Audition Information

For more information about the LMU Dance Program, the Dance Audition, or the schedule and audition please email Layne McGhee at lmcghee1@lmu.edu or call (310) 338-5233.  

Why an Audition?

The Dance Faculty and Staff at Loyola Marymount University consider auditioning to be an essential process where the student comes to know the people and program at our university and where the faculty and staff become acquainted with their prospective students.  At LMU, we believe that every person dances and each person dances many dances.  We welcome students who aspire to become professional dancers and who come to us with finely tuned talents.  We offer challenging pre-professional preparation for these students.  We also welcome students who find dance to be an essential part of their being – students who dance because they “must” but who aspire to become lawyers, teachers of children, physicians.  We have programs which prepare these students to become the best dancers they can become while also preparing them with congruent coursework in fields outside of the discipline of dance.  We find that students with divergent goals work side by side to create a diverse and energized community. Our process of auditioning grows out of this commitment to a diverse, but focused, student community.

Who Auditions and When?

All Dance Major students participate in a screening audition. However, the Admissions Office conducts acceptance at LMU. Dance Minor students do not need to participate in an audition.

The following guidelines pertain to freshman applicants.  Transfer students should contact the Dance Program for audition information.

1. Though all students are encouraged to visit and particpate in a studio class, students with a 3.6+ unweighted grade point average and an SAT score over 1150 often elect to send the video audition for level placement after acceptance at LMU.  These students do not need to schedule an interview.  The mean GPA for first year Dance major students in 2004 was 3.4.

2. Students with a are well advised to participate in the screening audition before January 15.  The Dance Program is in the position to be able to advise the Admissions Office in regards to acceptance and a strong audition can be beneficial for students whose academic profiles do not meet the criteria mentioned above.

   Please note, only those students who will MAJOR in Dance must audition.  

What is the Audition, How is the Audition Conducted?

     Required - Video Audition

Student must send a VHS or DVD recording of work.  Student performs a dance study or routine (2-4 minutes) that demonstrates performance and technical skill.  Students must have 2 minutes of Ballet technique. If student has studied Ballet for less than 2 years and considers him or herself a beginner in Ballet, then Ballet may be omitted from the recording, but a letter stating the reason for the omission of Ballet should accompany the recording. Student may choose to do two or three studies, each in a different style. Choreography may be by the student or by a dance professional.  It is critical that this tape clearly shows the student.  Solo performance is preferred.  Recordings will not be returned.

Video auditions may be submitted any time before January 15.  

Please mail video auditions to:

Dance Program
ATTN: Video Audition
One LMU Drive, MS 8346
Los Angeles, CA 90045-2659

     Required - Audition Interview

Student meets for an interview with a member of the Dance faculty during a visit to the campus. Interview may take place in a phone conversation should travel to the campus present a hardship. Family members are welcome and encouraged to participate.  

Audition interviews may be completed any time before January 15.

      Strongly Recommended - Class Participation

Student participates in an LMU dance class.  Ballet classes take place on most Mondays thru Thursdays throughout the academic year. Jazz classes take place on most Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the academic year.

Classes will be available September 10 - November 30, 2005, and January - the end of April, 2007. Please email to confirm class schedule and availability.

QUESTIONS

To schedule an audition, please email Layne McGhee at lmcghee1@lmu.edu or call (310) 338-5233.  Please feel free to contact the Director of Dance at LMU for any other questions you may have (Professor Judy Scalin, 310.338.5233 - jscalin@lmu.edu).

The faculty at LMU applaud your decision to dance.  The choice to be a dancer informs and animates every dimension of our lives. We welcome you to this very special calling.