Please see below for your BFA program's specific requirements and recommendations.

Please complete an audition submission or design portfolio to be considered for the following degrees.

The Conservatory for the Performing Arts welcomes all gender identities. 

 

Submit your Audition/Portfolio

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Review these important deadlines for submission.

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Audition/Portfolio Requirements

The Conservatory will use these materials as your actual audition or portfolio for your BFA program (we may also request an on-campus audition or virtual interview). While we do not require a Prescreen submission as part of the application process, Stephens uses the following criteria for digital audition submissions.

 

Acting Audition

If you wish to be considered for both Acting and Musical Theatre you only need to submit one audition following the Musical Theatre guidelines. 

 

Overall

Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc).

 

Introduction ("Slate")

There should not be a separate introduction or “slate” video. Instead, “slates” are to appear at the beginning of each piece and included as part of the time allotment.

  • The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and show in which it appears.
  • The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.

Required: Monologue

Actors should prepare one contemporary monologue:

  • Monologues must be from a published play. 
  • Monologues cannot be from musicals.
  • Monologue files should be 60-90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
  • Contemporary monologues are typically written after 1950.
  • Monologues should be filmed in a “close -up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.

Required: Wild Card

  • Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.

  • Applicants do NOT need to slate in any wild card media.

  • This media can be ANYTHING you want - a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, an instrument you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”

 

Required: Statement of Purpose

  • In the "Application Portfolio" section, please upload a short essay describing where you see yourself in 10 years and why you want to pursue a career on stage/screen.

 
Musical Theatre Audition

Please review the helpful hints for auditioning provided by the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen >

If you apply to the BFA in Musical Theatre, you will automatically be considered for the BFA in Acting, you only need to submit one audition. 

 

OVERALL

Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos. Actors are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices that are available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc).

 

INTRODUCTION (“SLATE”)

There should not be a separate introduction or “slate” video. Instead, “slates” are to appear at the beginning of each piece and included as part of the time allotment.

      • The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and show in which it appears.
      • The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.
      • The proper slate for a piece of dance is to share your name, the title of the song you are dancing to, and the name of the choreographer. If the piece is “self-choreographed” you should share your own name as choreographer.

 

SONGS

Prepare two contrasting pieces:

  • One song should be a ballad and one song should be uptempo so as to contrast style
  • Each song file should be 60-90 seconds (This time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds)
  • Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).
  • One of the two songs (student’s choice) should be filmed in a full frame shot (top of the head to the floor should be visible in the frame) to see your full range of expression, and the other one in a close-up shot (top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame).
  • One song should be written before 1970. This song can be either the "uptempo" or the "ballad' (student's choice).
  • One song should be written after 1970 and contrast the style to the first.

 

MONOLOGUE

Prepare one contemporary monologue:

  • Monologues must be from a published play. 
  • Monologues cannot be from musicals.
  • Monologue files should be 60-90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
  • Contemporary monologues are typically written after 1950.
  • Monologues should be filmed in a “close -up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.

 

DANCE

The Conservatory requires a dance submission, see criteria below:

      • All dance media should be filmed in a “full body” shot showing the entire body in the frame at all times.
      • Regardless of which style of dance you execute, the choreography and the movement should  and connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose.
      • Submit 30-60 seconds of dance in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, cultural dance styles, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary.
      • Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well.
      • Dance media can be self-choreographed, but must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
      • All choreography must be performed to music; please no “a cappella” dance media.

 

WILD CARD

The Conservatory requires a Wild Card for Acting and Musical Theatre:

      • Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
      • Applicants do not need to slate in any wild card media.
      • This media can be ANYTHING you want - a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”

 

Statement of Purpose

In addition, the Conservatory requires a Statement of Purpose.

    • In the "Application Portfolio" section, please upload a short essay describing where you see yourself in 10 years and why you want to pursue a career on stage/screen.

 
Theatrical Costume Design Portfolio

Required Materials

  • Resume
  • Portfolio - please scan or provide a link to your website
  • Statement of Purpose

Portfolio Suggestions (please submit any of the following materials)

  • Examples of artwork, photography, drawing, painting
  • Examples of drafting
  • Photographs of productions
  • Sketches and/or drawings of the figure
  • Sketches and/or renderings of costumes
  • Examples of concept statements or concept boards
  • Examples of sewing and cutting

 

Optional: Video Introduction

Tell us about what inspires you to be a costume designer and why Stephens College.

  • Duration: minimum of 30 seconds, maximum of 3 minutes    
  • Speak directly to the camera
  • No edits     
  • No special effects or on-screen overlays 
  • Does not require professional equipment; cellphone cameras or consumer cameras are fine

 
Technical Theatre + Stage Management Portfolio

The BFA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management is comprehensive in scope. One may focus on stage management, technical theatre and/or design. The portfolio submission should reflect your primary areas of interest and strength. Areas of design and production include scenic, lighting, sound, stage management and technical theatre.

 

Required Materials

  • Resume
  • Portfolio - please scan in or provide a link to your website
  • Statement of Purpose

Optional Materials

  • Video Introduction

 

Portfolio Suggestions (please submit any of the following materials)

  • Examples of drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography or other artwork
  • Examples of graphic and drafting skills
  • Playbills from productions identifying you as the Set Lead/Director, etc.
  • Examples of theater design include models, sketches, costume designs, light plots, prompt books and photographs of props, scenery and costumes
  • Digital Media that documents your sound designs, including any accompanying paperwork (cue sheets, equipment lists, drafting, etc.)
  • If applicable, include scores, original music compositions and evidence of computer literacy and indicate if you play a musical instrument.
  • Examples of work that show your craft skills in scenery construction, painting, props and/or costuming and lighting, including photographs of realized work, drawings, drafting, samples, patterns and artistic ideas
  • Examples of created video work and installations
  • Documentation of fully realized original work as demonstrated by video, slides or photographs of designs and/or documentation of works-in-progress
  • Architectural drawing, textile work, performance art and video work are also welcome.

 

Optional: Video Introduction

Tell us a little bit about what inspires you to be a technical theatre and stage management professional and why Stephens College.

  • Duration: minimum of 30 seconds, maximum of 3 minutes    
  • Speak directly to the camera     
  • No edits     
  • No special effects or on-screen overlays     
  • Does not require professional equipment; cellphone cameras or consumer cameras are fine

 

For questions about audition or portfolio requirements or submission process, please contact [email protected] and we will be happy to help you!

 

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