High School Musical Theater Program

Oklahoma City University is world-renowned as a leader in musical theater education for its demanding and professional vocal training, producing award-winning vocalists such as Metropolitan Opera legend Leona Mitchell, Chris Merrit, Marquita Lister, Sarah Coburn, and Broadway superstars Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O'Hara. The High School Musical Theater Program is an extension of the acclaimed OKCU musical theater degree program. Under the direction of Dr. David Herendeen, students from across the United States and around the world participate in a demanding pre-college intensive, overcoming performance challenges through rigorous classroom training and on-stage experience. 

DETAILS 

Our intensive program is for students who are serious about pursuing a career in musical theater performance. Classes are taught by OKCU faculty and staff. Mornings (9am - noon) are spent in the classroom with a demanding pre-college curriculum of dance, music theory, and acting. Afternoons (2 - 5pm) feature studio classes with OKCU voice faculty as well as master classes with Bass School of Music faculty and special guests. Master class topics include audition preparation, vocal health, music theater repertoire, monologue preparation, or voice master classes. Evenings (7–10pm) are reserved for rehearsals for the final production. On Saturday mornings, students get the chance to select their schedule with our "Saturday Electives," featuring such classes as tap, stage combat, yoga, and performance career preparation.

Here is a sample of the daily schedule:

The two-week program features the same training that our High School Music Theater program is known for—classes in the morning and afternoons and rehearsals in the evening. Aside from the length, the only difference in the two programs are the final performance: The two-week program will culminate in a musical theater revue of solos and ensembles rather than a fully staged musical. 

Students who enroll in our five-week music theater program will participate in both the revue AND the fully staged musical. Two week students will re-audition for the musical after three week participants check-in.

*It is our recommendation that if you are considering the five-week program you attend either the Vocal Arts Institute (classical voice) or the Acting for Stage and Screen Program for the first two weeks and then the three-week Music Theater Program. 

ADMISSION 

Audition submissions may be uploaded digitally to YouTube. In addition to emailing us a link to your unpublished YouTube video, please scan and email, fax, or mail us your application. Forms will not be processed without your audition link. All students must audition for admission, including students who have attended the program previously. 

To apply, please send the $40 application fee and a completed summer registration form. Applicants should also submit a headshot (8 x 10 school photo is fine) and a resume of any performance experience. Don't worry if you have little or no previous experience: Applications are processed based on the merits and personality shown in your audition. 

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT 

Students who submit an application by January 20th, 2018 receive 15% off their entire tuition. Early application also provides financial aid consideration for qualified students.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid applicants must fill out the financial aid section on the summer registration form and submit all requested documents. Please note that financial aid is limited and not guaranteed. Early application is suggested. Please see SUMMER AUDITION INFORMATION for submission deadlines.

ALL STATE SCHOLARSHIP

OKCU Summer Music is pleased to offer a $150 scholarship to students selected to participate in their state's honor choir (All-State). Documented proof of participation/award required. See Tuition and Policies for details.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE FAMILIES TIME AND MONEY WE INVITE STUDENTS TO APPLY VIA YOUTUBE. Simply upload your recorded audition to YouTube as "unlisted" (not private!) and email us the link along with your application. Videos will not be viewed until the application fee has been processed. You may continue to mail a DVD along with your Summer Music Program application but that may delay your notification. We DO NOT hold live auditions.

• Two songs from the musical theater repertoire – one pre-1970 musical theater selection and one of your choice. Neither song should exceed three minutes. You must record your selections live with live piano accompaniment only – no background or karaoke accompaniments are accepted. Only microphones attached to camera input are allowed. Auditions should not be recorded using reverb enhancement or any pitch altering technology. If pitch altering or enhancement is suspected a new DVD will be requested. 
• A theatrical monologue. Monologues should not exceed 1 minute.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Recordings of live stage performances/shows are not acceptable. 
• Submissions are accepted on DVD or via YouTube. Please do not send mini DVDs or video tapes. Vocal auditions are not accepted on CDs or audio cassettes. 
• Submissions must include a headshot. 8 x 10 school photos are acceptable.
• Submissions must include a performance resume.

First Admission Deadline: January 20th

Students who audition live or submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by February 1st.  

Second Admission Deadline: February 20th 

Students who audition live or submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by March 15th.  

Third Admission Deadline: March 31st 

Students who audition live or submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by April 13th.