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Undergraduate Academic Programs
Performance Emphasis (Bachelor of Arts)

Audition Requirement
Anyone considering the B.A. with the Performance Emphasis (Acting) option must audition into the program (including transfer students).  We admit a class of about 10 students per year into the Performance Emphasis.  These auditions are also used for awarding scholarships (individual scholarship awards vary).


Audition Dates for Admission and Scholarships

Contact the Admissions Coordinator at (402) 472-2072, ext.1 (theatrearts@unl.edu) to schedule an audition time or for more information.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 (9:00-Noon, call for appointment)


Saturday, March 3, 2012 (9:00-Noon, call for appointment)


Audition Guidelines
  • You must perform two monologues (memorized) contrasting in mood (for example, comedy/drama)
  • If you wish to sing, you should in addition sing 16 bars from a Broadway musical (we will not provide a piano or music)
  • We urge you to choose pieces that you feel strongly about, and show you at your best
  • Monologues should be no longer than two minutes each
  • We prefer that you stay away from dialects, and pieces out of your age range
  • "Cold Readings" will not be permitted
  • Wear comfortable clothing
  • Costumes and props are not permitted (hand props are okay)
  • Auditions must be in person (no DVD’s)
  • You must have officially applied to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Admissions
  • Transfer students should bring college transcripts (transfer students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, no exceptions)
  • Incoming freshman must have an ACT score of 22, or an SAT score of 1020 or better (no exceptions)
  • Two weeks prior to your audition date, please send the following items electronically to the Admissions Coordinator (send to theatrearts@unl.edu);
    1. a résumé (detailing any theatre experience, academics, employment, volunteering, special skills, etc.)
    2. a current photo
    3. a typed paragraph or two about yourself and why you want to act
    4. two letters of recommendation (these should be sent directly from the recommender via e-mail, or U.S. mail)
Auditions may be videotaped.  Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis.  Scholarship notifications will be mailed in April.


There is some very useful information on the Educational Theatre Association web site on how to prepare for college auditions: http://schooltheatre.org/education/college-preparation.

Note: Review and screening for continuation in this emphasis are done when students are enrolled in THEA 223 Intermediate Acting I (typically their third semester as theatre majors).  The review includes an interview, an audition, and an analysis of the overall academic and artistic record; all of which are used to determine potential for success throughout the course of study.  Approved students are permitted to enroll in THEA 224 Intermediate Acting II and in subsequent required performance emphasis courses.  (UNL Undergraduate Bulletin 2010-11)


Contact the UNL Office of Admissions for more information about planning an official campus visit (call 402-472-2023 or visit www.admissions.unl.edu/visit).



Visits


Husker Weekday Visits, Red Letter Day visits, Big Red Open Houses and tours can be arranged through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Admissions (472-2023 or 1-800-742-8800).  Red Letter Day visits are senior Open Houses.



Scholarships & Financial Aid

January 15 - For full financial aid and scholarship consideration for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), you must apply to the UNL Office of Admissions by this date.  For more information, contact the UNL Office of Admissions at (402) 472-2023 or (800) 742-8800, or visit UNL on the web at http://admissions.unl.edu/.