Step 1: Prescrees (First Audition)
vlog is a participant in the.
The Common Prescreen criteria offers excellent detailed guidelines to help you look and sound your best. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these resources which have been thoughtfully and intentionally crafted by the expertise of multiple programs nationwide.
Prescreen videos are required for on campus, virtual and Unified Auditions (NYC, Chicago, LA). All prescreen videos should be submitted as an “unlisted” YouTube or an accessible Vimeo link (we will not accept google drive links).
Please note, even though Montclair State follows the Common Prescreen set forth by Acceptd, you must upload your prescreen videos when you choose an audition day through, not through Acceptd.
You must pay the $65 audition fee in order to receiveyour prescreen results
The live auditionis by invitation only after faculty review.Upon selection to a live audition(in person or virtual) please follow the guidelinesbelow:
Step 2: You must first submit anonline applicationto vlog
Applicants should be an incoming freshman or sophomore
The University application will request the documents below
- $65 University Application fee
- $65 Audition Fee
- Transcripts
- Essay response: Please discuss why you wish to study your program of choice in the College of the Arts at Montclair State. Be sure to include highlights of your experience related to your chosen academic program and how those experiences have shaped your current career goals.
- Resume of Performance Experience
- Headshot or 8×10 Color Photo
- Two Letters of Recommendation.One must come from a teacher, director and/or other theater professional who can speak to your potential as a Musical Theatre major. Letter should evaluate your self-discipline, attitude, motivation, creativity and potential for success in the performing arts.
- After completing your University Application, please check your email for instructions on accessing your application portal. Any additional required materials may be submitted there.
- You willnotreceive information regarding the outcome of your application if your submission materials are incomplete or you have not paid the audition fee.If an applicant is not accepted based on the pre-screen, they will receive an email letting them know and willnotproceed with the full audition on campus or by Zoom.
Step 3: Live Audition
On Campus:
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- Vocal / Acting Portion
- Two songs* cut to approximately 60 seconds each. Sing what you love and the music that speaks to you. Your song choices give us insight into who you are and the music that makes you shine. Ideally, choose at least one musical theatre song that demonstrates your skill with the form. A contrasting up-tempo with a ballad is preferred but there is no genre requirement.
- One 60 second contemporary monologue from a published play.*Please note that we will initially hear one song and one monologue and if we need to see more material, we may ask you to sing your second song.
- Dance Portion
- The dance placement class will last for one hour. Clothing for class should be movement, athletic, or dance wear that allows for full range of movement. Ideally, something that is light, comfortable, form fitting, and allows for flexibility. Please wear the dance shoes in which you are most comfortable. Jazz or character shoes are preferred but sneakers are also acceptable.
- Vocal / Acting Portion
Please bring a hard copy of your headshot and resume with you.
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Your application to the University should be completed and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions should be in receipt of all your required materials (such as application and audition fees, transcripts, and other items)beforeyour audition. If your application is not complete, you will not receive the outcome of your audition. You can check the status of your application anytime at.
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Partner Organizations (Pittsburgh Unifieds /Moonifieds /NY, Chicago, LA Unifieds):
Applicants whochoose to audition through a Partner Organization must register online withBOTHthe partner organizationAND.
Applicants must complete and submit anonline applicationto vlog before scheduling an audition through one of our Partner Organizations.
Please note, no pre-screen required for Pittsburgh Unifieds
Please reach out tomtauditions@montclair.edufor any questions or concerns
Step 1: Prescrees (First Audition)
Each segment should be filmed/uploaded to your University application as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
You can upload your prescreen materialswhen you choose an audition date.
All prescreen videos should be submitted as an “unlisted” YouTube or an accessible Vimeo link (we will not accept google drive links).
There should not be a separate “slate” video. Instead, slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.
- Prepare two contrasting monologues (one contemporary, one classical) of notmore than two minutes each.
- All monologues should be from full length plays.
- Please choose age appropriate material that you are passionate about, and that you have a personal connection to.
- Monologues should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
The live auditionis by invitation only after faculty review
Step 2: You must first submit anonline applicationto vlog
Applicants should be an incoming freshman or sophomore
The University application will request the documents below
- $65 University Application fee
- $65 Audition Fee
- Transcripts
- Personal Statement
- Resume of of Acting Experience
- Headshot or 8×10 Color Photo
- Two Letters of Recommendation. One must come from an academic teacher, one from an acting teacher, coach and/ or director
Step 3: Live Audition
Applicants who move past the pre-screen will proceed to a live audition on campus or at a virtual audition via zoom. These applicants will move through each section of the full audition process with no “cuts.”
The in person audition days will include agroupmovement call, a working session of 2 monologues with faculty(can be the same monologues from the pre-screen), and opportunities to speak with faculty and students.The Zoom audition will include a working session of 2 monologues with faculty(can be the same monologues from the pre-screen).
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Partner Organizations:
If you plan to participate in an audition through a partner organization (such as the NYC, Chicago or LA UNIFIED auditions), you arenot required to upload a Prescreen Video,you must register online withBOTHthe partner organizationAND.
For Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Applicants
- Upload and view materials at Pre-screen videos will not be viewed and information regarding the audition outcome will not be processed until all materials are complete.
- Activate your Montclair State Account through the email from The Office of Undergraduate Admissions with the subject line: Thank you for Applying to Montclair State!
- Check your inbox for an email from The Office of Undergraduate Admissions with the subject line: Information about your Montclair State Dance Audition. This email will guide you through uploading your pre-screen video and registering for an audition.
For Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Applicants Auditioning Through a Partner Organization
In 2025-2026, our Partner Organizations include Revel Dance Convention (FL), NYDCA (NY & AZ), and Dancewave/DTCB (NY)
If you are auditioning through one of these partner organizations, you are not required to submit a pre-screen video, however, you are required to submit all of the other materials listed above to complete your University application. After your audition with the partner organization has taken place and you have applied to the University, you will receive an email from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with the result.
How to Apply:
- Participate or plan to participate in an audition through a partner organization.
- Register 1 with the Partner Organization.
- Register 2* and choose the partner organization audition event – even if you have already auditioned. Registering for the partner organization audition event through our website allows us to connect your audition result to your University Application. If you have auditioned through a partner organization, your audition result will not be posted unless you have also registered through the vlog website.
For Current Montclair State Students – Change of Major
For Montclair State Students currently enrolled who wish to change their major to Dance, you must first email our Dance Admissions Coordinator Christina Paolucci (paoluccic@montclair.edu) and request the necessary form. Then, you will need to upload the following items to the form:
- Montclair State transcripts
- Resume of dance experience
- Personal Statement
- Full body dance pose of any kind showing line, form, and expression
- Two letters of recommendation
- One from an academic teacher
- One from a dance professional
- Pre-screen Video (See details under Audition Preparation)
If you have any questions about the audition process, please contact our Dance Admissions Coordinator, Christina Paolucci at paoluccic@montclair.edu.
Pre-screen Video Submission to determine if the applicant moves forward to a full audition. A 2-3 minute solo in the modern or contemporary genre. The solo may be videoed in a studio or outdoors, or it could be from a performance. The footage must be recent – within the past six months.
Video Introduction Guidelines: At the start of the video, identify the following either as text or as a spoken introduction.
- Applicant’s name and state
- Choreographer(s) of the piece
There is an option to submit a second 2-3 minute video in a different genre (tap, hip hop, ballet, flamenco, etc) This is not required, but if submitted, make sure to follow the introduction guidelines. There is a separate link in the registration form.
For all submissions: We can only accept YOUTUBE or VIMEO links through the registration portal. We can not receive video links by email or documents with a link.
Video Attire: Make sure to wear clothing that allows adjudicators to see you and your movement clearly. Avoid dark colors on a dark background; oversized, thick, or loose clothing that obscures movement; and hairstyles that cover the face.
Note: Pre-screens will only be reviewed if all materials are complete. This includes a letter of recommendation from a dance professional and an academic teacher.
Full Audition after Pre-screen
After the dance faculty reviews the pre-screen video submission and other materials, applicants will be notified if they are being invited, or not, to attend the full audition. Applicants invited to a full audition will stay at Montclair State for the entire audition session, moving through each section of the audition process. About 3-5 days before the audition date, applicants will receive an email from Christina Paolucci with any updates and detailed information about the audition, including the link to send one’s solo music.
Our faculty will be looking for the following criteria:
- Generous collaboration with other people
- Fluidity of movement within personal space and through space
- Clear body articulation
- Use of momentum to power movement
- Curiosity and tenacity
- Rhythmic acuity
- Spatial awareness
- Clear point of view and opinions in writing and/or the interview
- Expression in dance practice — this may be through dynamics, line, face, etc.
- Authenticity in personal expression
- Transcripts with a GPA of 3.-+
Please note that ballet remains an important part of our dance training curriculum, even though it is not part of the audition process.
In-Person Audition Day Schedule:
The in-person audition days will last from 1:00 pm – approximately 6:00 pm. The audition will consist of:
- Information session and opportunity to meet with current dance majors
- Contemporary Class
- Group Improvisation
- Solo Performance
- The audition solo is to be 1 minute in length and must be in the modern/contemporary genre. It does not have to be the exact one you sent in for the pre-screen process. Wear the shoes, or socks in which it was choreographed. Identify the choreographer, or if it is self-choreographed. NOTE: Please do not include any “no hand” gymnastic-style movements such as aerials, and backflips.
- Group Interviews
Virtual Audition Day Schedule:
The virtual audition day will last from 1:45 pm – approximately 5:30 pm EST. The Zoom link and virtual audition instructions will be sent by email from Christina Paolucci about 3 – 5 days before the audition.
- Information session and opportunity to meet with current dance majors
- Contemporary Class
- Improvisation session
- Group Interviews
You may view your required items at any time and upload materials at You must first activate your Montclair State account through the email you received from Undergraduate Admissions with the subject line: Thank you for Applying to Montclair State!, if you have not already done so.
If you have any questions about your audition process please contact Christina Paolucci at paoluccic@montclair.edu.