FLPA 191/291 Spring 2022 Audition Workshop

(0 Credit Audition Class for Theatre Concentration FLPA Majors)

This is separate from production auditions.

WHEN: Saturday January 15th: 9-10:15am. All actors will be there the entire time.

WHERE: Salisbury Theatre

WHO: All Theatre Concentration FLPA majors registered for the FLPA 191/291 0 credit class. Professor Baker will provide on-the-spot feedback, observable by all students.

WHAT: Students should prepare one contemporary monologue 60-90 seconds in length. Students may also be asked to do “cold readings” from scenes from Seminar by Theresa Rebeck. Think of this workshop as practice for Seminar auditions.

Some pointers:

  • Make sure to rehearse your introduction. A typical introduction would be: “Hi my name is ________. My piece is (name of character) from (name of play) by (playwright).” Then take a moment to gather yourself and begin the piece…don’t ask if we are ready, just begin when you are ready. 
  • There will be chairs available if you need one for your piece.  Don’t ask if you can use a chair; just get it if you need it.
  • All actors should bring an acting resume. Download a Word Doc template here.
  • If you have a headshot, staple your resume to the back of your headshot.
  • What to wear: Wear clothes that you are comfortable in and that are appropriate for your piece, but also honor the formality of an audition (don’t come in sweats!). Avoid busy-patterned shirts and make sure your hair is not in your face.
  • Choose a point of focus for your monologue, so you are not just talking to the air…imagine the person to whom you are speaking out beyond the auditors.

Monologues tips:

  • 60-90 seconds in performed length.
  • Should be from a play written 1980-present.
  • Can be from any length play, including 10-minute or one-act plays.
  • Avoid monologues from musicals or films.
  • Feature a character who is appropriate for your age.
  • Choose active material. The character should be speaking to another character in the play. Your character should want something in the moment and be using varying tactics to get that goal. Avoid story-telling monologues or memory-based pieces that tell the story of a past event.

Have questions? Contact Professor Baker (ccbaker@alaska.edu)