for growth in all three areas. </p>
<p>Our MT students take dance classes with dance concentrators. Some also choose to minor in dance.</p>
<p>We are looking to put together as diverse a MT class as possible. We are a small program and aim to have only 8 - 12 students in a class per year so we can maximize the performance opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship.</p>
<p>A student who is not as strong a singer (but who shows potential for vocal development) who is an exceptional dancer could be admitted to the program. A student who is not as strong a dancer (but who showed potential for development in dance) who is an exceptional singer could be admitted to the program.</p>
<p>Ultimately, we want all of our MT students to be as strong as possible in all three areas. But in the audition process we are looking for strength in two areas and potential for growth in the third. Or exceptional strength in one area (dance or singing) and potential for growth in the other two.</p>
<p>So, I would say that the singing/ acting is weighted higher than the dance… UNLESS a student is an exceptional dancer. In this case the strength of the dance could significantly help a student who may not be as strong a singer.</p>
<p>Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.</p>
<p>Hi danielle41. I am not involved with dance admissions. I would suggest you contact the dance program directly with your questions.</p>
<p>I do know that the dance audition is administered in class format, and that each student has an individual interview with a member of the dance faculty. The dance area has 50 - 60 total in the major. For the most part numbers are evenly distributed over the four classes. I do not know how many audition nor how many are accepted each year.</p>
<p>Hello! I noticed that you said that particular strength in one area would be considered helpful, but you said specifically dancing and singing. So does it not help if a person is maybe a stronger actor than a singer or dancer? I personally am an actor who has done musical theater and ould love to be admitted to an MT program to improve, but I have not had very much experience. How much does that less your odds?</p>
<p>It is too difficult to speak in terms of odds because each auditionee is assessed as an individual.</p>
<p>We do look for strong actors in the MT concentration, but if a student did not ALSO display a strength in dance and/ or singing it is more likely that they would be recommended for the Theatre Concentration than the MT Concentration. Students in the Theatre Concentration have the opportunity to audition for musicals, take voice class, and dance and musical theatre classes on a space available basis. So, the Theatre Concentration at JMU can be a great fit for a student who is looking to sharpen their musical theatre skills. </p>
<p>I know it is hard to wait, and speculation is understandable, but decisions will be out soon. Not too much longer to wait!</p>
<p>If you are rejected from the musical theatre concentration, can/will you be told if you are recommended for the Theatre concentration, or will you just be accepted without comment?</p>
<p>Students must be competitive for admission to JMU. When we make recommendations to admissions of students we would like in the program we do look at the transcript and the GPA of the student. If a student has taken a rigorous HS course load and has a GPA with the JMU admit range, AND we would like the student in the MT concentration we will recommend that student to admissions. Our recommendation can help.</p>
<p>Ultimately, however, it is up to JMU whether they accept the student academically. If a student we recommend to admissions is not accepted to JMU academically we will (obviously) not be able to admit the student to the MT program. </p>
