Audition Guidelines

For Faculty Directed Productions

Auditions are open to all Bruneians. These guidelines are intended to provide you with important information as you consider your audition.

Prior to Auditions -- Find a copy of the script, read the play, and become familiar with the characters. Directors generally have scripts available and may provide a brief synopsis of available roles.

Dress and Appearance --

This is a job interview (of sorts) -- dress nicely.

· Select clothing that reinforces your confidence. It should be flattering and comfortable.

· Avoid bulky, loose clothing that might interfere with your movement and mask your physicallity.

· Wear comfortable, lightweight shoes rather than boots or athletic shoes.

· Your hair should be held back away from your face.

Initial Audition --

You will be asked to complete an audition form that includes past stage experience and your schedule. During your audition, the directors will be considering you in the context of the play being cast -- make the best first impression you can. The director will be listening to your vocal quality, assessing your stage presence and projection, and observing your movement. Be prepared to answer questions from the director.

Audition Material --

Students are encouraged to use a prepared monologue. Students may bring a rehearsed reading. Students without a monologue will be provided with one and given the opportunity to prepare briefly before their cold reading.

Prepared Monologue Guidelines

Content:

· Select a monologue from a modern, published play.

· Choose a character with whom you identify.

· It should be no longer than one minute in length.

· It should allow for vocal and emotional variety.

· It should allow for a variety of movement.

· Do not use self-written material; it generally does not give you an opportunity to portray a character and provides less dramatic impact than a proven play.

· Avoid excessive strong language and profanity.

Presentation:

· "Prepared" means rehearsed and fully memorized. If you do not have time to prepare the monologue completely, read it for your audition. Rehearse the reading as much as possible.

· Performance energy and stage presence are important.

· Incorporate gestures and facial expression.

· Motivated movement during the audition is desirable.

· Avoid using chairs and other props.

· Avoid sitting or kneeling on the stage.

· Use standard Language. Avoid accents and dialects, unless requested

Callbacks --

The director will use this opportunity to have auditionees read scenes from the play being cast. Directors callback auditionees based on the information from the audition form and on observations from the audition including but not limited to:

· Availability and compatibility of schedule.

· Past experiences with particular attention to those at Appalachian.

· Vocal and physical characteristics.

· Stage presence and projection.

· Appropriateness for the character being cast.

· Willingness to grow, cut, or dye hair.

Casting --

This is a highly subjective process involving artistic choices that are influenced by many factors including but not limited to:

· The factors listed above under Callbacks

· Compatibility with the ensemble in terms of physicality and interpersonal "chemistry."

· Demonstrated ability to take direction during callbacks.

· The artistic judgment of the director.

If you are not cast, please consider the number of factors that led to the director's decision. Everyone who has ever auditioned, including most directors, knows the anxiety of auditioning and the pain of not being cast. In an academic environment, most directors are willing to discuss their casting decisions with you.