Auditioning Online

The 5-10 Minute Video Interview

This is your opportunity to talk about why theatre matters to you and to share your passion. Prepare your discussion in advance by writing out your thoughts. Rehearse your discussion, but don't try to script or memorize it. Allow yourself to discuss the topics spontaneously, but having thought carefully about your perspective. Try to talk to the lens as if you were talking to another person.

The following prompts are to assist you, but need not be the only approach you take, nor should you feel obligated to address all of them.

• Why do you want to participate in theatre in college?
• What role do you hope theatre will play in your life when you graduate?
• Theatre often is characterized as being like a family (for better or worse!) and many people particularly value that attribute, but what deeper meaning does theatre hold for you?
• Have you had a profound or transformative experience seeing or working on a production?
• How do you view the theatre’s power of transformation? What do you value about the theatre’s role in society and the lives of not only theatre makers but also of theatre viewers?

Other Notes for Filmed Auditions

Follow the guidelines for the acting audition, and keep some of the following in mind.

• Set the camera up in a static long shot, so that all of you can be seen. Please use a tripod.
• Avoid trying to make a movie of your audition with multiple camera angles, close-ups, and a lot of editing.
• Be sure to establish your marks (boundaries on the floor), so you do not step off frame, and allow yourself to move according to how you have blocked.
• Be sure that you are well lit. It is helpful to use a neutral background like a blank solid wall.
• Wear colors that will contrast with your background wall.
• Rehearse on camera and review takes to assure you are comfortable being on camera.