Scholarship Auditions
Theatre scholarships auditions usually occur during the afternoon of the first Saturday in March. The interviews for Presidential Scholarships take place in the morning. The theatre auditions start at 1:00 PM.
To apply for the Theatre Scholarship you will need to complete the scholarship application form that is available online. The theatre scholarship provides selected students with $3000.00. The scholarship is renewable for 3 additional years.
Scholarship Conditions:
- Students must be actively involved 2 of 3 semesters each year in the Theatre Program, which may include working backstage, running the light or sound board, stage managing, acting in Directing
scenes, acting in a main stage show, or working in one of the theatre shops.
- Students must participate in the regular Departmental reviews.
- Students who are not able to meet scholarship conditions or maintain an appropriate GPA will have the scholarship withdrawn.
Please note: it is NOT necessary to pursue a major or minor in Theatre in order to be eligible for this scholarship.
General Information
The audition/interview process for these scholarships is used to find individuals who will be able to add talent, enthusiasm and skills to the activities of the Department. Previous experience in some aspect of the performing arts is useful in acquainting the auditioner with the vocabulary and expectations that are a part of the performing arts.
Each applicant will be contacted by a faculty member to schedule an audition appointment
Each auditioner will be scheduled in a 15 minute time block. Please be on time for your appointment. To be fair to all of the people who will be auditioning the interviews are run strictly on time. All interviews take place in Studio 67, the blackbox theatre in Drew Residence Hall.
The interview screening committee consists of the faculty in the Department as well as several senior students. Only the auditioner is allowed in the room. Friends and supporters are asked to wait in Drew Lounge across the hall from Studio 67.
Each audition includes time for you to talk with the interview committee. The committee will have questions to ask you but time will be available for you to ask questions that you have about the program, season opportunity etc.
In the section below you will find some suggestions about preparing for auditions. Not everyone will fit neatly into a single area. You may have done acting, tech. work and even some directing during your high school years. Pick your strongest area to spend the most time demonstrating those skills during the interview process but, please feel free to bring other materials and make sure that you talk about your range of experiences with the committee.
Performer Information and Suggestions
Chose two contrasting pieces that will best demonstrate your range and abilities. Each piece should be no more than two minutes long. If you are doing a selection from a play that you have written then your other selection must be from a published play.
Start your audition by introducing your selections and then move directly into your presentation. If you sing you should add a third element consisting of sixteen bars of music to your audition. Singers should have a taped accompaniment. Singing acapella is not recommended.
A simple chair will be provided for actors who wish to use one but no other props are provided or necessary. Following your presentation you will have the opportunity to talk with the audition committee.
Designer/Technician Suggestions
Designers and technicians will be discussing their work with the committee. Please bring a list of shows that you have worked on and/or a resume.
As a part of the discussion it is helpful if you bring any production sketches, models or photos that will assist the committee in visualizing your work. If you have a show video a VCR will be available to show short show clips. You should have your tape cued to the section of the show you wish to highlight.
The interviewers will be interesting in having you discuss your work. Be prepared to discuss the design process, interesting challenges, special effects or unique solutions to problems.
Playwrights, Directors and Stage Managers
Like the designers and technicians you should bring a resume and/or a list of shows that you have worked on. Directors and stage managers should bring their production books, show photos and other documentation that will assist the interview committee in getting a clear understanding of your work. Playwrights should bring scripts. If your has been performed you should note that and, where possible, bring a production video.
If you are unable to attend the auditions
If you cannot attend the auditions you can send in a tape or a portfolio. All tapes should be marked with your name and address. All tapes and portfolios will be returned.
Audition tapes should conform to the time and content restrictions noted above. The best audition tapes are shot at a medium distance and do not have any special effects or zooms. Check your tape to make sure that your are satisfied with the audio and focus.
Portfolios from designers and technicians should include a resume, a list of shows that you have worked on and pictures of shows. Show pictures should include a written description that will allow the review committee to understand the context of your work.
QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about your audition.
