A review is required for all theatre majors.
- Theatre Arts: Reviews will consist of an interview and essay review
- Theatre Design & Technology: Reviews will consist of an interview and portfolio review
- Musical Theatre auditions »
Requirements
- Submit the appropriate application: First-time students | Transfer students
- Theatre Reviews are required before applicant notification, as Nazareth accepts students directly to their programs.
- Schedule your audition
- Timing: Auditions are held from fall to spring. All audition dates will close two weeks prior, so please register early.
- Format: In-person, with a virtual option if you cannot make it to one of our in-person dates. For a virtual option, email Amanda Brady at abrady8@naz.edu.
- Upload any relevant materials to your Admissions Dashboard
Schedule Your Review
Select an audition date
After registering, you will need to provide additional materials. These should be uploaded through your Admissions Dashboard. Submit your materials at least one week before your scheduled audition day.
- Theatre Arts: theatrical resume, headshot, essay
- Theatre Design & Technology: theatrical resume
Virtual review
Nazareth will coordinate with you a Zoom review. Theatre design & technology majors must upload a portfolio/essay to their Admissions Dashboard at least one week prior to the interview.
Please email Amanda Brady at abrady8@naz.edu if you’d like to pursue this option.
Audition Process
Theatrical Resume
- Should include minimum three productions worth of experience
- Should highlight leadership/supervisory positions
- Should show us what you feel is your best work
- References (examples): directors, theatre advisor, immediate supervisor, any professional or community theatre personnel
- Addresses and phone numbers of individuals chosen as references
Theatre Arts
Essay guidelines
Your essay should be 3–4 pages, double-spaced, in 12 pt. font. Include your name, date, and title on the first page (no cover page) in the upper left corner.
As the subject of your essay, select an artist of the theater (actor, designer, playwright, etc.) about whose work you are passionate. The essay should include an introduction, at least three paragraphs in the body, and a closing that assesses the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen artist. Questions to consider might include:
- What about their work affects you?
- What makes their work rise to the level of “art?”
- What does their art say about the world in which it was created?
If you have any questions about the essay, please email Matt Ames, mames7@naz.edu.
Interview
On your scheduled review date, you will complete an interview with theatre & dance department faculty and talk about your completed essay. There will be an opportunity at the end of the session to ask questions.
Theatre Design & Technology
Portfolio guidelines
Costume design
- Costume renderings/drawings
- Mounted photographs or slides of production costumes
- Photographs or slides of costumes constructed
- Full-scale sample of designed or constructed costumes (not always possible)
- Artwork from other mediums that provides examples of your artistic eye (i.e. photographs, studio art, sketches, wood working, etc.)/li>
Lighting design
- Drawings/sketches of intended lighting design
- Mounted photographs or slides of production lighting design
- Drafted light plot
- Paper work (instrument schedule, patch sheet, cue sheets, cheat sheets)
- Artwork from other mediums that provides examples of your artistic eye (i.e. photographs, studio art, sketches, wood working, etc.)
Scenic design
- Sketches and/or Color Rendering samples
- Color photographs of work
- Working drawings and/or drafting samples
- Painter’s elevations
- Artwork from other genres – i.e. studio art (painting or drawing classes), interior design, graphic design, photography, woodworking, or sewing/upholstery
- Sample show bill documenting your position
- Artwork from other mediums that provides examples of your artistic eye (i.e. photographs, studio art, sketches, wood working, etc.)
Sound design
- Samples of designs on CD or cassette
- Cue sheets
- Cue level/setting chart
- Sample show bill documenting your position
Stage management
- Sample prompt book with lighting and sound cue notes and blocking notes
- Sample Rehearsal Schedule
- Sample Crew Plot
- Sample property/furniture plot
- Sample rehearsal and production notes
- Sample show bill documenting your position
Technical directing
- Working drawings and/or drafting samples
- Mounted photographs or slides showing construction of scenic elements
- Paper work (production work schedules, build schedules)
- Sample show bill documenting your position
Portfolio tips
You have a lot of flexibility in what you put in your theatre portfolio.
Show yourself as an artist. That may be through drafting, renderings, and resume — but it might also be through photography, painting, drawing, sketching, doodling, and simple communication of your passion for the art form.
It's common to have various experiences and twists in the path to your future career(s), and that's OK. Show your willingness to try new things.
Bonus: An exceptional audition or portfolio submission may qualify you for a talent scholarship. If you are selected, the scholarship appears on your financial aid award letter.
Portfolio examples
Interview
On your scheduled review date, you will complete an interview with theatre & dance department faculty and talk about your portfolio:
- Verbal explanations of portfolio pieces
- Responsibilities for productions presented
- Design concepts
- Personal design process
- Discoveries which occurred during pre-production process (building)
- Critical analysis and self evaluation of your work
- Responses to questions which reveal your knowledge and understanding of theatre
- Personal philosophy and goals as an artist of the theatre
There will be an opportunity at the end of the session to ask questions.