Application and Audition Process

Step 1: Apply to UNLV

Students must first be admitted to UNLV before declaring dance as their major.

• Apply to UNLV

Step 2: Begin as a Pre-BFA Student

All students admitted to UNLV may declare dance as their major and are initially enrolled in the pre-BFA program. No formal audition is required for admission to the Department of Dance at the pre-BFA level.

Students are expected to enter one of the department's BFA concentrations during their first year of enrollment.

Step 3: Technique Level Placement Class

Regardless of their chosen concentration, every incoming dance major must complete the technique level placement class to determine the appropriate level for ballet, modern, and jazz courses. These mandatory placements ensure that each student starts training at a level aligned with their existing technical proficiency. Following initial placement, students can advance to higher-level technique courses through auditions, end-of-semester juries, or with faculty permission.

Step 4: Understand Your BFA Concentration

Each BFA concentration has its own admission process.

Performance and Choreography

Admission to the performance and choreography concentration is through an audition process. This evaluation takes place during the required technique level placement class, where students will be properly evaluated by faculty.

Students may audition up to four times during their first year of enrollment. We encourage prospective students to audition before their first semester whenever possible. Auditions are typically held in August, October, and February.

Students who are not admitted to this concentration by the end of their first year must meet with an academic advisor to explore another BFA concentration that best supports their academic and professional goals.

Production Design and Management

Students applying to the production design and management concentration must participate in the required technique level placement class and complete a brief faculty interview focused on production experience and interests. Applicants are encouraged to bring a portfolio of creative or technical work, although a portfolio is not required.

Professional Dancer

Admission requirements for the professional dancer concentration vary based on professional experience. A minimum of 5+ years of professional performance experience is required. Prospective students should contact the Department of Dance at dance@unlv.edu to determine whether an audition is required.

Step 5: Concert Auditions

Faculty and Guest Artist Concert

Casting for faculty and guest artist productions will be announced before the semester begins, either through predetermined casting or through an audition held prior to the start of the semester in which the production occurs.

BFA Projects Student Concert

Participation in the BFA project student concert is mandatory for all pre-dance majors as well as students majoring in the performance and choreography concentration. These auditions provide choreographers with dancers for their creative works in the upcoming student concert. Eligible students will automatically be registered for the audition. Students are expected to accept any performance role for which they are cast.

BFA projects auditions are held on the first day of classes.

Upcoming Auditions