When selecting categories for tryouts, keep in mind:
- Your personal strengths
- Memorization ability
- Your interests
- Previous experiences
- Do not just go along with the crowd
Good Advice: Look at new categories and show us variety; this will improve your odds of making varsity. Be more flexible. This is especially true for sophomores. Sophomores almost never repeat in an individual category they have already done.
BE PREPARED. Preparation is one of the keys to success. This does not mean simply choosing a script, it means practicing.
SCRIPTS. This year the coaches will not supply scripts (except acting); for varsity tryouts you are responsible for finding them on your own. The library, internet and your home are great resources. Varsity - NO Chicken Soup style books.
Reliability, scheduling, preparation, past performance (positive and negative) will all be considered, as well as talent.
*The following categories require no preparation before the tryout day, BUT you must come at least 15 minutes BEFORE your tryout time.*
- Group Improv - You need to have a group of 2 or 3 (no more than this). Draw a situation, discuss ideas and perform using only chairs. We are looking for a story line (beginning and end), developed characters, and teamwork. (It is helpful if your group practiced in advance.)
- Spontaneous Speaking - You will draw three contemporary issues topics and pick one to plan a short persuasive speech . Organization, knowledge and presentation are important.
*All of the following categories require preparation in advance!!!!!!!!*
One tryout counts for One Act Play, Readers Theater, Ensemble Acting, Acting, Storytelling, and part of Musical Theater.
Two or three students select a scene from a play. Find your own script or get one from the coaches. Choose a script and a character showing your strengths. Length about 3 min. Each of you will need to have your own copy of the script. Practice in advance! We expect you to read with feeling, have eye contact, use gestures and blocking.
Choral Reading Pick up a script prior to tryouts and practice reading with a group. Eye contact, tone, facial expression, articulation, blend and energy are all very important. Be sure your group members can audition at the same time you do! The more people in the group who also want to audition for Choral Reading, the better.
Group Mime and Solo Mime - One to three students pantomime a story line they have prepared and practiced. When practicing and performing, concentrate on precise movement, facial expression, gestures, and staging (making sure we can see you and your expressions). Try to pick a unique situation. It should last 2 minutes. We will ask for an outline of your mime when you’re finished so have one prepared in advance. Do not tell us what you are going to do before you begin.
Musical Theater (Group/Indiv) - First you MUST have an acting tryout (see information above). In addition to the acting tryout, you need to sing 30-60 seconds from a musical or a choir piece. You may use accompaniment. Be prepared to answer questions about your vocal range.
News (Including Radio News, Radio Broadcasting, and TV News) - Pick up a script including news, weather, sports and a commercial to practice prior to tryouts. Articulation, rate, pronunciation, and tone are important--- eye contact is not!!!
Short Film - Bring a video you helped write and film for us to watch on DVD, YouTube, phone, etc. 30 sec-2 minutes
Writing - Prepare one minute of original writing. This tryout will cover ALL writing categories, but please consider which category you want most and make your tryout material match. Writing, delivery, creativity, eye contact, and facial expression are key.
After Dinner-humorous
Expository Address-informative
Original Oratory-persuasive
Reviewing-critique of book, movie, play, music, etc.
Interpretation/Public Address - We will be looking for interpretation/vocal expression (changes in volume, pitch and speed), facial expression and eye contact. Work on correct pronunciation and rhythm/pace (practice will help). 1-2 minutes
Poetry
Prose-written in complete sentences
Literary Program-combination of poetry and prose
Public Address-speech given by someone else
Keep in mind even if you are interested in all of the interpretation categories, you will only receive ONE of the following categories: poetry, prose, or literary program.