Auditioning for the Musical Theater Track
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Music Selection: Prepare two contrasting vocal selections (32 bars): one ballad, one up-tempo. One selection must be written prior to 1970.
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Music Presentation: Sheet music should be placed in a binder or folder with the fewest page turns. Prepare your audition by providing the name, composer, and key signature, as well as the name of the book or anthology from which you have selected your songs (not required for remote auditions).
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Musical Accompaniment: An accompanist will be provided for in-person auditions. For remote auditions, use recorded instrumental tracks or record with your own accompanist. No a capella singing.
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Acting Selection: In addition to the songs, each applicant needs to prepare an age-appropriate monologue of about one minute from a contemporary American script.
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Dance: If necessary, a diagnostic audition will be held during your first semester at IUP.
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Questions? Please contact Carrie J. Cole ( cjcole@iup.edu).
Auditioning for Scholarship Consideration
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Audition Selections: Prepare and memorize two contrasting age-appropriate monologues from published plays, not to exceed a combined total of three (3) minutes. Avoid excessively stylized pieces, dialects, extreme physicality, and props. If your monologue selection includes Shakespeare, be sure you are confident with the language and character you've selected.
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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.
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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!
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Staging: 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 hairstyles that 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.
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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!
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Questions? Please contact Carrie J. Cole ( cjcole@iup.edu)