Theatre Interviews/Senior Interviews
When are Theatre Interviews held?
Every fall: Required of seniors working on senior projects (referred to as Senior Interviews.)
Every spring: Required of all students in Theatre Company (except for seniors who presented in the fall) and open to any Theatre major who wants extra practice.
You will be provided directions to sign up for a time slot for your interview.
This is an excellent opportunity to practice auditioning and presentation skills, both of which are essential for getting a job or getting into graduate school. The faculty will discuss your progress and provide feedback on your presentation and résumé.
1) Please bring two copies of your résumé. (For on-line interviews, e-mail your résumé ahead of time)
2) Wear clothes appropriate for an interview.
3) If this is your senior interview, this should be your best work. You do not need to present new material (though you may.) It is often a good idea to show work you have presented before, incorporating the feedback you have received.
3) Prepare a presentation in one area of interest:
Actors: Begin by introducing yourself and giving the titles and characters of your selections, just as you would in a professional audition. If this is your first time participating in interviews, one monologue is sufficient; but experienced students (and absolutely seniors doing senior interviews) should present two pieces that contrast in style (one dramatic, one light/comic). The entire presentation should last from two to four minutes. Two minutes is often better than four minutes. If you sing, you may also prepare a short section of a song from a musical. Please bring recorded music and equipment to play it. At the end of your presentation say “thank you.”
Designers: Prepare a neatly organized portfolio of drawings and other relevant materials (research, elevations, ground plans, sketches, fabric swatches) that illustrate your work. Label your drawings. You may select your materials from assignments you completed in classes. Pick one project to present and practice talking about it succinctly (what was the assignment?, what was your approach/concept?, etc.) and be ready to answer questions about it as well as anything included in your portfolio. Be ready to discuss what you perceive your strengths and weaknesses to be.
Playwrights and Scholars: Students with an interest in playwriting, history/criticism or dramaturgy should bring a folder of their written work. Select one project to present and practice talking about it (be able to briefly summarize/describe) and be able to answer questions about it as well as any other project you bring with you. Be ready to discuss what you learned on the project, and what you perceive your strengths and weaknesses to be. If you are a playwright and have had a play produced, also bring photographs and a program.
Stage Managers: Bring a prompt script and be ready to show how you have organized your materials and discuss the challenges of the production. Include photographs and a program if available. Practice your presentation. Be succinct. Be ready to discuss what you learned on the project, and what you perceive your strengths and weaknesses to be.
Directors: Bring a prompt script and be ready to explain your concept and directorial choices as well as the challenges you faced. Include photographs and a program if available. Practice your presentation. Be ready to discuss what you perceive your strengths and weaknesses to be.
