New Freshmen
Power to shape society, spark innovation and move culture.
That’s what Peck School of the Arts offers every student artist. Attending an arts school embedded in a major research university means every student receives the support needed to positively affect, and engage, the wider community and the world. As entrepreneurs, students are challenged to explore sustainable solutions to current issues through innovation, artistry and community engagement.
Applying to the Peck School of the Arts is a two-step process. First, complete and submit your UW-Milwaukee application. Second, complete your Peck School of the Arts application. An audition or interview is required for our dance, music and theatre majors. Program specifics listed below.
Step 1: Apply to UW-Milwaukee
To receive communications through the Admissions process from Peck School of the Arts, make sure you select a program from our degree list when applying to the university.
Step 2: Apply to Peck School of the Arts
After being admitted to UWM, and indicating Art as your chosen major, no further steps are required to be eligible for acceptance into the Department of Art & Design. However, admitted students interested in applying for scholarship aid should do so by December 15 for priority consideration.
Contact
art-admission@uwm.edu
To be considered for the Dance BA or BFA program, applicants must first be accepted to UW-Milwaukee, apply to the Peck School of the Arts and complete a successful audition. Applicants interested in department-level scholarships must complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration.
NOTE: Applicants may submit twice per year. Transfer students must complete half their required dance credits in the Peck School of the Arts to earn their BA or BFA from UW-Milwaukee.
Application
Statement of Intent (minimum 300 words)
Upload a one-page pdf that describes how your interests and past experiences relate to your intended college choice and career path.
Auditions
During the 2022-2023 academic year, applicants will have the choice to audition in-person or digitally.
In-Person Audition
Dance auditions will be held in-person on the UWM Campus. These auditions will include introduction to the faculty, tour of the facilities, technique classes in a variety of forms, performance of a one-minute solo, and question and answer session with faculty. We will inform you of which technique classes will be included. Masks will be required of all visitors, in every studio.
Dates for *Spring 2023 and ‡Fall 2023 consideration:
- Saturday, December 3, 2022 *‡
- Friday, March 10, 2023 ‡
- Friday, March 31, 2023 ‡
- Friday, April 21, 2023 ‡
Digital Audition
For those students that are not able to make it to the UWM campus to audition, you may submit a digital audition.
Applicants should record themselves in three videos:
- Dancing in a technique class variation one
- Dancing in a technique class variation two
- One solo performance
Videos should be recorded in a studio or gym, not a residential space like a living room or bedroom (if at all possible). The videos can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or a file sharing site like Google Drive or Dropbox. The links, plus related explanations and/or passwords, if not publicly shared, should also be included.
Contact
dance-admission@uwm.edu
After being admitted to UWM, and indicating Film as your chosen major, no further steps are required to be eligible for acceptance into the Department of Film, Video, Animation and New Genres. However, admitted students interested in applying for scholarship aid should do so by December 15.
Contact
film-admission@uwm.edu
To be considered for the music BA or BFA program, applicants must first be accepted to UW-Milwaukee, apply to the Peck School of the Arts and complete a successful audition or interview. Applicants interested in department-level scholarships must complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration. Upon acceptance to the university, students may declare a Music Minor without a formal audition or interview.
Application
Statement of Intent
Upload a 100-word statement describing your desired musical career and how studying at UWM will help prepare you.
Placement Exams
- Music Theory Placement Exam
All intended music majors are required to take a 30-60 minute online theory placement exam. Applicants will receive an email with exam instructions and a link prior to their audition or interview. Please complete this exam soon after receiving it. While not required for music minors, those with theory experience are encouraged to take the exam for possible advanced placement by contacting music-admission@uwm.edu. - Piano Placement
Applicants with no prior piano experience should indicate this on the application. If you have prior piano experience, you will have the opportunity to record a short composition to help place you in the appropriate course level. Compositions should be video-recorded and uploaded to YouTube. The frame should include the student’s entire upper body and a view of both hands. Videos should include two segments:- One piece hands together—classical in style, i.e., no original compositions, jazz, or pop music; no memory required
- Two scales—one major and one minor scale hands together, two octaves, with correct fingerings
Audition or Interview
All BA and BFA degree programs require an audition or interview. See Music undergraduate application requirements for more comprehensive information. Applicants will choose their preferred day on the application. During this day, applicants will attend an orientation, a Department of Music student convocation, and meet with music faculty for their audition or interview. The typical day starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. Presentations from Financial Aid, Norris Health Service, and University Housing will be offered.
While in-person is highly recommended, we understand some applicants may need to submit digitally and meet virtually.
