Requirements/Guidelines for Auditions - Theater and Dance

Auditions for Theater Major:

Audition Selections: Each candidate must present two contrasting memorized selections, the combined length of which should not exceed three minutes. Your two selections may consist of two monologues or, if you plan to sing, one monologue and one song or, if you plan to dance, one monologue and one dance.
Musical Selections: Choose a musical selection if you are a singer. If you are going to sing, select an upbeat show tune rather than pop, church, or folk songs. One verse or one chorus is sufficient. (Sixteen bars is often the best choice.) Remember that your song is included in the three-minute time limit. Your accompaniment needs to be on a CD or pre-cued on a cassette.
Dance Audition: Choose a musical selection if you are a dancer. It needs to be only one style of dance. However, if you have studied different styles of dance, pick the style that best shows your talent. Your accompaniment needs to be on a CD or pre-cued on a cassette.
Casting Yourself: Select roles in your own age and emotional range and from material with which you are familiar and feel comfortable. You are not expected to do a classical piece but may do so if you choose. Look for selections with contrasting moods, intentions, emotional levels, etc. “Contrast” can be demonstrated through type of character and material such as serious/comedic, contemporary/classical, urban/rural, etc., rather than age.
Time Limit: Remember that no audition is ever too short. Don’t feel obligated to “fill” the entire three minutes. One or two minutes is more than sufficient and often refreshing to the auditors. Three minutes is the maximum time permitted. You will likely be asked to stop after three minutes, especially if there are a number of students auditioning/presenting that day. Remember that, in this case, less is indeed more!
Staging: As you will be videotaped, please stage your audition within a five- to ten-foot radius. No props or costume should be used unless the item is one you would normally carry, such as eyeglasses, handkerchief, a wristwatch, etc. Wear clothes that permit ease of movement and are comfortable. Avoid hair styles which hide your features. Try to keep your audition simple. Elaborate staging will remove the focus from where it should be—on you! Speak in an articulate, clear voice.
Musical Accompaniment: You must provide your own accompaniment on a prerecorded CD or cassette.
Rehearsing Your Audition: Be sure to rehearse out loud and on your feet with an experienced teacher, director, or coach. Refer to any one of several excellent books on “how to audition” for additional guidelines and hints. Above all, don’t worry! Consider this audition to be a learning experience designed to help you grow as a student performer and as a chance to explore the possible next step in your training career. We look forward to meeting you and wish you good luck!
Questions? Please contact Barb Blackledge (Barb.Blackledge@iup.edu).

Auditions for Music-Theater Track in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Major:

Music Selection: All applicants for the Music Theater concentration of the Interdisciplinary Fine Arts degree program are required to prepare two memorized music theater songs (in their entirety) of contrasting style with no repeats. One of the songs must be classic Broadway pre-1960. (Examples include Rogers & Hammerstein, Rogers & Hart, and/or Lerner & Lowe, etc.)
Music Presentation: Please bring your music to your audition in a three-ring binder for your accompanist. It will help us to prepare your audition if you provide the name, composer, and key signature as well as the name of the book or anthology from which you have selected your songs.
Musical Accompaniment: An accompanist will be provided.
Acting or Dance Selection: In addition to the required music audition, each applicant for this track also needs to prepare either a short (1-2 minute) acting monologue or a short (1-2 minute) dance audition (described above in the audition section for theater majors).
Special Testing: All applicants must complete the Music Department “audiation” test on the audition day.
Questions? Please contact Rob Gretta (rgretta@iup.edu).