Audition / Portfolio

• A short (20-30 sec.) introduction, stating your name, where you are from, and something interesting about yourself.
• Two monologues: a contemporary and a classical monologue. It is strongly advised to avoid using Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet for classical material. It is also strongly advised to avoid using any dialects. 
• Each monologue should be approximately 90 seconds, or 3 minutes for both pieces. 
• State the play title and author of each monologue before you perform it.
• With introductions and monologues, your video should be no longer than 4 minutes.
• It is requested to edit all intros and both monologue takes into one clip. Please avoid uploading multiple videos.

For those wishing to concentrate in technical theatre and/or design, including stage management, submission of a portfolio is recommended, but not required. If documentation of design/tech/management work is available please email a digital portfolio to theatrearts@lmu.edu.

Of greater importance for tech and design students is a required strong letter of recommendation from the high school drama teacher or other supervisor (i.e. community theatre/professional work) detailing the quantity and quality of the student's contributions to backstage work. Students interested in both acting and technical/design experience are encouraged to submit portfolio/recommendations for both areas.

Keep the background simple, use a 3/4 body shot frame, and no zooming. No internal editing, although there may be a break from the introduction to the monologues. The monologues should be done one after another.

In choosing pieces for your audition we recommend the following:

• Choose a monologue from a published play that is a role in which you are likely to be cast.
• Pieces should be age appropriate.
• Do not choose pieces that are much younger or much older than you.
• Avoid pieces that use highly exaggerated characters.
• Avoid "sketch" comedy, or extremely farcical or cartoon-type characters.
• Do not use dialects or costumes.
• You may use very simple objects as props: a piece of paper, a phone, etc, but best to keep your performance very simple.
• Choose a piece that you enjoy performing.
• Read the play from which the piece is chosen.

Monologue performances are evaluated on preparation, use of language and text, clear intention and purpose, sense of truth, emotional connection and availability, and range of vocal and physical expression demonstrated.

• Please include a resume, a statement of purpose, and contact information.
• A list of projects directed, with concept statements and photos illustrating the production.
• We also strongly recommend submitting an acting video audition as well (see above).

• Please include a resume, statement of purpose and contact information.
• Include a list of any productions your plays have received.
• Submit 10-30 pages of sample dramatic writing. Please do not exceed 30 pages at the very most.