Music Undergraduate Application Requirements
Dates for *Spring 2024 and ‡Fall 2024 consideration
- Friday, December 1, 2023 *‡
- Friday, February 9, 2024 ‡
- Monday, February 19, 2024 ‡
- Friday, March 8, 2024 ‡
- Friday, April 5, 2024 ‡
- Digital submission and virtual interview *‡
Contact: music-admission@uwm.edu
To be considered for the Theatre BA or BFA program, applicants must first be accepted to UW-Milwaukee, apply to the Peck School of the Arts, and complete a successful audition and/or interview with Theatre. Applicants may declare a Theatre Minor without audition or interview. See Theatre undergraduate application requirements for more comprehensive information.
Theatre Undergraduate Application Requirements
Required application materials vary by program and may include:
Resume & Statement of Intent (Required for all programs)
A one-page resume detailing your performance/production or teaching experiences and extracurricular activities, and an additional one-page statement describing how your interests and past experiences relate to your intended college choice and career path.
Letter of recommendation (Required for Production, Acting and Musical Theatre)
1-2 letters of recommendation from an instructor and/or employer familiar with your theatre or teaching experience and/or academic ability.
Digital audition (Required for Acting and Musical Theatre)
A performance you will record and submit with your Theatre application. Requirements vary by program (see PDF above).
Interview (Required for all programs)
If you are applying for BFA production, a faculty member will reach out to you to arrange a customized tour of our department and a one on one interview and discussion with faculty and current students. This will be at a mutually convenient time.
If you are applying for our other BA or BFA programs, please see the schedule below. During your interview with a faculty member, you will be asked to share your motivation for pursuing this course of study and to answer any questions you may have. If you are applying to either of our performance tracks you may be asked to repeat your audition piece and take direction on it.
Interview Dates for *Spring 2023 and ‡Fall 2023 consideration:
- Friday, December 2, 2022 *‡
- Friday, February 10, 2023 ‡
- Friday, March 10, 2023 ‡
- Friday, March 31, 2023 ‡
- Friday, April 21, 2023 ‡
- By Appointment ‡
| Auditionee Schedule | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Theatre faculty welcome and overview |
| 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Individual interviews |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Current theatre student Q&A + lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Observe UWM Acting classes (optional) |
| Family Member Schedule | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Welcome, Admissions and Advising |
| 9:30-10:00 a.m. | Presentation from Student Health & Wellness Center |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Presentation from Financial Aid |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Theatre Department tour |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Current theatre student Q&A + lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Observe UWM Acting classes (optional) |
Placement exams (Option for Musical Theatre)
Students with prior piano experience or music theory experience will have the opportunity to take placement tests prior to the start of the semester.
Contact: theatre-admission@uwm.edu
Transfer
UWM is the top transfer destination in the University of Wisconsin System.
Applying to the Peck School of the Arts is a two-step process. First, complete and submit your UW-Milwaukee application. Second, complete your Peck School of the Arts application. An audition or interview is required for our dance, music and theatre majors. Program specifics listed below.
If you attended a UW System school or Wisconsin Technical College, and would like to begin to evaluate how your courses may transfer, you can use the Transfer Information System or utilize the Transfer Equivalency Database. More information available on UWM’s transfer page.
Step 1: Apply to UW-Milwaukee
Congratulations on taking this next step toward a rewarding career in the arts! As a transfer student, you should apply to UWM by using the UW System application at the link below.
To receive communications through the Admissions process from Peck School of the Arts, make sure you select a program from our degree list when applying to the university.
Step 2: Apply to Peck School of the Arts
After being admitted to UWM, and indicating Art as your chosen major, no further steps are required to be eligible for acceptance into the Department of Art & Design. However, admitted students interested in applying for scholarship aid should do so by December 15 for priority consideration.
Contact
art-admission@uwm.edu
To be considered for the Dance BA or BFA program, applicants must first be accepted to UW-Milwaukee, apply to the Peck School of the Arts and complete a successful audition. Applicants interested in department-level scholarships must complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration.
NOTE: Applicants may submit twice per year. Transfer students must complete half their required dance credits in the Peck School of the Arts to earn their BA or BFA from UW-Milwaukee.
Application
Statement of Intent (minimum 300 words)
Upload a one-page pdf that describes how your interests and past experiences relate to your intended college choice and career path.
Auditions
During the 2022-2023 academic year, applicants will have the choice to audition in-person or digitally.
In-Person Audition
Dance auditions will be held in-person on the UWM Campus. These auditions will include introduction to the faculty, tour of the facilities, technique classes in a variety of forms, performance of a one-minute solo, and question and answer session with faculty. We will inform you of which technique classes will be included. Masks will be required of all visitors, in every studio.
Dates for *Spring 2023 and ‡Fall 2023 consideration:
- Saturday, December 3, 2022 *‡
- Friday, March 10, 2023 ‡
- Friday, March 31, 2023 ‡
- Friday, April 21, 2023 ‡
Digital Audition
For those students that are not able to make it to the UWM campus to audition, you may submit a digital audition.
