In addition to the application materials mentioned on our undergraduate admissions page, applicants to the BFA Acting program will need to complete our audition process which consists of both a
video prescreen and a
callback.
Our audition process focuses on your potential for future growth, your ability to engage with text, and your willingness to be part of a creative ensemble. For your monologues, we are looking for your ability to play the inherent actions of the text and to reveal the inner life of your character as it intersects with your own experience, imagination, and understanding.
Two Monologues
You will need two monologues, each about a minute long. One of your monologues must be contemporary text (after 2000). We encourage you to do contemporary text for both monologues, but if you have a strong background in classical/heightened text, you are welcome to choose a classical piece as your second monologue. Here are some tips for preparing your audition monologues:
- Choose characters whose age and experience are close to your own
- Your monologues must be from plays; read the entire play to understand the context of your text
- Memorize and rehearse your text
- Choose text in which you speak directly to one other person
- Do not use accents/dialects that are not your own
The Prescreen
You must submit all of your prescreen materials (audition fee, photograph, prescreen video) by the prescreen deadline in order to be considered for a callback. Callback decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the fall, and typically within two weeks of receiving your materials. All decisions are communicated by email.
Prescreen Video Requirements:
The prescreen video must be uploaded to your Blue Demon Domain as a single video file (even if you film each part separately) and contain:
1. A brief introduction with you framed in the recording from the waist up. Include the following information:
- Name
- Monologues - including your character names, play titles, and the playwright names.
- E.g., "My name is Julia Smith and I will perform Cheryl from "Stick Fly" by Lydia Diamond and Rena from "Jitney" by August Wilson”).
2. A brief answer to one of the following questions:
- What are you passionate about that has nothing to do with theatre or performance?
- What is something that you are deeply curious about and why?
Please note: Each monologue should be about 60-seconds. The first monologue should be framed from the waist up and the second, framed as full body.
When you film, choose a well-lit, quiet place with a plain, solid colored background. Review your video to be sure you can be clearly seen and heard. If you cannot preview your video in the Blue Demon Domain after uploading it, we won’t be able to view it either!
The Callback
Students who pass the prescreen will be prompted to complete a questionnaire in their Blue Demon Domain and use the link within their callback email to register for a callback session. You will not be able to register for a callback without completing the questionnaire!
Our callback sessions take place in a small group format and typically last about three hours. During this time we want to you to meet us, as we meet you. Please dress in comfortable clothing and be prepared to move. You must be present for the entire session.
- Callbacks start with a brief information session and the chance to meet the faculty running your audition session.
- The faculty will lead the group through a short sample class. This may include improvisation, acting exercises, or vocal expression or movement work.
- Each student will then perform one prepared monologue in front of the other students and the faculty. A monologue from your prescreen may be used.
- There will then be a brief break as you are assigned a scene partner (or two) from among the other students in your callback session.
- For the last part of the callback session you and your scene partner(s) will work on a open-text scene under the direction of the faculty. We use the term "open text" to describe short lines of back-and-forth dialogue that are open to interpretation. It is just a scaffolding in which you and your partner can play. You will not be expected to memorize any new text during the audition.
View Callback Dates