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: Fundamentals of 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:

IN-PERSON Auditions (this is the preferred option)

for THEA 100 (Fundamentals of Acting)

• Date: Sunday, August 23rd

• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Studio 100

Please prepare one 1-2 minute monologue from a play.  If you have, please provide a headshot and resume on the day of the audition (not required).  

OR

TAPED Audition (if you are unable to attend in-person auditions)

For this option we would like you to include both a personal introduction and monologue.

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION: 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. 

THE MONOLOGUE:

- Must be memorized

- Should be from a play (classic or contemporary, your choice. 

RECORDING YOUR MONOLOGUE:

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 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 play the monologue is from. It’s not necessary to mention the character or playwright.

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 26/27 

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.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: AUGUST 21st

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 within the fall and spring of 26/27.  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, but after the in-person auditions on August 23rd.  Once you have been consented for the course, you 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 ("THEA 100 Audition” in the subject line) message to Assistant Professor Anjanette Hall ahall1@oberlin.edu. the instructor. and/or Professor Justin Emeka, Chair of Theater. 

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

Anjanette Hall (she/her/hers)

Assistant Professor of Theater