Dance
Music
Acting
Musical Theater
Theater Design & Technology
Theater Management and Production
Performing Arts Audition
Every student applying to the College of Performing Arts must pass an entrance audition. The performing arts requires of its practitioners—whether they’re actors, singers, musicians or dancers— a certain amount of physical activity. The audition measures not only the student’s creative and expressive facility, but also the level of skill acquired.
Before an audition can be scheduled, an application for admission must be completed and filed in the Admission Office at least 2 weeks prior to the chosen date.
All applicants are expected to audition in person. However, if you live beyond 500 miles of Philadelphia and are unable to audition in person, you may send us a DVD or video taped audition, which should be accompanied by the completed admission application. If received before March 15, it’s considered for the same scholarships for which in-person auditions are considered. The university reserves the right to reaudition any applicant admitted on the basis of a taped audition. In such cases, we also reserve the right to reconsider and to withdraw, if necessary, the original offer of admission, or scholarship.
Taped Audition Specifications
All applicants are expected to audition in person. However, DVDs or videotapes can be submitted in all departments- (dance, music or theater arts) for students who reside beyond a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia. Video tapes should be of high quality, recorded at a standard speed; NTSC format is required. For dancers, the audition needs to show the full body framed from the front; sideways for barre. Musicians must show full-body frame with close-up shots of embouchure, hands, and face. Those auditioning for theater arts should combine full-body and close-up shots.
The tape or disk and its case should be clearly marked with your name, address, phone number, and your intended major (dance, music, theater arts). A repertoire or program list (also clearly marked with your name, address, phone number, and major) outlining titles, authors, composers, and descriptions of the pieces being performed should be included. Music applicants should also include information about the instrument being played.
Before you send the audition, be sure to check for sound levels, framing, focus, and lighting. Please be aware that audition tapes and disks cannot be returned.
Dance Audition
The audition for applicants to the School of Dance consists of two main parts: classes in ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance, and a solo dance presentation.
The three dance classes are taken as a group, but each dancer is individually evaluated for technical proficiency and potential for professional development.
The solo dance presentation should last two minutes and may be choreographed by the applicant or by a dance instructor. Musical accompaniment, if any, must be provided by the applicant on cassette or compact disc. (Audio equipment will be provided by the School of Dance.) This part of the audition should feature the area of dance in which you are most proficient and feel most comfortable.
Required Dress Women*:
Ballet: black leotard, pink or tan tights, pink or black ballet shoes
Modern & Jazz: black leotard & tights, jazz shoes or sneakers recommended
Required Dress Men*:
Ballet: black tights & white tee shirt
Modern & Jazz: all black
*Please note: no warm up clothing, of any kind, is permitted once the audition begins.
All applicants are expected to audition in person. However, if you reside outside of a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia you may submit a DVD or videotaped audition. When submitting an audition, the opening warmup section should include both barre and floor work. You should shoot barre from both the front and side, showing demi and grand pliés, tendus, dégagés (battement jetés), ronds de jambes, grand battements, and developés (extensions) en croix. Your center work should include small and large jumps, pirouettes, adagios and a modern or jazz combination, all videotaped from the front. Next should be an across-the-floor combination of at least eight measures which includes leaps and turns, followed by a solo dance presentation lasting approximately two minutes.
Those submitting a DVD or videotaped audition must show ballet and either modern or jazz dance.
Music Audition
Music applicants will be evaluated on the basis of technical proficiency, musicality, and potential for development. Suggested repertoire is listed below; however, equivalent literature may be substituted. Performance of any or all selections may be requested. Sight-reading will be required. For those residing beyond a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia who are unable to audition in person, DVD or videotaped auditions are required. Tapes of recitals or concerts are not acceptable, and the tape should not exceed 15 minutes. Repertoire for taped auditions is the same as for in person auditions. Please refer to the Taped Auditions Specifications.
Placement evaluations for all applicants
In addition to the specific audition requirements listed below, all applicants will be asked to take an aural skills placement examination. This is given to measure knowledge and skills, and is used primarily for the purpose of placing students in appropriate class sections upon matriculation.
