Audition & Interview FAQs

To schedule a JCFA audition or interview requires two steps: first, submit your BU or common application to Butler University (http://www.butler.edu/forms). Then complete the supplemental JCFA departmental application online. 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) and art requires a portfolio of 10+ works.

For best scholarship and talent award opportunity, complete your BU application by Nov. 1 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.

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 or portfolio. 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. 1 and audition as early as possible.

When you complete and submit your BU application by Nov. 1, you are automatically considered for an academic scholarship. Complete applications for academic admission received after Nov. 1 will be considered for academic scholarship based on available funds and the quality of the application pool. Talent awards are based on your audition or interview. All audition and interview dates are considered for talent awards. To be considered for a talent award your BU application should be completed at the time of your audition.  This includes having a music teacher recommendation on file for music applicants.  Talent award notification will be mailed separately from audition or interview results and will be mailed only to talent award recipients.

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 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.

Music

Visit the School of Music page for audition requirements. Indoor storage for your instrument will be available at morning registration.  Your music teacher recommendation must be on file by your audition date for your audition to be considered for a talent award.

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 welcome but not required. Dress in business casual for your interview.

Art

Art faculty will conduct a 30+ minute interview with you on Butler's campus which will be scheduled after you submit your Butler application and complete the supplemental Art application.  The Art application includes a listing for art experience, an essay on why you want to pursue an Art + Design major and your portfolio.  You may submit a portfolio of your artwork including 10 images on a CD-Rom or link to your website.  Dress as you wish.

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 lot of 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.