Audition

Auditions are open to all NC State students here!

Major in Anything. Participate in Theatre

Welcome to audition central where you’ll find the information you need to audition, tips, as well as helpful information once you’re cast in a show!

 

University Theatre auditions are open to all currently enrolled NC State students regardless of race, ethnicity, identity, or ability. You don’t have to be a theatre major—or even be taking a theatre class—to give it a shot. We’re always looking for enthusiastic new talent for our shows!

 

Auditions are held in Thompson Hall, unless otherwise noted, and typically held six to eight weeks in advance of a show’s opening. An audition orientation is scheduled the day before auditions are held where you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered as well as get insight into the audition process. If this is your first time auditioning at University Theatre, the information disseminated during this session is invaluable.

 

We look forward to seeing you at auditions this year. If you have additional questions or require special accommodations to audition, contact us here. Break a leg!

 

When you arrive for a University Theatre audition, you will sign-in, fill-out an audition card, have your All-Campus card scanned, a photo will be taken and you’ll be assigned an audition number. Bring your current academic/work schedule as the director will need to know all of your conflicts upfront. You’ll then wait for the director or stage manager to call your name. Most likely, you’ll be partnered with others to read a scene and/or given a monologue. You’ll be given the opportunity to read more than once. While it’s not required, you may attend both nights of auditions if you wish.

In general, University Theatre student production auditions utilize sides — short scenes or monologue readings from the script — provided at the audition. The sides are also placed online in advance of the audition to familiarize yourself. Additionally, full perusal scripts are located in the lobby at Thompson Hall.

Musical auditions. In addition to the above, prepare 16-bars of a song of your choosing. Bring the sheet music, marked and notated in the correct key for your voice range. An accompanist will be provided. You will also be taught a song and dance combination from the show.

TheatreFest is our summer repertory season. Auditioners sign-up online for a 10-minute time slot once auditions are announced. Prepare a short monologue and be ready to read from selected sides. See note above when auditioning for a musical. However, every director and play’s audition requirements might be different.

A note about stage makeup

For hygienic reasons, all cast members will need to supply their own basic corrective stage makeup, applicators (including makeup sponges, brushes, brush cleanser) and makeup remover/towelettes. Application of said stage makeup will be guided by the makeup designer and/or the makeup crew. Cast members are expected to provide foundation, highlight/shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and blush and lip color.

If students anticipate participating in University Theatre shows or enrolling in the stage makeup class, we recommend purchasing a “Ben Nye Theatrical Creme Kit” in your color palette. If you need help in sourcing makeup or determining your color palette, please contact Laura Parker for assistance.

In instances where specialty makeup or specialty makeup effects are necessary (including, but not limited to, stage blood, scars, false ears/noses, hair whitening, etc.), University Theatre will supply said specialty makeup and/or prosthetics.

If an actor has visible tattoos that need to be covered, said actor will be responsible for effective and appropriate tattoo cover-up makeup. If the actor needs guidance on what products would be effective, please contact Laura Parker.

AUDITION SIDES

Spring 2019 Auditions

TheatreFEST 2019 —

All audition slots are full at this time! Check back for any cancellations. Walkups are encouraged and will be fit in when time allows!

General Audition Information

TheatreFEST auditions are open to everyone, both students and non-students.
Auditions for Agatha Christie’s GO BACK FOR MURDER and Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s BRIGHT STAR will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Thompson Hall’s Kennedy-McIlwee Studio Theatre. University Theatre is strongly committed to casting that reflects the diversity of Raleigh’s modern population, and is committed to non-traditional casting.

Show Run Dates

GO BACK FOR MURDER   | May 30 – June 16, 2019 •. BRIGHT STAR | June 13 – June 23, 2019

Sign Up

Sign up for an individual 5-minute slot. Walk-ins will be accommodated if slots are available.

What To Bring To The Audition

Bring your headshot and resume as well as your schedule from mid-April through June and a list of any potential conflicts.

