School of Performing and Visual Arts
School of Performing and Visual Arts
The School of Performing and Visual Arts welcomes all applicants interested in our
programs to attend one of our recruitment events!
Art and Design Dance Theatre
2023 Open House | Find Your Focus | October 20
Art & Design's Open House is designed to share information about our BFA programs in Drawing and Painting; Sculpture (plus Ceramics); and Graphic Design, as well as our liberal arts studio BA degree with potential students from area high schools and community colleges. Future USM students can meet our faculty and get their hands dirty making art as they learn more about becoming a professional artists.
Apply to the University. For acceptance into the Art and Design programs, apply to the University.
(Optional) Submit your digital portfolio review. Portfolios are encouraged as part of the scholarship awarding process when attending Open House.
PORTFOLIOWhen reviewing a portfolio, we look for the following:
Portfolio Guidelines:
To ensure scholarship eligibility, visit the GO systemLearn more about the Art and Design program
Our Dance program is accepting online or in-person audition materials and video submissions,
as an option for students. When submitting the audition form, please select if you
are auditioning online or in-person.
In-Person Dance Audition Dates:
*As part of High School Dance Day (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.). Those choosing to audition should both register for High School Dance Day and submit the audition application form prior to the audition date. Note that all auditioning prospective students (not just high school students) are welcome for High School Dance Day.
To apply for acceptance into the undergraduate BFA programs in dance at Southern Miss, you must apply to the University AND audition as part of the application process.
Apply to the University. To apply for acceptance into the undergraduate BFA program in dance at Southern Miss, you must apply to the University.
Submit the audition application form. You may audition online or in-person. Please see below to prepare the supporting materials required when submitting the form.
Here is a checklist of materials you need to prepare to submit to the audition application form:
The USM Dance in-person audition includes the following:
Please submit either a video file or YouTube link to your completed video audition submission. In your video, please include the following:
Introduction: Let’s get to know you! Look at the camera and state the following information to begin your audition video:
Dance Performance: This section may include combinations from dance classes, a performed dance piece, improvised movement, etc. Movement can be in any dance style, a variety of dance styles, and be self or instructor choreographed (or a combination of both).
Length: Please note that the video should not exceed ten minutes in length. Please include at least 5 minutes of you dancing.
Attire: Applicants should wear well-fitted dance attire where the body is fully visible.
Deadline: Priority consideration before March 1, 2024. Scholarship consideration before May 1, 2024. All videos must be received no later than August, 2024.
Format: Your audition video may be submitted via video form by either uploading an MP4 file or a YouTube link.
Recording details: Your video should be taped in a studio or theatre if possible, or at least a large enough space to showcase your technique and artistry. Please ensure your video content is well-lit and in-focus for consideration.
Thank you for following the instructions above. This will assist us in evaluating everyone on similar work and make the video audition close to what students are asked to do during the in‐person auditions. We can’t wait to review your submission!
High School Dance Day is designed for sophomore-seniors in high school and transfer students interested in learning about dance at the college level. Here you will participate in master classes in ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques, as well as see a showing of faculty and student choreographic works that will give you an idea of the kind of dancing you’ll experience with USM Dance. The event is FREE and includes a provided lunch for students, and a complementary ticket to our Repertory Dance Company (fall) or Dance Gala Concert (spring) at 7 p.m. that night.
If you are interested in auditioning for our program (start date fall 2024 semester) at the end of High School Dance Day, please select that option in our registration form AND complete an audition form.
Registration closes the Monday prior to the event.
Curtain Up | January 27, 2024
You will meet faculty and students representing the many degree programs and production areas, including BA in Theatre, the BFA (Design and Technology) and the BFA (Acting), and production opportunities in Acting, Directing, Costumes, Lighting, Sound, Scenic, Paint, Props, House Management, Producing, Technical Direction, Stage Management, and more! Headed by some of our APO students, you'll also enjoy a tour of our facilities!
Consist of a portfolio review and interview.