Theatre Audition Information

Read through the entire AUDITION PROCESS. There are major changes to the THEATRE AUDITON this year. ALL applicants will do PART ONE (Theatre Class) and PART THREE (Interview). Applicants can choose either PART TWO A (Monologue and Song) OR PART TWO B (Design/Technical Project and Cold Reading).

PART ONE: THEATRE CLASS

All applicants will participate in a class, lasting approximately thirty minutes, under the guidance of DSOA Theatre faculty and upper-level students. The class will include exercises in movement for the actor (not dance), improvisation, and ensemble building. Applicants should be dressed appropriately for class (clothing that does not restrict or inhibit free movement; clothing that covers the entirety of the thighs, mid-section, back, and chest when freely moving; closed-toe flat shoes; no hanging jewelry). DO NOT WEAR A COSTUME.

Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:
o Focus/Concentration
o Retention of movement (learning movement quickly with little or no repetition of instruction)
o Execution of movement (demonstrating coordination and rhythmic accuracy)
o Imagination/Creativity
o Dynamic Choices/Risk-taking
o Expressive Communication and Characterization
o Collaboration
o Appropriate Dress

After the class session, all applicants will complete the prepared audition component. Applicants may choose to perform a monologue, sing a song, and complete an interview (Audition A) OR they may choose to prepare and present a design/technical project, do a cold reading, and complete an interview (Audition B).

PART TWO: Audition A – MONOLOGUE and SONG

MONOLOGUE: Applicant will prepare a monologue from a published play, not to exceed one minute. The selection will be timed. Original work will not be accepted. Material should be contemporary in nature, written within the last 50 years. The monologue should be suitable to the applicant’s age and experiences. The monologue should show the applicant’s range and versatility as an actor. A packet of monologues will be provided at marketing/recruitment events; using one of these monologues is not required.

Monologue Evaluation Points:

o Focus
o Memorization
o Projection
o Diction/Vocal Production
o Physical Control/Movement
o Characterization
o Emotional Investment
o Truthfulness
o Expression
o Stage Presence

After performing the monologue, the applicant will be given an adjustment: they will be asked to perform the same monologue again but in a different way.

Adjustment Evaluation Points:

o Willingness to take adjustment
o Comprehension of adjustment
o Brave and creative application of adjustment
o Potential for professional success

SONG: Applicant will sing 16 measures (approximately one minute) of a song from the musical theatre repertoire (stage or film). Applicant may bring a CD of instrumental music only (no background vocals), or they may sing a cappella. Live accompaniment is not permitted. Should a student not have access to a song from the musical theatre repertoire, they may sing “Happy Birthday” to a pre-recorded accompaniment that the school will provide.

Solo/Song Musical Selection Evaluation Points:

o Vocal quality
o Pitch
o Rhythm/Musicality
o Characterization
o Emotional Investment/Truthfulness

PART TWO: Audition B – DESIGN/TECHNICAL PROJECT and COLD READING
DESIGN/TECHNICAL PROJECT: Applicant will submit an original, self-made technical project (e.g. a costume - but do not wear your costume, costume renderings, scenic design, make-up design, toy prop) along with any research that was used in formulating the project. The applicant will have up to three minutes to present this project, detailing the inspiration behind the project, how the project was made, and what materials were used. Applicant will justify choices made in the design and execution of the project. The presentation will be timed.
Design/Technical Project Evaluation Points:

o Adherence to project’s directions
o Originality and creativity of design concept
o Appropriate choice of materials
o Purposeful and appropriate use of color
o Demonstration of research and its application in design
o Craftsmanship and details
o Rational justification of artistic choices
o Overall artistic ability
o Potential for professional success
o Articulation of ideas and concepts in presentation
o Concentration in presentation
o Enthusiasm in presentation
o Professionalism of presentation
o Ability to accept constructive criticism

COLD READING: Applicants presenting a design/technical project will prepare and present a cold reading from a grade-level appropriate script provided by the adjudicators. The applicant will have one minute to study to script before giving the reading. The script does not have to be memorized.
Cold Reading Evaluation Points:

o Reading Ability
o Projection/Diction/Inflection
o Imagination/Creativity
o Characterization
o Emotional Investment/Truthfulness

PART THREE: INTERVIEW: Applicant will participate in an interview during which adjudicators will gauge the applicant’s interest in pursuing a rigorous theatrical education, learn about the applicant’s previous experience and/or current interest in theatre, and determine the applicant’s self-discipline and preparation habits.

Interview Evaluation Points:

o Expressed theatrical education motivation (through description of rehearsal habits and theatrical participation)
o Experience in, and/or knowledge of, theatre arts (through description of previous experiences)
o Commitment to undertaking theatrical education and career (through description of goals and areas of theatrical interest)
o Ability to communicate ideas and goals clearly

Theatre Audition Information

Useful Links