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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Undergraduate Academic Programs
ACTING

Audition Requirement
Anyone considering the B.A. with the Performance Emphasis (Acting) option must audition into the program (including transfer students).  These auditions are also used for awarding a limited number of scholarships.

Call the Admissions Coordinator at (402) 472-2072, ext.1 (theatrearts@unl.edu) to schedule an audition time or for more information.  In addition, on the following dates a limited number of audition times are available by appointment only (10:30 a.m.):
Friday, November 7, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday, January 23, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009 (12:00-4:00pm)

Late Auditions in 2009 (not considered for scholarship money)
Friday, March 13
Friday,March 27
Friday, April 10
Friday, April 24

* Indicates this date is also a Red Letter Day Open House sponsored by the UNL Office of Admissions (402) 472-2023.  Contact the UNL Office of Admissions for more information about Red Letter Days or Campus Visits (402-472-2023 or www.admissions.unl.edu/visit).

Audition Guidelines

  1. You must perform two monologues (memorized) contrasting in mood (for example, comedy/drama)
  2. If you wish to sing, you should in addition sing 16 bars from a Broadway musical (a cappella -- we will not provide a piano or music)
  3. We urge you to choose pieces that you feel strongly about, and show you at your best
  4. Monologues should be no longer than two minutes each
  5. We prefer that you stay away from dialects, and pieces out of your age range
  6. "Cold Readings" will not be permitted
  7. Wear comfortable clothing
  8. Costumes and props are not permitted (hand props are okay)
  9. Videotapes will not be accepted (in place of auditioning)
  10. Bring a current photo and résumé that you can leave (detailing any theatre experience, references, academics and employment)
  11. Write a paragraph or two about yourself and why you want to act (typed)
  12. You must have officially applied to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Office of Admissions
  13. Transfer students must bring college transcripts
  14. Incoming freshman must have an ACT score of 22, or an SAT score of 1020 or better.  Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (no exceptions).

Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Scholarship notifications will be mailed in April.

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 2008-09)

There is some very useful information on the Educational Theatre Association web site on how to prepare for college auditions: http://www.edta.org/thespian_resources/ (click "College Prep")

Campus visits, Red Letter Day visits, 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

Student-produced Theatre at UNL

Theatrix is the student run theatre organization under the auspices of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. Since the early 1990's, Theatrix has continually provided students in all facets of the arts the opportunity to work hands-on and share experiences with professors and professionals working within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. Theatrix produces two or three productions each semester with a student director who oversees the organization of the design team, the cast, and all conceptual and creative elements from start to finish. Current and past directors as well as actors and designers have gone on to work professionally in theatre and film in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. For more information about Theatrix, please visit us at www.unl.edu/theatrix.