Guitar
All applicants in Composition must submit a portfolio of at least six original compositions. Pieces may be vocal, instrumental, or MIDI and should demonstrate the applicant’s best work in a variety of styles. Some of the pieces may be presented in handwritten, fully notated manuscript form, while others may use computer notation. Notation for MIDI compositions is optional. During the audition, applicants will be given time to complete two short composition projects that will be distributed at the time of the audition. Applicants will be provided a separate room with a piano to complete the assignment. Applicants will also be interviewed by composition faculty. For a student submitting a DVD or videotaped audition: following initial review of the audition, the composition exercises will be mailed to the applicant who then has two weeks to complete and return the project.
Vocal Performance
Acting Audition
All candidates will be lead through a group physical warm-up, as well as a series of relaxation and breathing exercises. Following this, you will be taken to our acting studios where auditions will be conducted. Auditions should consist of two contrasting monologues from memory, which together must not exceed three minutes. Your performance of the two monologues will be evaluated on the basis of honesty, expressiveness, vocal strength, and conviction, as well as on the professionalism and preparation of your presentation. The monologues must be selected from published plays and should be contrasting in character, style, or tone.
Following the audition, you will have a personal interview with a member of the theater arts faculty. He or she will explore your training history, aspirations, and the suitability of The University of the Arts as a venue to pursue your studies.
If you reside outside of a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia:
Acting/Musical Theater - You may submit a DVD or videotaped audition to the Office of Admission. Clearly label the disk/tape and the case with your full name and major. In lieu of the interview, speak directly into the camera following your monologues and or songs, telling us a little about yourself: your past and current theater activities and training, and your aspirations for the future, including career goals in theater. Clearly state your name at both the beginning and end of your audition. Please be aware that audition tapes and materials will not be returned.
Musical Theater - in addition to the two monologues and two songs, you must present a prepared dance solo that demonstrates your level of proficiency in dance and movement. This solo, which may be choreographed by you or someone else, must not exceed two minutes in length.
Theater Design & Technology - Mail your portfolio to the Office of Admission. Applicants may be contacted by the department for a phone interview. Each production project must be accompanied by a type-written paragraph succinctly stating the design concept and its objective.
Theater Management & Production - Mail your portfolio to the Office of Admission. Applicants may be contacted by the department for a phone interview.
Please do not mail original work. Portfolios may be submitted in the following formats and will not be returned: 35mm slides, photographs, photo copies, video tape (VHS format), URLs, CD-ROM, DVD or USB Flash Drive (Digital images must be in .JPG or .GIF format).
Musical Theater Audition All candidates auditioning for the Musical Theater program are required to participate in a group speech and movement warm-up followed by a group dance audition. (If auditioning at a regional or unified site, please come prepared with a short dance solo in lieu of the class) Appropriate attire such as tights, sweats, gym shorts, sneakers, etc., must be worn; jeans, dresses, heels, jewelry, etc., will not be permitted. Students auditioning on campus have the option of supplementing their group audition with a solo dance performance which may not exceed 2 minutes in length. In addition, applicants to the Musical Theater program must perform two monologues from published plays (see “Acting Program” for monologue requirements) and two musical theater songs. Following the monologues, performers will be interviewed by a faculty member.
The musical theater songs must contrast in style and content. One may be an operatic aria, and at least one of the songs must have a strong emotional content. Combined performance time for the two songs must not exceed four minutes. You should be prepared to discuss your choice of material and your interpretation. An accompanist will be provided for on campus auditions ONLY. (Those auditioning at a regional or unified site must bring their accompaniment as well as a device to play it on) Please have the music for your selection prepared before you enter the room. Highlight the selection so it is easy to read. You should not ask the accompanist to change the key; the accompanist will play the music as written.
Tips for Preparing your Audition
Theater Design & Technology Audition
Theater Management and Production Audition
Music
Acting
Musical Theater
Theater Design & Technology
Theater Management and Production
Performing Arts Audition
Every student applying to the College of Performing Arts must pass an entrance audition. The performing arts requires of its practitioners—whether they’re actors, singers, musicians or dancers— a certain amount of physical activity. The audition measures not only the student’s creative and expressive facility, but also the level of skill acquired.
Before an audition can be scheduled, an application for admission must be completed and filed in the Admission Office at least 2 weeks prior to the chosen date.
All applicants are expected to audition in person. However, if you live beyond 500 miles of Philadelphia and are unable to audition in person, you may send us a DVD or video taped audition, which should be accompanied by the completed admission application. If received before March 15, it’s considered for the same scholarships for which in-person auditions are considered. The university reserves the right to reaudition any applicant admitted on the basis of a taped audition. In such cases, we also reserve the right to reconsider and to withdraw, if necessary, the original offer of admission, or scholarship.
