Please below for information about degree program auditions for Theatre and Musical Theatre.
Welcome and thanks for your interest in our program! Click here to download a useful Application Checklist for the theatre and musical theatre program.
You will audition for a panel of friendly and experienced faculty representing several disciplines. After your audition you will get a chance to work with at least one of us. In that way, you'll learn more about us and vice versa. We will also send you written feedback on your audition. We believe that student performers benefit most when auditioning is part of a larger learning process.
Requirements
If you wish to audition as an intended theatre major, please prepare two contrasting monologues. The two together must not total more than three minutes. By contrasting, they may be comic and dramatic, or classical and contemporary, or a combination of each. Select something that has been well rehearsed and is within a comfortable age range. If you wish to audition as an intended musical theatre major, please prepare two contrasting monologues, and 16 - 32 measures of an up-tempo song, and a ballad. The total audition time allotted will be 5 minutes. If dance is your strong suit, you may present a dance piece one minute or less in length. For both theatre and musical theatre auditions, bring a resume that has all your contact information. Also bring a head shot if you have one.
Audition Dates
2009-2010 Audition Dates
Saturday, November 21, 2009—Current AU Students and Early Decision Prospective Students ONLY
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
For information on audition and admission procedures, please contact Alison Dornheggen at theatreauditions@american.edu
Sign-Up Slots
To sign up for an audition slot, please call: 202-885-3437 Or email theatreauditions@american.edu and leave a message with the following information:- First & Last Name: if your name is unique or complex, please spell it out in your message - Phone Number- E-mail Address- Mailing Address- Discipline (theatre vs. musical theatre) - Your preferred audition date- Any other information pertinent to your audition, including whether you plan to dance.
Audition Guidelines
1. Bring information about yourself, including name, address, phone number, and e-mail. Please bring a résumé and, if you have one, a headshot. Letters of recommendation are always appropriate and welcome.
2. For musical theatre auditions, bring sheet music for the accompanist. Please make sure you clearly mark your music as to where you will begin, end, and any cuts you may have. It is also helpful to note any ‘cue’ lines, if you are going straight into singing from a monologue. Your music must be in the correct key; the accompanist will NOT transpose on sight. Please make sure your music has a stiff back so it will not curl or fall down on the piano. As you will have a limited time, selections of an up-tempo song and a ballad are strongly recommended, instead of the full pieces.
3. Always select age appropriate pieces. Even if it takes a great deal of effort to find a piece that is close to you in age, you really must. It is not appropriate for an entering student who is a teen or in his/her early twenties, to present a middle-aged character. The demands of fine plays are significant enough that we would ask that you do not add the challenge of presenting a person whose life experiences far exceed your own (if not in emotional range, then simply in reasoning). Please take this advice to heart.
4. Select pieces which you have rehearsed. An audition is not a good place to try something brand new. Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare your piece before you show it.
5. Be sure your pieces really do CONTRAST each other. You may select classical to contrast your contemporary piece. But also make sure that the characters in both pieces show a range in you.
6. Always wear clothes, and particularly shoes, that are flattering and support your work as an actor. The new platform shoes are bulky and often inhibit movement. Your clothes should look professional, yet allow you flexibility and assist the movement and physicality of your work.
7. Introduce your pieces with clarity, providing your name, the name of the character, the playwright. Chances are that your auditors will be familiar with your selections, so you do not need to provide contextual information from the play to preface your work.
8. Select a specific focus that DOES NOT INCLUDE THE AUDITORS. The auditors need to be free to make notes during your performance.
9. Listen carefully to the directions you are given, if a director/auditor works with your piece. Respond to the instructions you are given by making bold choices. The director/auditor wants to know if you are able to actively listen and absorb information. He/she also wants to know if you are able to create spontaneously and commit to a given choice.
10. Remember your time limit. In order to be respectful and mindful of the other studentsauditioning, we will stick very closely to the audition time allotments. For theatre, you are allowed three minutes for your two monologues. For musical theatre, you are allowed five minutes for selections from two monologues, an up-tempo, and a ballad. You will be allowed one additional minute if you choose to dance. Please bring taped accompaniment for any dance pieces.