Applicants should record themselves in three videos:
- Dancing in a technique class variation one
- Dancing in a technique class variation two
- One solo performance
Videos should be recorded in a studio or gym, not a residential space like a living room or bedroom (if at all possible). The videos can be uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or a file sharing site like Google Drive or Dropbox. The links, plus related explanations and/or passwords, if not publicly shared, should also be included.
Contact
dance-admission@uwm.edu
After being admitted to UWM, and indicating Film as your chosen major, no further steps are required to be eligible for acceptance into the Department of Film, Video, Animation and New Genres. However, admitted students interested in applying for scholarship aid should do so by December 15.
Contact
film-admission@uwm.edu
To be considered for the music BA or BFA program, applicants must first be accepted to UW-Milwaukee, apply to the Peck School of the Arts and complete a successful audition or interview. Applicants interested in department-level scholarships must complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration. Upon acceptance to the university, students may declare a Music Minor without a formal audition or interview.
Application
Statement of Intent
Upload a 100-word statement describing your desired musical career and how studying at UWM will help prepare you.
Placement Exams
- Music Theory Placement Exam
All intended music majors are required to take a 30-60 minute online theory placement exam. Applicants will receive an email with exam instructions and a link prior to their audition or interview. Please complete this exam soon after receiving it. While not required for music minors, those with theory experience are encouraged to take the exam for possible advanced placement by contacting music-admission@uwm.edu. - Piano Placement
Applicants with no prior piano experience should indicate this on the application. If you have prior piano experience, you will have the opportunity to record a short composition to help place you in the appropriate course level. Compositions should be video-recorded and uploaded to YouTube. The frame should include the student’s entire upper body and a view of both hands. Videos should include two segments:- One piece hands together—classical in style, i.e., no original compositions, jazz, or pop music; no memory required
- Two scales—one major and one minor scale hands together, two octaves, with correct fingerings
Audition or Interview
All BA and BFA degree programs require an audition or interview. See Music undergraduate application requirements for more comprehensive information. Applicants will choose their preferred day on the application. During this day, applicants will attend an orientation, a Department of Music student convocation, and meet with music faculty for their audition or interview. The typical day starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend. Presentations from Financial Aid, Norris Health Service, and University Housing will be offered.
While in-person is highly recommended, we understand some applicants may need to submit digitally and meet virtually.
Music Undergraduate Application Requirements
Dates for *Spring 2024 and ‡Fall 2024 consideration
- Friday, December 1, 2023 *‡
- Friday, February 9, 2024 ‡
- Monday, February 19, 2024 ‡
- Friday, March 8, 2024 ‡
- Friday, April 5, 2024 ‡
- Digital submission and virtual interview *‡
Contact: music-admission@uwm.edu
To be considered for the Theatre BA or BFA program, applicants must first be accepted to UW-Milwaukee, apply to the Peck School of the Arts, and complete a successful audition and/or interview with Theatre. Applicants may declare a Theatre Minor without audition or interview. See Theatre undergraduate application requirements for more comprehensive information.
Theatre Undergraduate Application Requirements
Required application materials vary by program and may include:
Resume & Statement of Intent (Required for all programs)
A one-page resume detailing your performance/production or teaching experiences and extracurricular activities, and an additional one-page statement describing how your interests and past experiences relate to your intended college choice and career path.
Letter of recommendation (Required for Production, Acting and Musical Theatre)
1-2 letters of recommendation from an instructor and/or employer familiar with your theatre or teaching experience and/or academic ability.
Digital audition (Required for Acting and Musical Theatre)
A performance you will record and submit with your Theatre application. Requirements vary by program (see PDF above).
Interview (Required for all programs)
If you are applying for BFA production, a faculty member will reach out to you to arrange a customized tour of our department and a one on one interview and discussion with faculty and current students. This will be at a mutually convenient time.
If you are applying for our other BA or BFA programs, please see the schedule below. During your interview with a faculty member, you will be asked to share your motivation for pursuing this course of study and to answer any questions you may have. If you are applying to either of our performance tracks you may be asked to repeat your audition piece and take direction on it.
Interview Dates for *Spring 2023 and ‡Fall 2023 consideration:
- Friday, December 2, 2022 *‡
- Friday, February 10, 2023 ‡
- Friday, March 10, 2023 ‡
- Friday, March 31, 2023 ‡
- Friday, April 21, 2023 ‡
- By Appointment ‡
| Auditionee Schedule | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Theatre faculty welcome and overview |
| 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Individual interviews |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Current theatre student Q&A + lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Observe UWM Acting classes (optional) |
| Family Member Schedule | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 a.m. | Check-in |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. | Welcome, Admissions and Advising |
| 9:30-10:00 a.m. | Presentation from Student Health & Wellness Center |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Presentation from Financial Aid |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Theatre Department tour |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Current theatre student Q&A + lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Observe UWM Acting classes (optional) |
Placement exams (Option for Musical Theatre)
Students with prior piano experience or music theory experience will have the opportunity to take placement tests prior to the start of the semester.