Taped Audition Specifications
All applicants are expected to audition in person. However, DVDs or videotapes can be submitted in all departments- (dance, music or theater arts) for students who reside beyond a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia. Video tapes should be of high quality, recorded at a standard speed; NTSC format is required. For dancers, the audition needs to show the full body framed from the front; sideways for barre. Musicians must show full-body frame with close-up shots of embouchure, hands, and face. Those auditioning for theater arts should combine full-body and close-up shots.
The tape or disk and its case should be clearly marked with your name, address, phone number, and your intended major (dance, music, theater arts). A repertoire or program list (also clearly marked with your name, address, phone number, and major) outlining titles, authors, composers, and descriptions of the pieces being performed should be included. Music applicants should also include information about the instrument being played.
Before you send the audition, be sure to check for sound levels, framing, focus, and lighting. Please be aware that audition tapes and disks cannot be returned.
Dance Audition
The audition for applicants to the School of Dance consists of two main parts: classes in ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance, and a solo dance presentation.
The three dance classes are taken as a group, but each dancer is individually evaluated for technical proficiency and potential for professional development.
The solo dance presentation should last two minutes and may be choreographed by the applicant or by a dance instructor. Musical accompaniment, if any, must be provided by the applicant on cassette or compact disc. (Audio equipment will be provided by the School of Dance.) This part of the audition should feature the area of dance in which you are most proficient and feel most comfortable.
Required Dress Women*:
Ballet: black leotard, pink or tan tights, pink or black ballet shoes
Modern & Jazz: black leotard & tights, jazz shoes or sneakers recommended
Required Dress Men*:
Ballet: black tights & white tee shirt
Modern & Jazz: all black
*Please note: no warm up clothing, of any kind, is permitted once the audition begins.
All applicants are expected to audition in person. However, if you reside outside of a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia you may submit a DVD or videotaped audition. When submitting an audition, the opening warmup section should include both barre and floor work. You should shoot barre from both the front and side, showing demi and grand pliés, tendus, dégagés (battement jetés), ronds de jambes, grand battements, and developés (extensions) en croix. Your center work should include small and large jumps, pirouettes, adagios and a modern or jazz combination, all videotaped from the front. Next should be an across-the-floor combination of at least eight measures which includes leaps and turns, followed by a solo dance presentation lasting approximately two minutes.
Those submitting a DVD or videotaped audition must show ballet and either modern or jazz dance.
Music Audition
Music applicants will be evaluated on the basis of technical proficiency, musicality, and potential for development. Suggested repertoire is listed below; however, equivalent literature may be substituted. Performance of any or all selections may be requested. Sight-reading will be required. For those residing beyond a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia who are unable to audition in person, DVD or videotaped auditions are required. Tapes of recitals or concerts are not acceptable, and the tape should not exceed 15 minutes. Repertoire for taped auditions is the same as for in person auditions. Please refer to the Taped Auditions Specifications.
Placement evaluations for all applicants
In addition to the specific audition requirements listed below, all applicants will be asked to take an aural skills placement examination. This is given to measure knowledge and skills, and is used primarily for the purpose of placing students in appropriate class sections upon matriculation.
Guitar
- Major and minor scales, two octaves, two #ngerings.
- Major and minor arpeggios, two octaves.
- Various voicings of major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chords.
- Prepare two selections for the standard or jazz repertoire. One selection must be performed as a chord melody. You must demonstrate the ability to solo and play the chord changes in a traditional jazz style. Accompaniment and guitar amp will be provided (or you can bring your own play-along CD). Please bring your own cable.
- Sight-reading.
- Major and minor scales, two octaves.
- Major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th arpeggios, two octaves.
- A classical or jazz etude.
- A prepared jazz standard (i.e. Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, or any blues or tune based on rhythm changes) Be prepared to play melody, walk a bass line and solo at least one chorus.
- Sight-reading.
- Snare Drum; open and closed rolls; rudimental study or orchestral solo.(Wilcoxin, Firth, Cirone, Lepak)
- Drum Set: play a swing feel, Latin (bossa nova, songa and samba), rock (slow-funk and moderate fast-fusion) and ballad (swing with brushes and rock with sticks). Students may be asked to accompany a piece.
