Admissions & Audition Information - Theatre

Audition Requirements

The following are audition requirements and guidelines for auditioning:

• Prepare 2 two-minute monologues of a contrasting nature. One monologue may be of a dramatic nature and the other a comedic. If you choose to do a classical piece, make sure that they are also of a contrasting nature, i.e. classical/dramatic and contemporary/comedic, or vice versa. Contrast can be demonstrated through type of character and material. Look for selections with contrasts in mood, intention, rhythm, emotional level, content, etc.

• Be sure to state your name and the name/character of your pieces. Say, “Hi, my name is (your name) and I will be doing character from name of play. Then begin your audition.

• Submit Audition Video or Link to Erik DeCicco, Chair, Department of Theatre; edecicc@ju.edu.

Jacksonville University’s Audition Requirements for the BFA degree with a concentration in Technical Theatre.

• Students interested in pursuing a concentration in design and technical theatre must submit a digital portfolio. The digital portfolio should consist of an up to date resume and samples of your theatrical work. This can include photos of projects that you have worked on, renderings , sketches, scenic painting, show photos, or any other art or construction work that highlights your ability. Your application must also include two letters of recommendations from teachers or others that know your work well.

• Submit Audition Video or Link to Erik DeCicco, Chair, Department of Theatre; edecicc@ju.edu.

Admissions and Audition Procedures

The Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities hosts several Open House Days for the potential student to audition. The day begins with an informal presentation that gives a brief overview of the College. Following the general session, each discipline is then lead by their Division Chair to a venue for their audition or portfolio review.

Audition Dates

The faculty of the Department of Theatre are excited to meet with you. We attend several unified auditions throughout the year. We'll also host an on-campus date for interested students, and encourage you to work directly with the department if any of these dates are incompatible with your schedule.

Auditions for entry in the 2024-25 academic year will be conducted for review in four cycles. During the process, you will have the opportunity to showcase your talents and to experience firsthand our performance and art facilities. To ensure full consideration, be sure your materials are submitted on or before the deadline for your chosen admission cycle:

• The Florida Theatre Conference
  November 7-9, 2024 - https://apply.ju.edu/register/FTCAUD
  Winter Haven, FL

 

• On-Campus Audition Date
  Friday, February 21, 2025

 

• The Southeastern Theatre Conference
  March 19-23, 2025 - https://apply.ju.edu/register/SETCAUD 
  Baltimore, MD

 

• The International Thespians Society Florida State Festival
  March 18-22, 2025 - https://apply.ju.edu/register/THESAUD 
  Tampa, FL

 

If you are still interested in submitting a virtual portfolio or audition please contact:

• Wesley Chandler, Admissions Counselor
  Email address  wchandl1@ju.edu  |  Telephone number (904) 256-7146

Selection of Material

• Seek roles in your own maturity and emotional range and from material with which you are familiar and feel comfortable. Never attempt an audition monologue without reading the entire play and understanding your character in the context of the play.

• Choose pieces that maximize your assets and minimize your weaknesses. Don’t challenge your capabilities in selecting audition materials, but rather pick characters which fit comfortably within your middle range. Above all, do what you do best.

• Avoid climactic material which requires great depth or intensity of emotion. There is not enough time to achieve these emotional peaks effectively and honestly. On the other hand, beware of dull and passive pieces which dwell on character or plot exposition. Choose material in which your character is actively involved in overcoming obstacles in order to fulfill an immediate objective or intention. Above all, select pieces which contain active intentions. What does your character want?

• Both selections should be self-explanatory with a clear beginning, middle and end. Take liberties in editing for clarity.

• Monologues directed to another character are more effective than internal or inner directed soliloquies.