How to Apply

To apply to the Jordan College of the Arts at Butler, you'll need to complete:

A Butler application and all the general materials required for it (including application form, transcripts, standardized test scores, an essay or personal statement, etc. See the admission web site for more details.)
A supplemental JCA departmental application for the department in which you intend to enroll;
An audition or personal interview.

You'll find specific information and forms for the academic application at Butler's admission website. Your Butler academic application may be submitted online; your JCA application may also be submitted online. Both applications must be completed by Nov. 1 for the best consideration for admission to the University.

Additional Application Requirements:

(must be submitted with application to schedule audition or interview)

Art + Design - portfolio with 10+ images (url)
Dance - 5"x7" full-length photo in leotard and tights
- Women: in pink tights on pointe, first arabesque or attitude
- Men: in fitted shirts and black tights, attitude derriere releve
Theatre - 2"x2" photo or head shot

Audition and Interview Dates will be posted in August!

All dates are talent award eligible!
Dates are Fridays unless indicated otherwise

Music

You are encouraged to schedule your audition on a date offering participation alongside Butler students in an ensemble rehearsal (aka "side by side") for your instrument.

Music Audition Information

More about the Audition Experience: Audition Requirements

Theatre

Click here for Theatre Audition Tips

Steps of the Admission Process

Submit your Butler academic application to the Office of Admission. This application is for admission to the university as a whole, and all students (regardless of their choice of major) should complete it by Nov. 1 for best award opportunity. Be sure to include all the additional documentation requested in the application process.
Tip: It is always a good idea to make a copy of your application materials for your records. Our online application form lets you print your application data at any time, and it's free!
Complete the Jordan College of the Arts departmental application appropriate for your major. Be sure to include any additional documentation requested by the department you're applying to: Dance- photo, Theatre- headshot, and Art & Design- url portfolio of 10+ images. (See our tips for art, music, dance, or theatre for more details.)
Part of the application asks you to specify your preferred dates for auditioning or interviewing. You should request a date as early as you are ready for maximum talent award consideration.
Note: Your audition or interview can only be granted after your academic application is received (however, you do not have to be academically admitted at this time). Likewise, if any accompanying part of your departmental application is missing (including photos or porfolios), your audition or interview will not be scheduled until your JCA application is complete.
If you apply late in the audition season, you may not get your preferred audition date, or any date. Auditions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited, so apply as early as possible. You'll receive confirmation from the JCA admission office once all your application materials have been received. Your confirmation will list the date of your audition or interview and other information to prepare you for your campus visit. Please do not make plans until your date is confirmed.
If you have submitted a JCA application but do not receive confirmation within three weeks, contact the JCA Admission Office at (800) 368-6852 ext. 9656 or (317) 940-9656 or email jcaadmissions@butler.edu.
On the day of your audition or interview, you'll receive the audition and interview schedule, tour the JCA facilities and campus, meet JCA administration, the department chair, some faculty and students, complete placement exams as necessary and have a financial aid session.