Young woman with long, dark hair faces away from the camera toward audience with arms out.

Auditions and interviews

Applying to school in a creative field can be overwhelming. Rest easy - we'll walk you through it all. 

Audition and Interview

Admission into the WMU Department of Theatre is a multi-step process:
  1. Submit a WMU Application: Seek admission to the university by applying through admissions.
  2. Submit a WMU Theatre Application: Submit an application through Acceptd to interview and audition for the Department of Theatre. Please contact us if the application fee through Acceptd presents a financial hardship that would prevent you from applying.
  3. Attend an audition or interview, virtually or in person: Below is a list of audition and interview opportunities and information about participating in each. 

Apply to the university Apply to the Department of Theatre

 We have rolling admission for most programs,  which means we begin accepting students and making offers after the first audition/interview. Therefore, we encourage students to apply early if possible. 

Please note that applying to the university itself before December 15 provides many scholarship opportunities. 

Explore audition and interview requirements by program

On-campus auditions and interviews

  • Dates: January 27 and February 17, 2024

  • Location: Gilmore Theatre Complex, Western Michigan University

  • Programs: All

  • Application: Apply online

Virtual auditions and interviews

  • Dates: November 11, 2023 - some programs offer virtual interviews on a rolling basis

Off-campus auditions and interviews

Michigan Thespian Festival

  • Dates: December 8 & 9, 2023

  • Location: Festival Information 

  • Programs: Acting, Design and Technical Theatre, Stage Management, Arts Administration

  • Application: Apply online

Illinois High School Theatre Festival

  • Dates: January 11-13, 2024

  • Location: Illinois State University: Festival Information

  • Programs: Acting, Design and Technical Theatre, Stage Management, Arts Administration

  • Application: Apply Online

Chicago Unified Auditions