In Person
Our acting, musical theater, theater design and technology, and stage management majors each have specific in-person audition and portfolio guidelines that are detailed in this section. Any materials requested should be brought with you when you come to your audition.
Please note that acting and musical theater applicants should schedule their audition before January 1 as audition spaces are limited. If they are filled, you will be asked to submit a taped audition in lieu of auditioning in person. Note: you may register online for in-person drama auditions/portfolio reviews beginning October 1, 2009 at noon Eastern time.
Visit Meet Us for audition and portfolio review dates and places. Please note that there will be an audition fee of $40 for in-person auditions at all locations.
Acting
Acting applicants should come prepared for a full-body movement warm-up. Please bring suitable, loose-fitting warm-up clothing and comfortable footwear.
- Prepare and memorize two contrasting two-minute monologues from modern plays (one comedy and one drama) by characters reasonably close to your own age. You may be asked to make adjustments and/or perform an improvisation during the audition.
- Submit (1) a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced; (2) a brief statement describing why they you are choosing a career in acting; and (3) a photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional head shot.
Musical Theater
- Acting: Prepare and memorize a two-minute monologue from a modern play (comedy or drama) by a character fairly close to your own age. This should not be taken from a musical.
- Voice: Prepare and memorize two songs from musicals of contrasting styles, moods, and time periods (a ballad and an up-tempo number). Neither song should exceed 90 seconds. Be prepared to sing one of these songs. The second will be heard if needed. You may bring your own accompanist, but an accompanist is provided. You must bring your sheet music in a binder so that the pages may be turned easily (a small, hard-back three-ring binder works best) and in the key in which you will sing it.
- Dance: All musical theater applicants are required to participate in a dance audition. If you are auditioning in person, you will be asked to learn a short dance combination to be performed in small groups. Students will be evaluated to assess level of achievement, aptitude for dance study, and potential for success in a demanding training program for musical theater triple-threats (students equally proficient in acting, singing, and dance). Students should be fit, demonstrating the physical facility to participate fully in rigorous studio work. Prior dance training, while desirable, is not always required for acceptance. Enthusiasm and obvious potential may, on occasion, substitute for prior training. Candidates should dress in basic dancewear or rehearsal attire—clothing that allows freedom of movement. Women should wear leotards and tights. Men should wear jazz pants or tights and a T-shirt. Jazz shoes are recommended for both men and women. No bulky or oversized sweatpants or sweatshirts are permitted.
- Submit (1) a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced; (2) a brief statement describing why they you are choosing a career in musical theater; and (3) a photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional head shot.
Theater Design and Technology
- All applicants must submit a portfolio containing examples of sketches, drafting, or photographs of productions you have designed; artwork (paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, photographs) not related to theater work; and class projects and/or craft projects that show evidence of creative/artistic ability. This should be your best and most recent work. These may be submitted as slides or photographs of the original work.
- Portfolios may also include projects that showcase skills in technical areas: anything you have constructed, sewed, painted, or were responsible for creating and/or executing. Include a brief explanation of the part you played in the creative process.
- Remember that the quality of the work is better than quantity. Ten to 20 well-chosen pieces that show variety should be sufficient to showcase your skills. Include a short explanation of the work such as an artist statement or concept. Be prepared to answer questions about your work, including the concepts followed and the materials used.
- If you have not documented your artistic skills in a portfolio, you may submit 10 to 15 photographs in black and white and/or color that show your visual sensitivity. Please include an explanation of why you chose the subject or scene (composition, texture, form, color, light) to photograph.
- Letters of reference from directors, theater teachers, technical directors, or other professionals who can speak to your creativity, work ethic, or leadership must be submitted with your portfolio.
- Applicants must also submit (1) a resume of theater work listing skills and/or classes taken in any area of theater or art (2) a statement of purpose indicating what led you to consider this major, your expectations, and your career aspirations.
- Portfolios are reviewed in consideration of the following criteria: drawing, painting or photography, composition, concepts, presentation, use of color and other elements of design, variety of work, and technical skills demonstrated.
Stage Management
- Your portfolio should consist of samples of stage management production materials such as a complete production book, running notes, or other materials that show evidence of organizational skills and stage management abilities, as well as photos of past productions if possible.
- Also submit (1) a current resume listing all productions in which you have been involved, and when and where produced; (2) a brief statement describing why you are choosing a career in stage management; and (3) letters of reference from directors, theater teachers, or technical directors with whom you have worked.
