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Musical Theater Requirements
Participants are required to submit a videotaped audition which must include the following in this order:
- One song selection from a musical. (No original material and this selection must be performed first during your audition).
- One spoken monologue from a play (classical or contemporary. No original material and this selection must be performed after your song).
Excluding your introduction, you have four minutes to complete your audition.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTENT OF THEATER VIDEOTAPE/DVD AUDITION:
| Do's (required) | Don'ts (can be disqualified) | |
| 1 | Submit a NEW VHS cassette or a DVD | Do not submit a mini-DV, mini-cassette or VCD. QuickTime and AVI files will not be accepted for adjudication. |
| 2 | Announce your audition in the following manner: “My YoungArts ID# is 08009999/301. My first piece is from (title of musical play) by (author). The role of (character). My second piece is from (title of play) by (author) composed by (composer).The role of (character). ” (You will receive your YoungArts ID# once you have completed the registration process). |
Do not state your name or place it in or on the video/DVD box/case. Do not make any other comments. |
| 3 | Use a fixed point of view for your camera. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location. Applicants may film using full body shot. | Do not pan, move the camera or follow the actor. Camera may be no closer than waist up. |
| 4 | Record your audition in a clearly defined interior space. | Do not record your video outside. |
| 5 | All audition submissions must be memorized and in English. | Your entire audition submission can not exceed four minutes total. |
| 6 | Accompaniment is limited to one piano (strongly preferred) or a pre-recorded format without any vocals except the participants. | Do not perform songs a capella. A capella pieces are not allowed. |
| 7 | Props are limited to one stool, two chairs, and one table. | Do not wear costumes or stage make-up. |
| 8 | Utilize only the microphone on the video camera. Musical Theatre: Make sure the level of your piano accompaniment does not overpower the sound of your voice on the tape. |
Do not use any other microphones. Musical Theatre: Make sure the level of your piano accompaniment does not overpower the sound of your voice on the tape. |
| 9 | Submit your audition materials according to the official mailing requirements | Do not send in pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals or concerts. |
| 10 | Cuts between pieces are acceptable. | Do not make video edits within the monologue/song. Do not use lighting changes, special effects, dissolves, fades, wipes, or sound enhancements. |
Recommendations
Participants should choose material appropriate for their age.
- Each piece should be presented "in character" and performed in context of the show's plot.
- The backdrop should be neutral and free of creases and breaks.
- Before recording your pieces, film a test. Perform the first few lines of your monologue, then watch and listen to it on playback. Check the following important things:
- SOUND: Make sure the acoustics in the room are strong. Practice your piece in the space. If you hear an echo in playback, adjust the recording volume or choose someplace else to record.
- LIGHTING: Make sure the space is well-lit, but not too bright. We should be able to see your face clearly. Too little light and we can’t see you. Too much light will leave you overexposed and we can’t see your expressions.
- FRAMING: The camera should be set at a distance to frame your face and body clearly. If we only see your face and shoulders, it’s TOO CLOSE. If we can see the entire stage but your facial expressions can’t be seen clearly, it’s TOO FAR AWAY.
- After you have recorded your pieces, watch them in playback to make sure you can be seen and heard.
- FORMATTING: If recording your pieces onto a DVD, do not assume that our adjudicators will be able to view it. As soon as the DVD is recorded, make certain you view it in its entirety on a standard DVD player prior to submitting. Do not view your submission on a laptop or desktop as it could format the disc to play only on a computer.
- CLOTHING: Wear clothing that is simple, comfortable and tasteful. And remember, your clothing should NEVER be more interesting than your audition. Check the space where you’ll be recording your pieces. Wear something that has a gentle contrast and will help us see you clearly. If you’re recording against a black back drop, do not wear black.
NOTE: Videotapes/DVDs will not be returned. Participants should make and keep copies of all materials submitted. YoungArts is not responsible for materials lost or damaged in the mail. Videos that cannot be viewed will be disqualified.
