Acting

Applicants to the School of Drama's Acting Option must fulfill the pre-screen, then the audition requirement, which is the main basis for admission to the program.

All applicants interested in auditioning for both the Music Theater and Acting Options should submit a pre-screen for the Music Theater Option. This one pre-screen will be sufficient to address the needs and requirements of both programs.

PRE-SCREEN GUIDELINES:
• Starting Sept.1, visit Acceptd to upload the following:
• Resume including any training and experience in theater, film, music and dance as well as academic achievements, work experience and community service.
• Headshot
• Each piece requested below should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
• There should not be a separate “slate” video, rather slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the title, and show in which it appears. The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

Monologues
• Two, 60-90 second monologues.
• One contemporary (written after 1900); Contemporary monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
• One classical (written pre-1900); Classical monologue should be filmed in a “full body” shot which means the top of the head to the feet on the floor should be visible in the frame. Only perform Shakespeare if you feel comfortable doing so.
• Should portray characters that fall in your natural age range (teens and 20s).

AUDITION GUIDELINES:
• Perform two, contrasting monologues
• One classical monologue from a play written before 1900 with an emphasis on heightened language
• One contemporary piece written in the 20th or 21st century
• Each monologue should be only one minute
• Each monologue should be within your natural age range
• Be sure to read the entire play the monologue is excerpted from so you are able to demonstrate an understanding of the character and situation
• You may use hand props, but not costumes
• Be prepared to perform a third monologue if asked
• Bring a resume and headshot or recent photograph to leave at the audition

Download an Acting Admissions checklist

Music Theater

Applicants to the School of Drama Music Theater Option must fulfill the audition requirement, which is the main basis for admission to the program.

All applicants interested in auditioning for both the Music Theater and Acting Options should submit a pre-screen for the Music Theater Option. This one pre-screen will be sufficient to address the needs and requirements of both programs. We are participating in the 2019-2020 MT Common Pre-Screen

PRE-SCREEN GUIDELINES:
• Starting Sept.1, visit Acceptd to upload the following:
• Resume including any training and experience in theater, film, music and dance as well as academic achievements, work experience and community service.
• Headshot
• Each piece requested below should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
• There should not be a separate “slate” video, rather slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece. The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the title, and show in which it appears. The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

Monologues
• Two, 60-90 second monologues.
• One contemporary (written after 1900); Contemporary monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
• One classical (written pre-1900); Classical monologue should be filmed in a “full body” shot which means the top of the head to the feet on the floor should be visible in the frame. Only perform Shakespeare if you feel comfortable doing so.
• Should portray characters that fall in your natural age range (teens and 20s).

Songs
Students should prepare 2-contrasing pieces: • One song should be a ballad and one song should be up-tempo.
• Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
• Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot, which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
• One song should be written prior to 1970. This song can be either the up-tempo or the ballad (student’s choice). • One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.
• Sing with recorded or with live accompaniment, not a cappella.

AUDITION GUIDELINES
• Perform two, contrasting monologues
• One classical monologue from a play written before 1900 with an emphasis on heightened language
• One contemporary piece written in the 20th or 21st century
• Each monologue should be only one minute
• Each monologue should be within your natural age range
• Be sure to read the entire play the monologue is excerpted from so you are able to demonstrate an understanding of the character and situation
• You may use hand props, but not costumes
• Be prepared to perform a third monologue if asked
• Bring a resume and headshot or recent photograph to leave at the audition

In addition to the aforementioned monologue requirements, you must perform two contrasting songs approximately one minute in length:
• One ballad
• One up tempo song
• Bring your own music (an accompanist will be provided)

Please Note: There is no longer a dance component of the audition so it is not necessary to bring dance clothes. Every accepted Music Theater student will have a dance skills assessment at the beginning of their first semester and will be placed at the appropriate level in classes. Please see the Office of Admissions' FAQ for more information about this change.

Download a Music Theater Admissions checklist

Design and Production Technology and Management

Applicants to Design and Production Technology and Management options must have some practical experience in theater and be able to demonstrate basic proficiency in design, project planning and execution by submitting a portfolio for review.The portfolio should include about 15 items of work in several media and techniques as well as a resume or CV. Not all samples of work have to pertain to theater.

The portfolio review will also include a short interview, where we will get a sense of your drive, aptitude for design and fit for this rigorous program.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW GUIDELINES
Provide 15 examples of work which could include:
• Use of color, line drawing, painting
• Drafting, mechanical drawing
• Photography, including photographs of your productions
• Models, costume pieces, masks
• Sculpture or installation art
• Sound cues or recordings containing original recordings or music (no more than five and no more than one minute in length each)
• Video or media files containing original work (no more than five and no more than two minutes in length each)
• Plots, ground plans, elevations and other production paperwork you may have produced for a show
• Paperwork developed for schedules, reports, budgets, estimates, etc.
• Photos of work both finished and in process

Download a Design/Production Admissions checklist

Dramaturgy

Applicants to the School of Drama Dramaturgy Option must show that they have significant research and writing skills, as well as the drive, aptitude for research and imaginative writing, and potential to develop in this rigorous program. Dramaturgy applicants do not need to schedule an audition or portfolio review, but must include the following with their application. We prefer that teacher recommendations be submitted through the Common Application.

• Cover page with your name, birthdate, address and in large, bold letters "Dramaturgy Applicant."*
• Letter describing your theater experience and ambitions in theater.*
• Two samples of original argumentative writing of approximately 1,000 words each (applicants should submit writing that demonstrates an ability to use evidence to support a thesis: e.g. an analysis of a work of literature or art, or of an event in history - these can be papers written for a high school course).*
• Resumé or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation from sources familiar with your research and writing skills.
• There is no in-person interview required, but the Option Coordinator may contact applicants via phone or email to obtain further information after January 15.

*These documents (containing your name and Application ID number, and saved as pdfs) should be submitted by January 1 by clicking here

The John Wells Directing Program

Applicants to the School of Drama Undergraduate John Wells Directing Program must fulfill two distinctive requirements, an audition and an interview. These requirements are the main basis for admission.

AUDITION GUIDELINES
• Perform one monologue
• Either a classical monologue from a play written before 1900 with an emphasis on heightened language or a contemporary piece written in the 20th or 21st century
• The monologue should be no longer than one minute
• The monologue should be within your natural age range
• Be sure to read the entire play from which the monologue is excerpted so that you can demonstrate an understanding of the character and situation
• You may use hand props, but not costumes
• Be prepared to perform a second monologue if asked
• Bring a resume and headshot or recent photograph to leave at the audition

Bring a statement that:
• Describes why you are pursuing this line of study
• Explains your choice of monologue
• Includes a critical analysis of the play from which the monologue is excerpted

Bring evidence of your creative life including:
• Scripts you have written
• Production photographs from shows that you have directed
• Examples of creative writing
• Creative expression including: photography, painting, drawing, etc.
The interview will assess your drive, maturity, vision and aptitude for Directing.

Download a Directing Admissions checklist