Auditions - Department of Theatre Arts

Each year the Theatre Arts Department presents at least 25 productions with roles for more than 200 actors. Most of these roles are open to everyone. Information about auditions is below; for additional information, see our page on opportunities for non-majors and community members

Casting Policy

Auditions for University Theatre productions are open to anyone. Although special time is set aside for theatre majors to audition, theatre majors are not given preferential treatment or consideration in auditioning or casting. Casting is open to all members of the academic community and the Iowa City area (more info). Occasionally, guest actors will be employed.

"Nontraditional" casting is the norm for all directors in all productions, except those in which race, gender, handicap, or age is the explicit issue. Casting is "non-traditional" when all roles in a script are open to casting without bias in terms of race, gender, handicap, or age, so long as the actor can fulfill the artistic requirements of the role.

What

Two contrasting monologues are required. In addition, eight to sixteen bars of a song may be included if you wish. Students who audition should provide a cassette tape of any accompaniment desired. A tape player will be provided at the audition. (Ask at the department office for a copy of the Audition Hints handout when you sign up for the audition.)

When

General auditions are typically held three times during the year, and are scheduled by signing up for a slot during one of the following times:

Where

Auditions are held in Theatre B, located in the Theatre Building along North Riverside Drive. Please enter through the southeast doors into the glass-windowed lobby along the river.

How

Actors should sign up for an audition time before the audition dates. Check with the department office for details. To sign up for an audition time, go to the main bulletin board, which is located in the center of the north hallway of the Theatre Building. A section of the board will be allotted for "audition information" and a sign-up sheet normally will be posted after noon on the Monday of audition week. Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early for your audition; sometimes the auditions run ahead of schedule.

Audition Procedure

You will be asked to fill out a resume form to present to the monitor at the lobby audition table. The form will ask you to list your recent theatre experience. If you wish you may substitute your own resume for this form. The monitors will assist and guide you through the audition.

You may bring a headshot to attach to your resume form. The photo may be a standard Polaroid (3x3 inches), or larger. If you do not have a photo, one can be made for you at the audition for a $1.25 fee. No resumes or photos will be returned.

Your audition, consisting of two monologues and an optional song, should not exceed the three-minute limit. Your preparation should include timing your audition material to make sure it is the proper length. The auditions will be viewed by performance faculty, season directors, and members of directing classes and Playwrights' workshop.

Callback notices for productions will be posted in the north hallway at the end of Audition Week. There will be immediate callbacks for first semester productions which will start rehearsing soon. Do not be disheartened if you are not called back for the first round of productions.