Hello! If you’re here, it’s likely because you’re:

1) An incoming first-year student who expressed an interest in studying/participating in Theater during your time at Oberlin.

2) A returning student who hasn’t yet had the opportunity to take THEA 100 but who reached out to ask about auditioning.

In any case, we are delighted to welcome you to Oberlin College Theater and look forward to working and creating with you during your time here! 

If you are a first year student and interested in studying Theater either as a major, minor or generally interested community member, we encourage you to start that journey either in this class or one of the other introductory Theater courses being offered this semester.  Whether your interest is in Acting or some other discipline within Theater, THEA 100: Introduction To Acting is a wonderful introduction to our department and would be an appropriate place to start your Oberlin Theater education.

ABOUT THE COURSE:

THEA 100: Introduction To Acting is designed for actors and other theater practitioners, regardless of their level of experience. It’s as applicable and relevant for seasoned performers as it is for beginners. Built on the principle that the actor’s job is to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances, the course offers an innovative approach that places that creative process at the forefront of study. Over the course of the semester, students will explore the process of creating character, first in self-generated work that begins as individual exploration and develops through interaction with other actors in class. With those skills learned, students will be assigned a scene and partner and embark on a very specific rehearsal process designed to delve deeply into the world of character and the playing of scripted material. The semester will culminate in a public showing of these scenes. Upon concluding this course, students will be prepared to take their new skills into other, more advanced acting studios and the many vibrant production activities available on campus.

HOW TO AUDITION:

It's easy!

At the bottom of this document, you will find a link that will allow you to upload your video-recorded personal statement and audition, the instructions for which follow.

Because we want this course to be accessible to students regardless of their level of experience, we recommend a couple of different models for your video-recorded audition/statement. The format should be as follows:

• INTRODUCTION and PERSONAL STATEMENT: This is fairly self-explanatory. 

- Introduce yourself

- Identify your preference of pronouns if you wish 

- State clearly whether you’re a first year or a returning student and what your class standing is

- Tell us where you’re from

- Tell us what your interest in the course is, whether as a performer, a potential major, or someone interested in exploring performance opportunities at Oberlin either as an actor or in allied disciplines within Theater. 

- Tell us about your experiences in Theater, or, if you’re an absolute beginner, why you are interested in learning more about the art form. 

• MONOLOGUE/STORYTELLING: Following your personal statement, please either perform a monologue of your choice or tell a story using one of the prompts listed below.  The monologue or story should be NO LONGER THAN 90 SECONDS IN DURATION.  

THE MONOLOGUE:

1) Must be memorized

2) May be from any dramatic genre, including film or television and may be either comedic or serious. 

IF YOU CHOOSE TO TELL A STORY

1) It must have a clear beginning, middle and end (the Artistic Frame), and ;

2) Please choose from one of the following prompts; 

- "The best day of my life began when..."  

- "The funniest thing that ever happened to me..."

- "I will be forever changed because..."

  3) Please DO NOT READ the story. Just tell it! 

SOME TIPS ABOUT RECORDING YOUR STATEMENT AND MONOLOGUE or STORY:

As you can see on the digital form, this recording should be saved as a video file for uploading and may be recorded on your computer or using your phone.

1) “Landscape” orientation is preferred, so use your phone in a horizontal position

2) Make sure that lighting is adequate so that your face is clearly visible

3) It’s best if you perform your monologue or story while standing. Feel free to move within the frame, but do try to keep yourself easily visible throughout.

4) “Slate” your monologue by telling us what the monologue is from….just the play, movie, show, etc. It’s not necessary to mention the character or playwright. If telling a story, begin with the prompt.

5) Feel free to make as many recordings as you like until it looks like you want it to. Then just send us your favorite “take”!

6) Name your file; YOUR NAME-THEA 100 AUDITION 23/24 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 30TH

WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING YOUR SUBMISSION: Because it’s impossible to predict what the demand for the course will be in any given semester, we won’t know until we receive all submissions whether everyone who wishes to take the course will have an available space this semester. Past experience has taught us that virtually everyone will be accommodated, but if you are not consented for a space for this fall, the course will be taught again in the spring. All submissions will be reviewed, and you will be notified about whether you have been consented as soon as possible.  This may take several weeks, and your patience is greatly appreciated.  Once you have been consented for the course, the Registrar will be notified so that you're registration can be complete. 

If you have any question about this process for auditioning, please send a clearly identified (“? About THEA 100 Audition” in the subject line) message to Professor Anjanette Hall, the instructor, and/or Professor Matthew Wright, Chair of Theater. Their respective email addresses are: ahall1@oberlin.edu, and mwright@oberlin.edu. 

Best of luck, and we can’t WAIT to meet you!!

Anjanette Hall (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor of Theater

Matthew Wright

Professor of Theater

Chair of the Department of Theater