- Improvisation: 2s, 4s or 8s in one of the above styles.
- Sight-reading (single line rhythms) example: “Syncopation” by Ted Reed.
- For mallets: all major scales and arpeggios, two octaves; solo or étude from the standard repertoire.
- For timpani: tune perfect 4th and 5th; solo for two drums from the standard repertoire.
- Scales: Major, harmonic and melodic minors, four octaves, two hands, ascending and descending using standard "Hanon" fingering.
- Arpeggios: Major and minor triads, four octaves, two hands, ascending and descending using standard "Hanon" fingering.
- An etude or short solo piece from the classical repertoire performed by memory (examples: Bach, Two-Part Invention; Bartok, Mikrokosmos; Clementi or any Sonatina)
- Improvisation on standard 12-bar blues progression.
- One ballad and one up-tempo piece from the standard jazz repertoire, demonstrating both melodic interpretation and improvisational skill.
- Seventh chords in all keys: major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th and diminished 7th
- Sight-reading (An ability to read chords and individual melodic lines in treble and bass clefs) Example: Bach’s “Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach”. Fake Book style lead sheets with given chords and melody. Example: Real Book, Hal Leonard Corporation..
- Major and minor scales, two octaves.
- Major and minor arpeggios, two octaves.
- A technical study, étude, or solo piece from repertoire appropriate for the instrument.
- An improvised jazz solo on a standard tune, or a twelve-bar blues progression.
- Sight-reading.
All applicants in Composition must submit a portfolio of at least six original compositions. Pieces may be vocal, instrumental, or MIDI and should demonstrate the applicant’s best work in a variety of styles. Some of the pieces may be presented in handwritten, fully notated manuscript form, while others may use computer notation. Notation for MIDI compositions is optional. During the audition, applicants will be given time to complete two short composition projects that will be distributed at the time of the audition. Applicants will be provided a separate room with a piano to complete the assignment. Applicants will also be interviewed by composition faculty. For a student submitting a DVD or videotaped audition: following initial review of the audition, the composition exercises will be mailed to the applicant who then has two weeks to complete and return the project.
Vocal Performance
- Repertoire: All applicants must perform 3 selections total, from any 2 of the following areas:
- Classical song in English
- Jazz
- Musical Theater
- Classical song in a foreign language - Sight-reading.
All vocal applicants must perform their repertoire with live piano accompaniment. Students must bring copies of all of their audition music for the accompanist. An accompanist will be provided, however, students have the option of bringing their own accompanist. No recorded accompaniment or a cappella singing will be accepted.
Acting Audition
All candidates will be lead through a group physical warm-up, as well as a series of relaxation and breathing exercises. Following this, you will be taken to our acting studios where auditions will be conducted. Auditions should consist of two contrasting monologues from memory, which together must not exceed three minutes. Your performance of the two monologues will be evaluated on the basis of honesty, expressiveness, vocal strength, and conviction, as well as on the professionalism and preparation of your presentation. The monologues must be selected from published plays and should be contrasting in character, style, or tone.
Following the audition, you will have a personal interview with a member of the theater arts faculty. He or she will explore your training history, aspirations, and the suitability of The University of the Arts as a venue to pursue your studies.
If you reside outside of a 500-mile radius of Philadelphia:
Acting/Musical Theater - You may submit a DVD or videotaped audition to the Office of Admission. Clearly label the disk/tape and the case with your full name and major. In lieu of the interview, speak directly into the camera following your monologues and or songs, telling us a little about yourself: your past and current theater activities and training, and your aspirations for the future, including career goals in theater. Clearly state your name at both the beginning and end of your audition. Please be aware that audition tapes and materials will not be returned.
Musical Theater - in addition to the two monologues and two songs, you must present a prepared dance solo that demonstrates your level of proficiency in dance and movement. This solo, which may be choreographed by you or someone else, must not exceed two minutes in length.
Theater Design & Technology - Mail your portfolio to the Office of Admission. Applicants may be contacted by the department for a phone interview. Each production project must be accompanied by a type-written paragraph succinctly stating the design concept and its objective.
Theater Management & Production - Mail your portfolio to the Office of Admission. Applicants may be contacted by the department for a phone interview.
