Audition & Interview FAQs

To schedule a JCA audition or interview requires two steps: first submit your BU or common application to Butler University (http://www.butler.edu/forms). Then you will be prompted to submit the supplemental JCA departmental application. The intended major on your BU or common application determines the JCA major for which you will schedule 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 JCA application is complete. Dance and Theatre applications require photographs, and Art requires a portfolio including 10+ works (see specific applications for details).

For best scholarship and talent award opportunity, complete your BU application by Nov. 1 and audition or interview as early as possible.

The sooner you apply to JCA, 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 JCA application. However, if any part of your JCA departmental application is missing, your audition or interview cannot be scheduled; your JCA 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 or interview 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 but your BU application should be completed at the time of your audition.  If you are auditioning for Music, a Music Teacher Recommendation must be in your file at the time of your audition as well.  Talent award notification is mailed separately from  your audition or interview results.

Candidates should plan to spend from the time of morning registration to 4-5:00pm on Butler's campus.

Plan to arrive around 8:00am (Dance only) or 8:45am (Art, Arts Administration, Music and Theatre) on the morning of your audition or interview day to register. This allows ample time to get settled before the sessions begin promptly. Detailed agenda and audition schedules are distributed at registration as they are subject to change.

The day's agenda begins with a JCA and departmental information meeting followed by sessions with department representatives, which may include current majors in the program.  There are class observations and side by side class opportunities.  There are also facilities tours and a financial aid session. 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.

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. First, candidates participate in a ballet technique class for auditioners only including different levels of training. Later, each candidate dances side by side Butler Dance majors in one technique class which is determined by random drawing at registration that morning.  Technique lasses will be Levels I-IV.  For male candidates, the class will be Men's Ballet Technique. Classes are taught by dance faculty.

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

Theatre audition tips are available here 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).  Come prepared to talk about your experiences and interests in the arts.  Dress in business casual for your interview.

Art

Art portfolio tips are available here.  Plan for a 30 minute interview which includes discussion of your portfolio via url.  Dress in artist casual for your interview.

Morning registration takes place in the east lobby of Lilly Hall (facing Butler's Arts Complex at the main entrance). Lilly Hall is the third 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 here to view directions to campus from the airport as well as from the Midwest. A campus map is available to view here. Parking is available in the visitor lot of Hinkle Fieldhouse beginning at 7:30 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 JCA department of your choice.

Note: Dance auditioners will be sent letters regarding their JCA admission decision within two months of their audition.