Applying to JCA FAQ

Scheduling a JCA audition, interview, or portfolio review requires the following:

• Submit your Butler or Common App to Butler University indicating a JCA major. You will receive an email with instructions on the next step. The email should arrive within 24 hours of your submission.
• Complete the JCA supplemental department-specific questions
• Upload any required additional materials (Art + Design: 10 artwork images , Dance: full-length photo, Music: letter of recommendation, Theatre: headshot and theatre résumé).
• Art + Design portfolio reviews will be conducted electronically.  If admitted, you will be invited to attend an on-campus visit day to learn more about our program and interivew for an art-based JCA Award.

For best scholarship and talent award opportunity, complete your Butler Application by November 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.

Early Decision deadline (non-binding): November 1
Regular Decision deadline: February 1

Yes, with the exceptions of transcripts, test scores and letter of recommendation (if required). You must complete your application (with these exceptions) before you can register for an audition/interview/portfolio review. Please note, to be considered for a talent award, your Butler application and all other required materials must be in our system at the time of your audition.

For best scholarship and JCA award opportunity, complete your Butler Application by November 1 and audition or interview as early as possible.

When you complete and submit your Butler Application by November 1, you are automatically considered for an academic scholarship. Complete applications for academic admission received after November 1 will be considered for academic scholarship based on available funds and the quality of the application pool.

JCA talent-based awards are based on your audition, interview, or portfolio review. All regularly-scheduled audition, interview, portfolio review, and Art + Design Admitted Student Visit dates are considered for talent awards but your Butler Application must 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. JCA Award notification is mailed separately from  your JCA admission decision.

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 a 90-minute ballet technique class for auditioners only including different levels of training. Please note that there is no pointe or solo work as part of the audition.

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 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

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, interview, or portfolio review to enroll as a JCA student at Butler University.

JCA Award decisions are made after all auditions, interviews, and portfolio reviews have been completed.  Award letters are sent out mid-March with complete University Financial Aid notifications following shortly thereafter.

Remember that academic award information is included in your academic admission letter.