Musical Theater Common Prescreen 2023-2024

For the 2023-2024 Musical Theater Common Prescreen, each institution will select from the options found in the table below. Please carefully read Requirements & Guidelines for each category, use Tips and Resources to help you prepare for your auditions, and check out our list of FAQs!

REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

OVERALL

Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.).

INTRODUCTION (“SLATE”)

There should not be a separate introduction or “slate” video. Instead, “slates” are to appear at the beginning of each piece and included as part of the time allotment. (Read through the resources page for examples of each of the three slates described below).

SONGS 

Students should prepare two contrasting pieces. Each institution is responsible for indicating which options are accepted.

Universities may ask for one or either of the following Song Options. Check the individual university website to see which Option is required:

OPTION A

OPTION B

MONOLOGUES

Students may be asked to prepare either one or two pieces. Each institution is responsible for indicating which options are accepted.

Universities may ask for one of the following monologue options. Check the individual university website to see which option is required:

OPTION A

OPTION B

DANCE

Students may be asked to execute one or both of the following options. Each institution is responsible for indicating which options are accepted.

Universities may ask for a required Dance option. Universities may offer an optional Ballet submission:

DANCE OPTION

BALLET OPTION

WILD CARD

Students may be asked to execute a “Wild Card” submission. Each institution is responsible for indicating whether the “Wild Card” is accepted.

TIPS & RESOURCES

OVERALL TIPS: SET UP YOUR RECORDING SPACE

SLATING TIPS

SONG TIPS

MONOLOGUE TIPS

DANCE TIPS

WILD CARD TIPS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Musical Theater Common Prescreen?

The Musical Theater Common Prescreen is an agreed upon set of criteria used for the videos that are required as part of the application process to musical theater programs. These institutions settled on given guidelines to initiate a streamlined process for both applicants and schools as well as to promote inclusivity in the admittance process.

Who can participate?

Any institution that requires a digital prescreening for applicants may participate in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen. This includes universities, colleges, conservatories (domestic and international), independent schools of theater and theater education programs.

Do institutions need to utilize an online media platform such as Acceptd or Slate to be part of this initiative?

No. Participation is voluntary and not dependent on affiliation with any organization. The Musical Theater Common Prescreen is not a centralized online platform. Instead, it is a set of guidelines applied to a program’s existing application process. Each individual institution will continue to receive applications and digital media. Wherever guidelines are listed, schools should state that they are a participant in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen and list the options they have chosen.

If a program does not use a digital prescreening process, can they be involved?

Any program may utilize the criteria for any number of screening opportunities including digital audition submissions and live auditions. Heads of Department should contact Acceptd (mtcp@getacceptd.com) so their name can be added to the master list for press and distribution and to identify how their program will be using the guidelines.

Is this Common Prescreen linked or associated to the Common App?

No. The word “common” was utilized to promote inclusivity and to reinforce that one “common” set of guidelines would be recognized amongst various musical theater training programs.

Does this take the place of or change the criteria for a live audition?

No. Schools are urged to keep their live audition criteria as specific to their individual program needs as possible. We recognize that the audition process communicates the culture of a school and believe that students can learn greatly about an institution by what is asked of them in their live audition.

What does it cost the university to participate in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen?

There is no fee to the school or to the student. Institutions will continue to set their own individual application fees.

What categories of required material does the Musical Theater Common Prescreen cover?

The MTCP Committee set criteria for “Song”, “Monologue”, “Dance, “Wild Card”, and “Slating” requirements. A resources page of “quick tips” to help applicants was added in 2020.

There are two options for each category. Do institutions have to choose just one or can we use both?

Institutions may use one option or allow the student to choose either option.

Are institutions permitted to change and tweak the verbiage in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen?

No. To be a participant, an institution must utilize verbiage verbatim. The promotion of “common” verbiage is what will create ease of process and discourage confusion and questions.