Application Deadline: January 1
After you have submitted your application online, you will need to schedule an audition, which is required.
For the audition you will need to prepare four monologues of no more than two minutes each: two classical and two contemporary, of comedic and dramatic material. We ask each auditioning applicant to present two monologues, one classical and one contemporary, of contrasting natures. The remaining two monologues are backups, in the event we need to see additional material. Also prepare 16 bars of a song that you can perform a cappella in case the auditors ask for additional material. Your monologues may be active to demonstrate body as well as verbal skills. Show your widest acting range as it is now. Arrive early and be prepared to stay for the full hour in which you are called. We may run as much as an hour late, so it’s best to expect that. Please keep your schedule flexible. Some monologues have become overused, and we urge you not to audition with the following pieces: Viola’s ring speech from Twelfth Night; Launcelot Gobbo from Merchant of Venice; Julia’s letter scene from Two Gentlemen of Verona; no Puck please.
Auditions will be held in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. You will select your own audition place, time and date using our online application system.
The audition dates for 2009 are:
- New York City: January 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 2009
- Chicago: February 3, 4, 5, 2009
- San Francisco: February 6, 7, 8, 2009
Audition dates and times are subject to change.
Approximately 50 auditioning applicants from the first round will be asked to come to New York for two weekend days on March 14, 15, 16, 2009 for the final “callback” round. The entering class of 18 students will be selected from the callback sessions.
Foreign/International Students. International students have attended our program in the past. However, as we are an American institution training actors for the American theatre, all applicants need to speak fluent English.
Prepare and bring the following items for your audition:
- Four monologues (two classical and two contemporary, both comedic and dramatic, as mentioned above) and a song.
- A full-face photograph (headshot).
- A detailed résumé listing your prior acting experience (attached to the back of your photograph or on a separate sheet).
- A personal statement in essay form (500 words or two typed, double-spaced pages). Write freely and personally about yourself and your acting. It will not be seen as a sample of your literacy, or as a test of your character. Tell us why you are applying here, what you expect the experience to be like, and what you would like to accomplish. Write about your life, past and present; how you get along with people, the world; likes, dislikes (in theatre, literature, golf, anything). The personal statement will be instrumental in helping the auditors make a final decision about your professional abilities. It will be read only by the chair and designated faculty in strict confidence.
Do not send your headshot/résumé or personal statement to the Office of Graduate Admissions or attach them to your online application. Your headshot, résumé, and personal statement are needed at your audition.
Photo Credit:Ella Bromblin
