Typically, the first night is general auditions. If you are a theater major with a performance emphasis you need to prepare a 3 minute acting audition. This is usually a slate with two contrasting monologues. If you are a non-major, a minor (or major not focusing in performance), or it is your first semester at UP, you do not have to prepare an audition. CLICK HERE for a monologue chosen by the director which you can prepare, or simply read on the night.

You can sign up for a time and fill out the audition form using the buttons above. When filling out your form, please look at your calendars and syllabi so you can accurately fill out the conflicts section of the audition form. It's important we know if you have conflicts that would prevent you from being in a particular production.

The second night will be callbacks. Look for an email from the stage manager to learn if you have been called back and for the callback schedule. 

Everyone auditioning for a show must audition on the first night. If you have an unavoidable conflict, like a class, please email the director or stage manager and we will try to make arrangements. 

Audition FAQs

What's the general audition? You have 3 minutes to deliver one or two monologues. Generally you want to do two contrasting monologues (comic/dramatic, contemporary/classic, physical/not so physical, whatever) around 1 minute each. If you only want to do one monologue, that's fine (but don't do one 3-minute monologue...that's way too long). You will be auditioning in the theater with only the directors of the plays watching. The most important thing: do pieces you feel confident about; pieces you like to do.

How do I do a prepared audition? Walk into the room. Introduce yourself ("Hello/Good Evening/etc. My name is..."). Introduce your piece or pieces ("...and I'll be doing...").
(All you really need is the title and the author, although the name of the character is fine too.) Do your piece or pieces (if you do two, take a few seconds break between them, don't straight from one into the other). Say "Thank you" and walk out the door.

What should I wear? Dress nicely, but be comfortable in your skin. Avoid wearing anything that will take attention away from what you are doing. If I'm looking at your shiny shoes or your big necklace, I'm not watching your audition. Generally speaking, you want to wear a nice shirt and pants or a skirt. Keep the colors pretty basic.

If I don't have a prepared audition, may I still audition? As long as you're not a theater major with an emphasis in performance (unless it's your first semester), absolutely. In that case you'll be given a monologue. If you can do a prepared audition you really should, because your audition will be stronger doing a speech you're familiar with, rather than doing something we just hand to you. If you have questions about preparing an acting audition, please contact acting Professor Mindi Logan.

Do non-majors have a good chance of being cast? YES! We cannot do our mainstage season without casting non-majors. The only time theater majors are given preference in casting is if they are a senior doing their capstone in performance. In that case, we do need to make sure they get cast in at least one role that year.

On the audition form it asks if I want to be cast in a "substantial" role. What does that mean? A "substantial" role is simply a role that would require the student to be present at all, or almost all, rehearsals. In some cases all roles in a production may be substantial. It is not a comment on the "quality" or "importance" of the role, but is instead intended to give you an opportunity to request a lesser time commitment. However, all actors should be prepared to be at all rehearsals as performances get closer.

What are callbacks? Callback auditions for the Spring shows take place on November 30. On those evenings each show will audition actors separately. Each director will post a list of actors they are "calling back," including the time and the location. Often you will be called back for more than one show, and the stage managers will assist you in being seen by all directors who wish to see you.

What happens at callbacks? It depends on the director and the show, but generally you will be doing scenes and/or monologues from the play they're directing. Although, depending on the project, callbacks could involve movement (such as dancing), improvisation, singing, etc. The callback lists (and often the show information sheets) will usually tell you if you'll be expected to do anything beyond reading from the play.

When will I know if I'm cast? Casting offers will go out via email on Thursday or Friday. You will have 24 hours to accept or decline your role.

What if I have more questions? Please contact Andy Christensen