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 1!

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

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.) 

Labeling Guidelines for All Videos

 Label each video file with the piece you are performing, the show or playwright, and your first & last name.

• Title of Song – Musical/Show – Your First & Last Name
• Title of Play – Playwright – Your First & Last Name

Examples:

• Slate – James Smith
• Your Daddy’s Son – Ragtime – Minnie Mouse
• Much Ado About Nothing – William Shakespeare – Luke Skywalker

Note: With this labeling guideline there is no need to slate your individual videos.

Introduction ("Slating")

Prescreen Introduction "SLATE" Video

• Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera.

• • This is an opportunity for the auditors to get a sense of your personality and to learn the pronunciation of your name.

Note: There is no need to slate your individual performance videos & pieces. Instead, clearly label each video with your name and the title of the piece you are performing

Songs

Students should prepare two contrasting pieces.

• Style: One song written before 1970 (musical theater, Golden Age, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). One song written after 1970 (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.
• Accompaniment: Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music). 
• Framing: We recommend a waist up frame so we can see your face and hear you clearly.
• Length: Each song file should be 60-90 seconds

Monologues

• One monologue from a published (or written by a professional writer) play. A professional writer is someone whose plays have been produced, but may not have been professionally published.
• Monologues cannot be from musicals. 
• Framing: We recommend a waist up frame so we can see your face and hear you clearly.
• Length: Each monologue file should be 60-90 seconds.

Dance 

• Show us your best version of dancing or moving. Please include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body).
• Style: This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles. Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should be connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose and it must include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body).
• All choreography must be performed to music; please no “a cappella” dance media. 
• Dance media can be “self-choreographed”, but it 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. 
• Framing: All dance media should be filmed in a “full frame” shot taking care to keep the student’s entire person in the frame at all times. 
• Length: The Dance Submission should be between 60-90 seconds.
• Please do not submit “barre work”. Instead, offer an supplemental Ballet submission. 
• Dance Tips: Make sure you can execute all the choreography well. It is to your advantage to choose steps and movement that highlight your strengths instead of your weaknesses. Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. Fully move your body to the best of your ability.

Wild Card (Optional)

• 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 you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”
• Length: Submission should be between 60-90 seconds.

Ballet (Optional)

Callback Dates

• Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
• Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.)
• Solid-colored walls are ideal, but any background that does not steal the focus from your performance is desired.
• Take care that your space allows for adequate lighting. Having a lamp or window directly behind you will cast a shadow over your face. Keep the lighting source behind your recording device or to the side of you so that your face is lit.
• When using pre-recorded music, place the music source (the speaker) closer to you than it is to the device on which you are recording. By having the accompaniment near you, your voice and music will reach the microphone on your device in a more balanced manner.
• Before filming, do a trial run to test both your audio & visual presentation. Watch your video back to ensure everything looks AND sounds okay.
• Ensure the camera portion of your device is at eye level (see example). You can use a tripod built for a smartphone or tablet. If you do not have a tripod, consider using a stack of books on a desk or box. Filming in “landscape” (horizontally) is recommended.