Audition Prep

Prepare and present a one-minute modern monologue and prepare 16-bars of a song if auditioning for BRIGHT STAR. British dialects will be used in GO BACK FOR MURDER and North Carolina dialects may be used in Bright Star. If auditioning for BRIGHT STAR, please bring prepared sheet music, marked and in the proper key. An accompanist will be provided.

Current NC State students

Auditions for current NC State students ONLY will be held Friday, March 8, 2019 from 3:00-5:00PM. Contact Rachel Klem for additional information.

Go Back For Murder

 In this Agatha Christie mystery/thriller, the action of the play slips seamlessly from past to present, examining the danger of relying on personal testimony warped by time, prejudice and perception. After receiving a letter from beyond the grave, Carla Crale believes her mother, who died in prison, was wrongly convicted of her father’s murder. In a passionate attempt to clear her name, she persuades those present on the day of her father’s death to return to the scene of the crime. Directed by Mia Self.

Bright Star

Written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. This Tony Award-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past. Propelled by bluegrass melodies, Southern family secrets are revealed and lives are transformed. Directed by Rachel Klem.

About TheatreFEST

TheatreFEST is University Theatre’s professional summer repertory season which occurs in June. The creation of John McIlwee, former director of University Theatre, local professionals act, design, and crew alongsside current NC State sutdewns in a multi-show, fully-produced series, creating the perfect mix of aspiring apprentices and accomplished artists.

Contact Rachel Klem for additional questions related to the audition process.

  1. Read the whole play.
  2. Think about the world of the play.
  3. Consider all possible parts you could play.
  4. Read your scene or sides out loud at least five times—all the characters.
  5. Make sure you understand what all the references mean, where the humor is, what the tone is and what happens in the scene.
  6. Ask yourself two basic acting questions about the scene: “Who am I talking to?” and “What do I want?” (Hint: You don’t need to BE something, you need to DO something.)
  7. Highlight your lines.
  8. Get enough sleep.
  9. Get enough water and healthy food.
  10. Warm up your body and your voice.

Do not:

  1. Memorize your lines.
  2. Block (add full movement to) the scene.
  3. Attempt to imitate a famous performance.
  4. Schedule anything else for the rest of the evening.
  5. Drink alcohol or extra caffeine.
  6. Eat garlic or onions.
  7. Forget to shower.

  1. Wear good clothes but nothing distracting.
  2. Wear or bring appropriate shoes.
  3. Remove your jewelry.
  4. Bring water in a bottle and some breath mints.
  5. Bring your script, sides or scene and a pencil.
  6. Show up early.
  7. Sign in.
  8. Read the rehearsal schedule very carefully.
  9. Fill out the information card legibly and completely.
  10. Turn off your cell phone in the lobby and keep it off.
  11. Prepare to stay until you are dismissed.
  12. Be willing and ready to read for other roles.
  13. Have a positive, upbeat, courteous and courageous attitude.
  14. During the scene: stand in 1/4 position, speak clearly, listen closely, breathe fully, make eye contact with your scene partner, allow yourself to be nervous.
  15. Take direction if it is given.
  16. Show everyone you are a team player and easy work with.

Do not:

  1. Talk, sleep or distract anyone during someone else’s audition.
  2. Use any media devices of any kind in the audition room.
  3. Bring food except an energy bar if you need it.
  4. Chew gum.
  5. Apologize for your performance.
  6. Criticize your performance.
  7. Look at anyone but your scene partner during the scene.
  8. Ask the director too many questions.
  9. Be difficult or expect special treatment.

  1. Thank everyone who facilitated your audition.
  2. Leave the building.
  3. Relax.

Do not:

  1. Leave anything in the audition room, including trash.
  2. Hang around in the lobby talking.
  3. Beat yourself up about your audition.
  4. Criticize anybody else’s audition.
  5. Make any assumption about the casting.
  6. Give it another thought until the cast list is posted.
  7. Forget that it’s only a play.

See “Additional Resources.”