Penn State Musical Theatre Auditions

Since admission is based on a successful audition, it makes sense to thoroughly prepare and present yourself as your best. The successful audition begins with careful, intelligent material selection. Here are several suggestions…

1. Pick material that is appropriate for you. Do not try to impress us with your worldliness or edgy selections. Pick songs and monologues that fit your age bracket and experience.
2. Pick material that you do well and that you are passionate about. This is very different than picking material based on a belted high note or series of skills you are looking to showcase. You’ll notice that we don’t publish a list of “do not sing” material – we are happy to hear anything you prepare. We do suggest that you try to avoid material that is either currently on Broadway or has been “stamped” very specifically by a well-known artist.
3. Think of the two songs and the monologue as an introduction to who you are as a young artist and person. Remember, we aren’t looking for the perfect casting decision. We are looking for talented and curious artists – people with whom we will spend a great deal of time and effort over four years.
4. Pay careful attention to cutting and editing your selections. The audition songs don’t need every repeat; the monologue should be 90 seconds at a maximum.
5. The up-tempo and ballad should contrast and demonstrate different aspects of your performance capabilities. One song needs to have been written before the 1970s.
6. Find a way to rehearse with someone who can play the music that you will provide our accompanist. Singing the first time with an accompanist at an audition can be difficult. Remember, our accompanist will play what you provide.

• On-Campus auditions will be held in the Theatre Building on our University Park, PA campus. You should come to the first floor lobby area.
• New York, NY auditions will be held at Open Jar Studios –1601 Broadway (11^th floor) – Broadway and 48^th Street (enter of 48^th Street) in Studio 11L. (Holding/ Waiting Room is the studio next door – 11M)
• Chicago, IL Auditions will be held at the Fine Arts Building Annex at 410 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. We will be in Studio C.
  

Faculty for our auditions can change from location to location, but the head of our Musical Theatre program, John Simpkins, will be at every location. We will also be video recording all auditions so that all of our faculty can participate even if they aren’t in the room at the time!

Here are some of the faculty you might see at your audition:

• John Simpkins, Head of Musical Theatre at Penn State
• Gwen Walker, Voice
• Raymond Sage, Voice
• Michele Dunleavy, Dance
• Gabriella Sam, Voice
• Kikora Franklin, Dance
• Christine O’Grady Roberts, Directing

Here are several things you can do to help yourself on the day of your audition…

1. Give yourself the best chance for success. You are a busy person. You’re probably juggling your Penn State audition with other auditions, school shows, lessons, a job, an attempt at a social life, and school work. HOWEVER, we can’t over-emphasize the importance of the audition to your future. If at all possible, plan to arrive early. That way you can familiarize yourself with the audition location, etc. Above all else, arrive at the audition well rested and focused.
2. Understand the audition process.
3. Manage your energy. Many people in our field think of auditions as difficult, frightening events and performances as exciting, fun events. We invite you to think about your audition as a great opportunity to share your work with us as it stands in your young life and career. A time to introduce yourself and your passions to a group of people who are on your side in that process. If you are able to do this, you may find that nervous excitement (a constructive energy) will replace nervous fear (a destructive energy). Also, keep in mind that you and the people sitting behind the table want the exact same thing – for you to do great and exciting work.
4. Be ready for the unexpected. We may stop you and work with you on a piece; we may cut you off and ask you to move to your next piece; we may vocalize you, or we may ask you to do something unplanned. Do not let these requests distract or upset you. We have a short time to get to know as much about you and your work as possible. If we’ve seen what we need to see, or feel that we need to see something different, our request will only help us assess you in the most complete and accurate way possible. This will be mutually beneficial.