»Audition Dates & Requirements

Theatre Auditions

Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students:  If you are applying to the Department of Theatre to be a theatre major as a freshman or transfer student, it is your responsibility to complete The Common Application and all Chapman University admission requirements (see application checklist) by the specified deadline(s). In addition, an audition and supplementary materials are also required (see below). All applicants are encouraged to apply and audition as early as possible. Applicants are encouraged to audition/interview in person whenever possible.

Please choose your audition date by degree program. Information on the audition/interview process is given below, together with information about the supplemental materials required for application to the theatre program.  Supplemental materials should be uploaded prior to the audition.

Auditions (whether in person or by video upload) for Fall 2014 must be completed by first year applicants by February 22, 2014 and by March 8, 2014 for transfer applicants. All students who are new to Chapman are considered for talent awards at the time of the audition/portfolio review, if they have listed theatre as their major on the Common Application. Notification of talent awards is made approximately March 15, and may follow the financial aid office notification.

We encourage you to review the FAQ page for more information about our programs.

Current Chapman students who wish declare a theatre major must audition and interview or present a portfolio and interview. You must provide the required supplementary materials listed under Audition Requirements below at the time of interview.  Current Chapman students may apply only to the BA Theatre program, and should indicate an interest in either the theatre studies or the theatre technology area of study. 

For current Chapman students, auditions must be completed by November 1 for Spring 2014 and by April 4 for Fall 2014 for consideration. Current Chapman students are not eligible for consideration for talent awards.

We recommend you review the FAQ page for further information on the degree programs, audition/interview process and the Department of Theatre.

Audition/Interview Deadlines (in person or video upload):

          First Year Fall 2014 Applicants:

                   Early Action:  November 23, 2013

                   Regular Admission:  February 22, 2014

          Transfer Applicants:       

                   Entrance for Spring 2014: November 15, 2013

                   Entrance for Fall 2014:  March 8, 2014

          Current Chapman Students:

                   Entrance for Spring 2014: November 1, 2013

                   Entrance for Fall 2014:  April 4, 2014

-

In-Person Audition Dates

Applicants are encouraged to audition/interview in person whenever possible.  Early application is encouraged.  Please be sure to cancel or reschedule your appointment if your plans change.

     Schedule an Audition Appointment (will be available in July, 2013)

     Reschedule/Cancel an Audition Appointment

In-Person Audition/Portfolio Review Dates for Prospective First Year Students

For BA Theatre Studies, BFA Theatre Performance or BFA Screen Acting candidates--Audition/Interviews:

Friday, October 25, 2013

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Friday, November 8, 2013

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Friday, January 24, 2014

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Friday, February 21, 2014

Saturday, February 22, 2014

 

 For those interested in the BA Theatre Technology--Portfolio Reviews:

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

Saturday, February 22, 2014

 

In-Person Audition/Portfolio Review Dates for Prospective Transfer Students

For those interested in the BA Theatre Studies, BFA Theatre Performance or BFA Screen Acting--Audition/Interviews:

Friday, November 15, 2013

Friday, March 7, 2014

Saturday, March 8, 2014

 

For those interested in BA Theatre Technology--Portfolio Reviews:

Friday, November 15, 2013

Friday, March 7, 2014

 

In-Person Audition/Portfolio Review Dates for Current Chapman Students

Current Chapman students may only apply to the BA Theatre programs in either Theatre Studies or Theatre Technology.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Friday, April 4, 2014

 

RELATED LINKS:

Maps & Directions

Parking Information

Local Accommodations

All auditions are held on the Chapman University campus in Orange, CA. Department of Theatre auditions will take place in Moulton Hall (Bldg. 15 on the campus map).

Audition/Portfolio/Supplemental Material Upload  Instructions

Information on Audition/Portfolio/Supplemental Materials Upload to be provided in July 2013.  Chapman will be using a new system called SlideRoom, which is being set up for the Fall 2013/14 admissions process.

