Theatre - Acting
Overview
Welcome to the Acting sequence at Illinois State University! This is where your amazing journey to become a professional actor begins. Under the hands-on mentoring and rigorous demands of the professional acting faculty you will be challenged to become citizens of the world and courageous theatre artists. Opportunities to hone your craft on the stage are numerous, and we pride ourselves on providing training to prepare you for a life in the theatre or wherever your life leads. Join in the excitement of the Acting program in the School of Theatre and Dance, where we play boldly.
Point of Pride
Students are directors, playwrights, theatre managers, dramaturgs, actors, and critics. They propose, produce, and direct their own projects, collaborate in the annual Playwrights' Workshop, or assist with marketing and management of the School of Theatre and Dance main season. Students have many opportunities to interact and network with diverse visiting artists.
Why study Theatre - Acting?
Theatre is performed everywhere – on Broadway in New York City, in shows that travel around the country, in professional regional theaters in large cities, in community theaters in small towns, in school or even in the streets. People who have trained in theatre may also have the opportunity to work in movies and on television. There are additional professional jobs beyond being an actor; usually a theatre or movie production consists of a few actors and many backstage production personnel. A theatre major provides the background for all such jobs.
How to Apply
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged to receive a decision by the end of the year, and for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. You will select your audition time within the application for admission.
Program Requirements
- Prepare two contrasting monologues. Total time for both monologues combined should be approximately two minutes (you will not be timed).
- Each audition piece should consist of a single character speaking. Auditions must be memorized.
- There will be a chair for you to use if you choose.
- At the beginning of the audition state your name, the title of your pieces, and the characters you are playing.
- Do not explain the plot unless instructed to do so by the interviewer.
- Bring a current resume and a headshot (or a recent photo that shows "who you are") to your audition.
Audition Tips
Choice of Material
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Choose something you like.
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Choose age-appropriate material.
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Avoid self-written monologues.
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Make sure the character is in conflict!
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Cut material to fit easily into the two-minute time limit (including transitions between monologues).
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Examples of contrasting monologues are: dramatic and comic, contemporary and classic, sophisticated and unsophisticated, urban/rural, manic/depressed, etc.
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A classical piece is not required.
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Know the character you are playing. For example Laura in The Glass Menagerie is not extroverted; Oscar in The Odd Couple is a slob.
Avoid
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Yelling
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Screaming
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Using dialects
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Phone call monologues
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Climax of the play
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Sexually explicit or extremely offensive material
Appearance
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Dress comfortably, but strive to make a good impression.
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Keep hair away from your face.
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Wear sensible shoes. No flip flops or extremely high heels!
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Avoid jewelry that is distracting, such as clanging earrings or bracelets.
Performing Your Monologues
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Remember that your audition begins with your entrance.
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Use the introduction to let us get to know you—speak clearly and take command of the room!
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Place your imaginary scene partner directly downstage from you, over our heads.
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Don't speak to a chair—it will cause you to focus on the floor.
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Don't rush the audition transitions. Allow yourself time to transition—after the introduction, between the pieces, and before you say "Thank you."
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Concentrate on pursuing what you want from your imaginary scene partner.
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Finally, do not try to make an impression or give us what you think we want. Be yourself!
Deadlines and Review Dates
Students are accepted into the Acting major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks whether or not they have passed their audition via email.