Theatre

Select two contrasting monologues from a published source. The monologues should not be more than one minute each.

Video(s) from a staged play will not be accepted.

Pre-screens must be submitted by December 15!

Callback Dates

Applicants who pass the pre-screen will be invited to participate in a callback. We are planning to hold callbacks in-person on campus this year. Virtual options will also be available. Please prepare two contrasting monologues. One may be the same monologue from your pre-screen. An interview and a movements session will also be part of the callback. More information will be provided to students who are invited to participate in the callback. 

For more information about National Unified Auditions, please visit the National Unified Auditions website. 

When selecting your monologue(s), choose material that is gender and age appropriate. Read the entire work from which the monologue originates so that you understand the character and context well.

Please upload your audition video to your University of Hartford applicant portal (Slate), or through GetAcceptd. There is no charge for the Slate upload.

Overall

For a music theatre audition, we need to see 5 separate videos: 2 songs, 1 monologue, 1 dance, and 1 wildcard. A ballet video is optional. Details for each video are outlined below.

Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc).

Introduction ("Slating")

There should not be a separate introduction or “slate” video. Instead, “slates” are to appear at the beginning of each piece and included as part of the time allotment.

• The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and show in which it appears.
• The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the
• The proper slate for a piece of dance is to share your name, the title of the song you are dancing to, and the name of the choreographer. If the piece is “self-choreographed” you should share your own name as choreographer.

Song Videos

Students should prepare 2-contrasting pieces.

• One song should be a ballad (where the piece has longer, sustained vocal lines) and one song should be an uptempo (where the vocal line moves at a conversational pace) so as to contrast style.
• Each song file should be 60–90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
• Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning, singing without music accompaniment)
• Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
• One song should be written prior to 1970. This song can either be the uptempo or the ballad (student’s choice).
• One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style of the first.

Monologue Video

• Monologues must be from a published play. Monologues cannot be from musicals, television shows, or movies.
• One contemporary monologue (written after 1950). The video should be 60–90 seconds in length (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
• The contemporary monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
• Read the entire work from which the monologue originates so that you understand the character and context well.

Dance Video

• All dance media should be filmed in a “full body” shot taking care to keep the student’s entire body in the frame at all times (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 60 seconds).
• Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should be story-driven and connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
• The video should show 30–60 seconds of dance, in whatever dance discipline you are most comfortable with. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, cultural dance styles, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary. Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well.
• Please do not submit barre work. If you want to show ballet skills, please submit the OPTIONAL ballet video. (See below)
• Dance media can be self-choreographed, but must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
• All choreography must be performed to music; no “a cappella” dance media, please.

Wild Card Video

• Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
• Applicants do not need to slate in any wild card media.
• This media can be ANYTHING you want: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”

OPTIONAL Ballet Submission (not required)

Callback Dates

When selecting your monologue(s), choose material that is age appropriate.

Read the entire work from which the monologue originates so that you understand the character and context well.

Music Theatre majors should wear basic dance or rehearsal attire (tights, leotard, jazz pants, fitted t-shirt, all in dark colors), and jazz or ballet shoes to the dance call.

Hair should be pulled off the face and neck, and jewelry removed.

Baggy clothes will impede our ability to properly assess your abilities.

Character shoes and sneakers are not recommended.