+-Audition Requirements

AUDITION/PORTFOLIO AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS

If your area of interest is Theatre Studies: Prepare and bring with you a portfolio of examples of your work including 3-5 projects. These may involve acting, directing, stage management, technical work, playwriting or producing projects, and may consist of notated scripts, papers or scripts you have written, programs from shows you have worked on and/or photographs. Your interview will consist of a 3-4 minute presentation of your work example(s) in your portfolio, and may include a 90-second acting monologue should you choose. We will not keep your portfolio. Portfolios will be evaluated on creativity, ability to communicate the artistic and creative process, range of skills demonstrated, and potential for growth. Select your audition time from the BA Theatre Studies/BFA audition dates. Please note that these are the only times available for an in-person audition. If you are unable to come on these dates, please upload your audition using the video upload process.

 If your area of interest is Theatre Technology: Prepare and bring with you a technical/design portfolio of your production work. Your portfolio should consist of 5 to 10 pieces of your technical or design work that demonstrate your experience in areas of particular interest to you and your range of skills. If you have technical drawings or drafts, present them along with a pictorial representation of the executed drawings. Beginning technicians who do not have a portfolio of drawings may use photographs or their resume to show the work they have done. We will not keep your portfolio. Portfolios will be evaluated on creativity, ability to communicate the artistic and creative process, range of skills demonstrated, and potential for growth. Select your interview date from the BA, Theatre Technology dates. If these dates do not meet your schedule, please contact the Department office, and we will arrange another time, or you may use the video upload process.

If you are applying for one of the BFA degree programs: Prepare two monologues, each no longer than 90 seconds, preferably from a published play. One is to be contemporary and realistic, the other is to be classical, preferably from a work of Shakespeare. We highly recommend that you have a third monologue of approximately 90 seconds, if the auditors wish to see additional material.

We recommend that you choose pieces that are age appropriate. Avoid pieces that use highly exaggerated characters. Please do not use dialects, props or costumes. Monologue performances are evaluated on preparation, use of language and text, clear intention and purpose, sense of truth, emotional connection and availability, and range of vocal and physical expression demonstrated. Select your audition date from the BFA Theatre audition dates. Please note that these are the only times available for an in-person audition. If you are unable to come on these dates, please upload your audition using the video upload process.

Supplemental Materials Required from all Major Applicants:

The following materials are required of all candidates for department admission and are to be uploaded per instructions to be supplied shortly.

Creative Resume
This should include your training, teachers, performance and backstage experience. Include the names of theatres and directors you have worked with, as well as any media work you have done. You may want to include awards and any summer scholarships you have received.

Goal Statement
Write a goal statement up to one page in length that describes your long-term personal and professional goals and discuss how the degree program and area of study you wish to pursue at Chapman (BA Theatre Studies, BA Theatre Technology, BFA Theatre Performance or BFA Screen Acting) will help you meet those goals.

Letter of Recommendation
The letter should come from your most recent theatre instructor or professional with whom you have worked. (Note: this is in addition to the recommendation provided to the Admissions Department.)

Photo
All we need is a photo to identify you. Professional headshots are not necessary.

Please do not provide any additional materials. They will not be reviewed and cannot be returned.

If you have any additional questions regarding your audition, please contact the Theatre Office at (714) 744-7087.

  • Featured
  • News
  • Events
  • View the published page to see this section.
  • page loading
    TODAY TOMORROW

    »

    TODAY TOMORROW

    »

    TODAY TOMORROW

    »

    View all News »
  • page loading
    TODAY TOMORROW

    »

    TODAY TOMORROW

    »

    TODAY TOMORROW

    »

    View all Events »

Opportunities in CAST

Theatre majors at Chapman have the opportunity to participate in CAST, the Coalition of Artistic Students in Theatre.  CAST aims to encourage professionalism and involvement within the department and assists students seeking opportunities in professional theatre and film. CAST seeks to broaden theatrical exposure within the Chapman community and the community at large by providing opportunities for students to produce, write, direct, act and work backstage in student productions.  CAST is committed to igniting a sense of unity and collaboration between students and faculty.

    • Featured
    • News
    • Events