At the Western Michigan University College of Fine Arts, you will discover a vibrant community designed to be your creative home, a place where your unique artistic voice is not just heard, it is truly celebrated. From day one, you will dive into hands-on, experience-driven projects within our cutting-edge labs and studios. You will see the vision we have for you as soon as you step on campus. Get started today!
Ready to begin? How to apply
Once you have experienced our campus, the next step toward launching your artistic career at WMU is to apply. We are seeking passionate and dedicated students ready to dive into experience-driven learning and transform their passion into practice.
You do not have to wait until you are admitted by WMU to apply to your program. Once you have submitted your application to your art or performance program, you will need to audition, interview or undergo a portfolio review to be accepted.
Audition and interview dates
Frostic School of Art
Rolling admission starting in January of your application year.
Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation
Acceptance happens on a rolling basis.
Dance
Saturday-Sunday, Oct 11-12, 2025 (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
Friday, Nov 7, 2025 (Schaumburg, IL)
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 (On-Campus)
Friday, Feb 27, 2026 (On-Campus)
Saturday-Sunday, Mar 6-7, 2026 (Norfolk, VA)
Virtual auditions occur on a rolling basis through April 1st.
The Irving S. Gilmore School of Music
For Spring 2026 admission
Friday, Oct 24, 2025
For Fall 2026 Admission
Friday, Jan 30, 2026
Friday, Feb 20, 2026
Friday, March 20, 2026
To guarantee a place on the schedule, applications must be received at least 2 weeks before your desired NSAD date. Changes may not be possible within 7 days of a given NSAD.
Theatre
Non-performers will conduct an interview instead of an audition.
Sat-Sun, Dec 13-14, 2025 (Michigan Thespian Festival)
Thurs-Sat, Jan 8-10, 2026 (Ill High School Theatre Festival)
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 (On-campus)
Mon-Thurs, Feb 2-5, 2026 (Chicago Unified Auditions)
Friday, Feb 20, 2026 (On-campus)
Virtual auditions
Saturday, Nov 15, 2025
Saturday, Jan 17, 2026