Audition & Interview FAQs

To schedule a JCFA audition or interview requires two steps: first, submit your BU or common application to Butler University. Then complete the supplemental JCFA departmental application, available online at www.go.butler.edu/forms, and send that to the address indicated. The intended major on your BU or common application must match the JCFA major for which you are scheduling an audition or interview. Your audition or interview can be scheduled only after your BU application is submitted (you do not have to be academically admitted at this time) and your JCFA application is complete. Both dance and theatre require photographs (see specific applications for details).

For best scholarship and talent award opportunity, complete your BU application by Nov. 15 and audition as early as possible.

The sooner you apply to JCFA, the more likely you will receive your first choice audition or interview date. Be sure to mail your JCFA application (separate from your academic application) to:

Jordan College of Fine Arts Auditions
Lilly Hall, Butler University
4600 Sunset Ave.
Indianapolis IN 46208

Your BU application does not have to be complete before you submit it or before you submit the JCFA application. However, if any part of your JCFA departmental application is missing, your audition or interview cannot be scheduled; your JCFA application must be complete, including required photographs. To be considered for a talent award your BU application must be complete at the time of your audition.

For best scholarship and talent award opportunity, complete your BU application by Nov. 15 and audition as early as possible.

When you complete your BU application by Nov. 15, 2009, you are automatically considered for an academic scholarship. For those applications completed by Jan. 15, 2010, academic scholarships will be based on available funds. Talent awards are based on your audition or interview. All audition and interview dates are considered for talent awards except for the March 19 dance audition. To be considered for a talent award your BU application should be completed at the time of your audition. Talent award notification is mailed separately from your audition or interview result.

Plan to arrive around 8:30 to 8:45 a.m. on the morning of your audition or interview day to register. This allows ample time to get settled before the sessions begin promptly at 9 a.m. Detailed agenda and audition schedules are distributed at registration as they are subject to change.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with an information meeting followed by a tour of the JCFA facilities and performing arts venues. Then there are sessions with department representatives, which may include current majors in the program, and financial aid. The rest of the day includes auditions and interviews. Optional campus tours are also offered. Parents are welcome to attend any of the sessions, except for the actual audition or interview. Auditioners should plan to be on Butler's campus from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Media Arts interview day ends around 2 p.m.

The requirements for your audition or interview vary by department:

Dance

The auditions are structured to give dance candidates the opportunity to be evaluated by all full-time teaching faculty. Candidates participate in two consecutive ballet technique classes; each at different levels of training. For male candidates, one of the two classes will be Men's Ballet Technique. Classes are taught by dance faculty and candidates for admission will dance alongside dance majors.

Female dancers should wear a black solid leotard with pink-colored tights, flat ballet shoes and hair away from the face. Male dancers should wear black tights, a fitted shirt of solid color and ballet shoes. Time to change your clothes and warm-up for class is built into the schedule.

Media Arts

Media Arts conducts informal group interviews. Portfolios are welcomed but not required. Dress in business casual for your interview.

Music

Visit the School of Music page for audition requirements. Indoor storage for your instrument will be available at morning registration.

Dress appropriately for your audition so that you are comfortable and able to perform to the best of your abilities.

Theatre

Click for Theatre audition tips as well as instructions for a portfolio audition.

Wear whatever allows you to perform your best. For the audition class, please wear comfortable clothing appropriate for physical activity. If you wish to change for your monologue you will have time to do so.

Arts Administration

Arts Administration conducts informal interviews which range from 15 minutes (music and theatre concentrations) to 30 minutes (general). Portfolios are welcomed but not required. Dress in business casual for your interview.

The 8:45 morning registration takes place in the east lobby of Lilly Hall (facing Clowes Memorial Hall). Lilly Hall is the second building on the right when accessing Butler's main campus entrance at Sunset Avenue and 46th Street.

Butler University is located five miles from downtown Indianapolis. Click to view directions to campus from the airport as well as from the Midwest. A campus map is also available. Parking is available in the visitor lots of Clowes Memorial Hall as well as Hinkle Fieldhouse beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The closest airport to Butler's campus is the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is about 16 miles from the campus. The cost of a cab from the airport to Butler is approximately $35 to $40, one way. A discount is offered at these hotels for families visiting Butler.

Decision time varies depending on the time of the year and the department. However, each department takes care to get the decisions out within 15 working days. Remember, you must be accepted academically and have a successful audition or interview to enroll in the JCFA department of your choice.