Undergraduate Musical Theater Interview/Audition Requirements
Applicants will be contacted ONLY if more information is needed and an Interview/Audition will be required. (An Interview/Audition is not always required for admittance. Therefore, not all applicants will be contacted.)
Applicants who are REQUIRED to attend an Interview/Audition will be contacted starting December 13, 2019. A fee of $70.00 will be required to schedule an appointment.
If an INTERVIEW/AUDITION is REQUIRED
Interview/Audition Appointment Scheduling
● Schedule the IN-PERSON Interview/Audition, if required.
- If an Interview/Audition is required, applicants will schedule an Interview/Audition Appointment online through their Acceptd account..
- A fee of $70.00 will be required to schedule an Interview/Audition appointment.
- U.S.-based applicants must attend an In-Person interview/audition.
- International applicants may participate in a virtual interview/audition by special request.
Interview/Audition Day Requirements
On the day of your appointment, there will be two parts to the Musical Theater Interview/Audition:
1. Information Session
2. Dance Audition
3. Singing Audition
4. Interview
5. Monologues
**Please bring a copy of your resume and recent photo on the day of your appointment.**
The Information Session and Dance Audition will always be conducted first, but Singing, Monologue and Interview may not occur in the order above.
1. INFORMATION SESSION FOR APPLICANTS AND PARENTS
A one-hour Information Session will be held for applicants and parents during the scheduled Interview/Audition period. You do NOT need to schedule additional time for the Information Session. At the Information Session you will learn about the UCLA Theater department, as well as our undergraduate curriculum. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have about the theater program. Parents or guardians are excused after the Information Session is over.
2. DANCE
Under the direction of a choreographer, students will learn and perform a dance routine. Dance shoes (split sole jazz or split sole ballet) and attire are required. Do not prepare a dance routine for this audition.
3. SINGING
Applicants should fully prepare two (2) contrasting song 'cuts', 16-32 bars each. Both songs should play to your strengths as a performer and singer; at least one song should be from a produced musical (Broadway, Off-Broadway, the West End. etc). You may sing one non-musical theater song (pop, rock, R&B, classical, etc) if you feel it plays to your strengths as a performer and singer.
An accompanist will be provided. You must bring sheet music in the right key for you, for each song. Your music must be in a three-ring binder, double-sided, OR in a bound music book. Loose sheets of music are not permitted. Your 'cuts' must be CLEARLY marked in your music. You will be asked to sing at least 16 bars of one or both of your prepared songs. You may NOT: accompany yourself with any musical instrument (or karaoke tracks), sing a cappella, or bring your own accompanist.
4. INTERVIEW
There will be a short interview during which you will discuss your goals and aspirations for studying in a university setting.
5. MONOLOGUES
Applicants should fully prepare, memorize and present two (2) 90-second monologues from published plays. Please note that monologues originating from "monologue books" or movies are strictly prohibited. Be prepared to answer questions and discuss the play and author, if asked.
Please prepare:
- One monologue in verse (any period) - 90 seconds or less
- One from a published play (any period) - 90 seconds or less
MONOLOGUES: Important Information & Tips
● We prefer to see what you prepare on your own, without direction or coaching.
● Choose material to which you can relate and fully understand. Make sure you have read the full play.
● Do NOT use an accent or dialect. Trust your own voice!
● Neither prepared monologue should exceed 90 seconds. If either monologue substantially exceeds the time allotment, we will assume you cannot follow directions. If you need to cut your monologue, we recommend making cuts at the beginning or end.
● Avoid internal cuts.
● You might be asked to perform just one selection, so begin with whichever monologue you think is stronger.
● Please do not speak your monologue directly to the auditor, unless the auditor specifically requests that you do so. If your monologue is spoken to another character, choose a point of focus at or near eye level on the wall behind the auditors. Do not speak to a chair!
● You may be stopped at any time. This is in no way a negative appraisal of your work, but rather to assure we make best use of our limited time with you. Remember, we are trying to assess the likelihood that you will thrive in our program, not your worth as a person or an artist.
● You may not use props or costumes during your audition.
● Do not expect feedback at or after the audition.
Remember that you are auditioning for training, not for a particular play or role.
If you have Interview/Audition questions, contact audition@tft.ucla.edu for the quickest response, or (310) 206-4418. When leaving a message, please include your e-mail address.