FLPA 190/290 Fall 2021 Audition Workshop

(0 Credit Audition Class for Theatre Concentration FLPA Majors)

This is separate from production auditions.

WHEN: Saturday August 28th: 9-10:15am. All actors will be there the entire time.

WHERE: Salisbury Theatre

WHO: All Theatre Concentration FLPA majors registered for the FLPA 190/290 0 credit class. Professor Baker will provide on-the-spot feedback, observable by all students.

WHAT: Students should prepare two contrasting monologues: one contemporary piece and one classical piece (Shakespeare in verse is encouraged as the classical piece but not required.).

Each student will have a 3-minute audition slot, but each monologue should not exceed 1 minute (45 seconds each is encouraged), so that there is time to give faculty auditors your headshot/resume and to introduce your pieces. Your 3-minutes will begin when you enter the stage; we will cut off actors who exceed 3-minutes.

Some pointers:

  • Make sure to rehearse your introduction. A typical introduction would be: “Hi my name is ________. My first piece is (name of character) from (name of play) by (playwright) and my second 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.  If one of your pieces is from a Shakespeare play, don’t say “by Shakespeare,” just say the character and the name of the play.
  • 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 pieces, 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 monologues, so you are not just talking to the air…imagine the person to whom you are speaking out beyond the auditors.

Monologues tips:

  • 45-60 seconds in performed length.
  • Can be from any length play, including 10-minute or one-act plays.
  • Avoid monologues from musicals.
  • 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)