Contact: theatre-admission@uwm.edu
Graduate
A graduate education at UWM is more than just a degree. It’s an experience.
Whether you are interested in a professional master’s degree or advancing your career with a certification, you can be confident in knowing that we are just as committed to your education as you are.
Prospective graduate students must complete and submit the UWM Graduate School application.
Have questions about the admission process?
Contact: Nicole Ridgway, ridgwayn@uwm.edu or (414) 229-6053
Prospective graduate students must complete and submit the UWM Graduate School application.
Have questions about the admission process?
Contact: Daniel Burkholder, burkhol6@uwm.edu, or (414) 229-2648
Prospective graduate students must complete and submit the UWM Graduate School application by January 15.
The most substantive parts of the application include work samples (see below), a written statement of intent, and curriculum vitae.
Instructions for work samples: Submit a PDF containing URLs and passwords (if applicable) for two moving image work samples. If a work is longer than 20 minutes, provide a link to a 5–10 minute excerpt along with a link to the full piece.
For each work sample please include the following within the PDF:
- Title of work
- Total run time
- Year of production
- Short synopsis (100-word limit)
- A clear indication of your role in the work
NOTE: For portfolios that consist of both film/video and other expanded multimedia forms, you may choose instead to:
- Submit a URL for ONE moving-image work sample
- Submit links to documentation for TWO additional works (installation, sculpture, performance, etc.). Please provide links for up to 10 still images or moving image documentation as appropriate to the work. For each work sample, provide identifying information as instructed above (relevant to the work, “running time” can be replaced by “medium,” “duration,” or other description.)
Have questions about the admission process?
Contact: film-grad-admission@uwm.edu
Before beginning the UWM Graduate School application, please review your specific major’s audition and admission requirements below:
Have additional questions about the admission or audition process?
Contact: Tim Noonan, tpnoonan@uwm.edu
Certification
Do you already hold a bachelor’s degree, but want to complete an additional undergraduate certification program?
Peck School of the Arts offers certification in three areas: Art Education (EC-A), Music Education (EC-A), and Theatre Education (EC-A). The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program is available for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in the corresponding content-specific area, and graduated with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. If you do not hold the corresponding content-specific undergraduate degree, you must instead apply as a second-degree seeking student.
All interested applicants are required to meet face-to-face with their future department area head prior to submitting the university application. To apply, first review the list of required materials below.
Important Deadlines:
Dec 15 for admission the following Spring/Summer
July 15 for admission the following Fall
Step 1: Peck School of the Arts Evaluation
Schedule Interview
Art Education | Email Liz Rex at rex@uwm.edu
-Requires visual arts undergraduate degree
-Portfolio review and discussion of prior undergraduate studies
Music Education | Email Sheila Feay-Shaw at feayshaw@uwm.edu
-Requires music undergraduate degree
-Primary instrument, piano, and sight-singing auditions
Theatre Education | Email Ralph Janes at janes@uwm.edu
-Requires theatre undergraduate degree or equivalent (subject to transcript review)
-Review related professional and educational experiences
Mail Official Transcript
Obtain official transcripts from all institutions of higher education, technical colleges, schools, and programs (except UWM) and send to the address below. The transcripts should bear an official embossed seal and remain unopened/untampered in the institution’s original envelope. If you attended UWM, you may submit unofficial transcripts.
UWM Peck School of the Arts
Assistant Dean, Student Services
Theatre Building Rm 120
2400 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Submit Interview Materials
Portfolio (Art & Design only)
Upload a single PDF including 10-15 examples of your artwork representative of the breadth and depth of prior undergraduate studies. Identify each image by media, size, and year of completion.
Resume
Upload a resume that includes your educational background, work experience, special talents/skills, and other relevant experience with children. Do not exceed two pages.
Unofficial Transcript
Upload copies of unofficial transcripts from all institutions of higher education, including technical colleges, schools, and programs (except UWM).
Education License (if applicable)
Upload copies of Wisconsin or Out-of-State Education License(s).
Stipulations Letter (if applicable)
Upload any documentation that you may have received from DPI concerning any stipulations or license renewals that may pertain to your application or program requirements.
Step 2: UW-Milwaukee Application
Application Fee
There is no application fee to apply as a non-degree undergraduate. Please ignore the payment page and DO NOT MAKE A PAYMENT.
Application Fields
Please note: when prompted about specific fields on your application, please be sure to define yourself as the following:
- Undergraduate
- Transfer
- Has a Degree
Required Statement
In the statement that is required, the applicant should explicitly state whether they’re applying to the Art, Music or Theatre Education Post Bac program.