Graduate Application and Audition

As an applicant to the graduate program in the Department of Dance, you should apply through the School of Graduate Studies. Links to videos of performances and technique sequences along with a statement of purpose should be emailed to the chair of the department, Karen.Potter@case.edu.

  • Transcripts*
  • TOEFL or IELTS* (please see information on test scores below)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose/objectives
  • CV and/or Resume
  • Videos may include participation in a technique class or stage performance

*The School of Graduate Studies does not accept the DuoLingo exam, TOEFL Essentials exam, or TOEFL MyBest Scores. Applicants must achieve a minimum of 90 on one exam date; exams will not be superscored.  

* The language test requirement will be waived if you have completed a bachelors or masters degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

The dance faculty will review all completed applications. If after a review of your statement of goals, submitted videos, transcript and other materials, you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by the chair of the department to either schedule an in-person or virtual audition and interview.

On-campus Auditions

An audition for the graduate dance program involves a visit with the dance faculty at a prearranged time during the fall or spring semester. It is recommended that you plan to spend several days visiting the campus and attending classes and observing rehearsals and workshops. For international applicants, a Skype interview may be substituted for an on campus interview and audition. This will provide a mutual opportunity to better assess the educational and artistic compatibility between your needs and the program’s offerings.

TOEFL and IELTS

The School of Graduate Studies requires all international applicants to submit one of three language scores (IELTS, TOEFL). The language test requirement will be waived if you have completed a bachelors or masters degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. The University’s institutional code is 1105. Please see acceptable minimum scores below which are valid two years from the date of testing:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based: 90
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based: 577
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0

To send any supplemental materials that cannot be uploaded in the application process, please use the mailing address below:

Case Western Reserve University
Department of Dance
Mather Dance Center
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7113 (USA)

Phone: 216.368.2854
Email: Lori.Waugh@case.edu