Please do not mail original work. Portfolios may be submitted in the following formats and will not be returned: 35mm slides, photographs, photo copies, video tape (VHS format), URLs, CD-ROM, DVD or USB Flash Drive (Digital images must be in .JPG or .GIF format).
Musical Theater Audition All candidates auditioning for the Musical Theater program are required to participate in a group speech and movement warm-up followed by a group dance audition. (If auditioning at a regional or unified site, please come prepared with a short dance solo in lieu of the class) Appropriate attire such as tights, sweats, gym shorts, sneakers, etc., must be worn; jeans, dresses, heels, jewelry, etc., will not be permitted. Students auditioning on campus have the option of supplementing their group audition with a solo dance performance which may not exceed 2 minutes in length. In addition, applicants to the Musical Theater program must perform two monologues from published plays (see “Acting Program” for monologue requirements) and two musical theater songs. Following the monologues, performers will be interviewed by a faculty member.
The musical theater songs must contrast in style and content. One may be an operatic aria, and at least one of the songs must have a strong emotional content. Combined performance time for the two songs must not exceed four minutes. You should be prepared to discuss your choice of material and your interpretation. An accompanist will be provided for on campus auditions ONLY. (Those auditioning at a regional or unified site must bring their accompaniment as well as a device to play it on) Please have the music for your selection prepared before you enter the room. Highlight the selection so it is easy to read. You should not ask the accompanist to change the key; the accompanist will play the music as written.
Tips for Preparing your Audition
- You do not have to use the entire time allotment. Don’t feel pressured to fill it. It might be wiser (and more rehearsal-time efficient) to choose shorter pieces that you can shape effectively.
- You should begin your audition by introducing yourself and your pieces, including the playwright, the title and the role you are portraying.
- You should give the auditor the opportunity to see you portray a character as fully as possible: as such, do not select pieces that require you to portray two or more characters. Monologues are required. You should not attempt to make the auditor your scene partner by speaking directly to them.
- Plan what you will wear; you should dress nicely. Jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate for a professional audition. Costumes and props should not be brought to the audition.
- Be sure to have read the play from which your monologue is taken; you may be asked about it.
Theater Design & Technology Audition
Applicants to Theater Design & Technology are evaluated on the basis of experience, creativity, some evidence of skill, and potential for development.
All candidates are required to bring the following to the interview:
- Resume (list of experience )
- One letter of reference which speaks directly of your potential to succeed in theater design and technology.
During the interview you will be expected to present an informal collection of visual and graphic material that demonstrates your experience and potential in the field of theater design and technology. Items to be considered might include, but are not limited to:
- Photographs/slides of past theater work, theater programs, reviews or the like that indicate the scope of your experience
- Examples of your organizational skills such as prompt books, cue sheets, and prop lists.
- Technical drawings, pattern samples, sewing work that you have completed within the last two years.
- Drawings, sketches, photographs, slides, digital work that demonstrate your creative potential as well as your abilities. These works do not have to be limited to your experiences in the theater.
While the presentation of your portfolio needn’t be elaborate, it should demonstrate the respect you have for your work. If you show us your portfolio in person, you should be able to talk about it - what each project involved, how you made design decisions, what you learned from the experience and how you feel about the finished piece.
It is not necessary for you to mount or mat your work as long as it is presented as a neat and coherent body of work. Group pieces in a specific order, such as by medium, by size, by date completed or by subject matter.
Theater Management and Production Audition
As an applicant to Theater Management & Production, you will be evaluated on the basis of your experience, creativity and potential for development. You may choose to demonstrate your aptitude in these areas through any one of the following options:
- An original script (be prepared to leave a non-returnable copy)
- A production book for directors or stage managers
- Models and/or renderings of set, costume or lighting designs
- Examples of publicity and program design (Any material for public presentation, such as plays, school functions, community events, etc. This may include programs, poster designs, promotional copy and the like.)
- Video tapes of productions with which you have had signi#cant involvement (be prepared to leave a non-returnable copy) and a typed, detailed, description of your role in the production
During the interview you will be expected to discuss the options you have chosen to present in support of your application, your past involvement, and study in theater.
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©2008 The University of the Arts
320 South Broad Street • Philadelphia, PA 19102
Directions
Privacy Policy
Site Map
©2008 The University of the Arts
320 South Broad Street • Philadelphia, PA 19102