Student Resources • Theatre • Teen Theatre • Audition Rules & Guidelines

Audition Rules & Guidelines

Some General Rules

Time: No performance audition must exceed two minutes

The timer will begin timing the audition when the performance begins. The timer will stop timing the audition when the auditioner turns to the judges and says, "Thank You."

The timer will raise his or her hand when 15 seconds of allotted time remains. The timer will say “Thank You” to stop the performance. A performance that is stopped in both preliminary rounds will be disqualified to perform in the finals.

The Introduction: The performer is required to introduce the monologue. Always wait until the judges give you their attention. This introduction should include the name of the performer, the title of the play, as well as the author of the play. You may also wish to say which character you are playing. You may wish to set up the monologue with a brief narrative setting up your audition. Introduce the essential information and allow yourself time to "get into" the scene.

You want your introduction to be clear and professional. Do not hurry through it or present it carelessly. Your introduction is an important part of an audition and should be prepared and rehearsed.

Appropriateness:The judges will consider each performance for its appropriateness. There are several factors that influence this score. First, is it a role that is appropriate for the performer? Is it age appropriate? Secondly, is the material appropriate for its intended audience? Judges are instructed to give a score of “0” to any performance that uses profanity. Also, is it stage worthy material? Avoid selecting scenes from movies and preparing a scene or a monologue that is simply an imitation of what is done on the screen.

Costumes & Props: The judges are instructed to score the performance of your audition piece. The use of costumes or props may be distracting in the context of an audition and we discourage their use. We do recommend that you wear clothes that are appropriate to the character you are portraying. If you are performing in two auditions find single apparel that will satisfy the needs of both auditions.

Guidelines

Monologue Performance Audition: The student will have 2 chairs available for set pieces. Put your set pieces into place before you introduce your scene. The use of hand props are allowed but are discouraged for the monologue performances.

Theatrical Scene Performance Audition: Duet scene performances are presented by two students. The students will have a table and two chairs available to them for set pieces. Put your set pieces into place before the introduction. Participants are encouraged to pantomime the use of props rather than to use actual props.

Solo Musical Performance Audition: The student will have two chairs available for set pieces. The student may use anyone to serve as an accompanist for his or her performance. The Festival will not provide an accompanist. A tape or CD is also acceptable for the musical performance competition. If you use prerecorded accompaniment, you may supply your own delivery device.