Audition Information
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions for Program Entry
All incoming freshmen and/or transfer students must audition for admittance into the ETBU theatre arts program. Following the audition, the faculty will admit the student, admit the student under provisional acceptance, or deny admittance to the student. A student’s admittance is not specific to a specific concentration area or degree program. Students may change their degree program or concentration without impacting their admission status in the theatre program providing they continue to pursue either of the theatre majors as evidenced by 1) official major declaration, and 2) course schedule. The audition for entry into the program also serves as an application for a theatre arts scholarship if one is available.
Auditions typically happen as part of Tiger Day and Shadow Day events. However, special arrangements will be made if a prospective student cannot attend one of the regularly scheduled auditions.
Auditions for program entry consist of (2) two contrasting monologues of approximately 1 minute each and an informal interview with the faculty. Prospective students should select one contemporary monologue and one classical monologue of contrasting natures. Students should also bring a current headshot (or recent photo) and a résumé detailing prior theatre experience. For students who are primarily interested in design and/or technical aspects of theatre, a portfolio of their work should be substituted for the monologues. The portfolio should include photographs of your work on set construction, painting, props, costumes, or lighting. You should also include any drawings, sketches, drafting, or models that you made. For stage management experience, students should present their prompt book and photographs of the production.
Finally, students should fill out the electronic audition form prior to arriving on campus for their audition.
Casting Policy
The ETBU Department of Theatre Arts holds open auditions. First priority in casting is given to ETBU theatre majors. However, non-majors or minors, faculty, staff, community members and /or guest artists might also be cast in our theatre productions.
Directors make casting decisions based upon some or all of the following:
- The quality of the audition
- The auditioner's suitability for a role
- Recent roles performed
- Specific course or degree requirements
- Participation in workdays and strikes
- Academic standing
- Specific performance skills required by a role
Obviously not everyone who auditions for a production can be cast. Students should not become discouraged if they are not cast. More than likely, it has to do with the aforementioned criteria. However, students should feel free to seek specific constructive criticism from the faculty on how they may improve their audition in the future. Students should remember to take criticism in the spirit it is given; the faculty want all theatre students to grow and mature as artists. Each audition is one of many for every student. We hope all students will continue to grow and make improvements with each subsequent audition.
Students who are not chosen for a specific role should still be involved in the production, both for their continued theatrical growth. A student’s willingness to participate in some other capacity is an indication of his/her dedication to the program, maturity as an artist, and commitment to a well-rounded education. It is our hope that students will develop skills and interests not previously considered, such as scenic painting, creating properties, or costume construction. By staying involved, students will be able to explore the working relationships between production staff, crews, and cast. The benefits of dedicated involvement on any level are manifold.