BACHELOR of FINE ARTS
Audition guidElines for music theatre performance major
Your audition gives you the opportunity to showcase your acting, singing and dancing talents as well as your passion and commitment.
To audition for the Music Theatre Performance major, follow these three steps.
1. Apply to the Music Theatre Performance major
Apply to the Music Theatre Performance major through ApplyAlberta. Check MacEwan's How to Apply page for a step-by-step guide to the application process.
After you apply, the Office of the University Registrar will email you a letter of acknowledgement.
2. Prepare for your audition
Prepare one monologue (1-2 minutes) from a published play and one song from a musical in any style of your own choosing. Feel free to select material of any gender. Or you may prepare a monologue and song from our Audition Materials Folder. The Department of Theatre’s Academic Advisor will email you the Audition Folder, which contains monologues, songs, and backing tracks.
In addition, Video Audition applicants are asked to learn a short piece of choreography from a video which can be found in the Audition Folder. In-person Audition applicants will participate in a group dance class. No preparation is required.
- Choose material you connect with.
- To prepare for the monologue, read the whole play. This will help you understand the
context. You should be able to locate the play at a public library. Avoid monologues from the internet from unpublished plays and movies. - To prepare for the song, learn about the musical. Read about its plot and history, watch
videos, and/or listen to recordings. - Define who your character is speaking to and what your character wants from them.
- Memorize the lines as written. Playwrights and lyricists choose every word for a reason.
- Rehearse over and over again—preferably in front of friends and/or family.
- Make bold performance choices.
- Do not worry if you have little or no dance training. Your commitment to learn is more important than your previous experience.
3. Audition
The Department of Theatre’s academic advisor will email you an audition form. Complete the following sections:
Personal information
Fill in your personal information (name, email, etc.).
Resumé
Upload your resume.
Audition format
Choose one of the following audition format options:
- In-person audition
- Video audition
Option 1: In-person audition
Choose one of the following in-person audition dates:
- February 10, 2024
- March 9, 2024
Then, submit your Audition Form as soon as possible. You will be emailed a time to audition on your selected date.
In-person auditions will take place in Room 11-307 of Allard Hall, located at 11104 104 Ave NW in Edmonton, Alberta. Parking is behind the building.
The audition consists of three parts:
- Group dance class
In the morning, you will participate in a group dance class. No preparation is required. Warm up before the class. Wear clothing that allows you to move freely (e.g. jazz shoes or sneakers; tights or shorts; t-shirt, tank top, or body suit). No jeans, dresses, or jewellery. Long hair must be worn off the face. - Song
In the afternoon, you will perform your song for the audition panel. Piano accompaniment will be provided. No other type of accompaniment is acceptable (e.g. guitar, CD, etc.). Please provide sheet music in a binder for the accompanist. - Monologue
Then you will perform your monologue for the audition panel.
Option 2: Video audition
If you are from out-of-town, you may submit a video audition.
- Record a video of you performing a song, a second video of you performing a monologue, and a third video of you performing the short dance.
- Start your video by saying your full name and the piece you will perform.
- Record yourself with a full body shot (from head to toe).
- Be sure to include your name at the beginning of the file name.
- Upload the three videos directly in the Audition Form.
- Submit your audition form by July 7, 2024.
Music Theatre Performance is a competitive program and seats in the program are limited. Video audition applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their audition form as soon as possible. However, video auditions will be accepted until July 7 for those applying later in the admissions cycle, if seats are still available.
Audition panel’s assessment
The audition panel will evaluate your audition using the following criteria:
- Preparedness
- Performance skills
- Willingness to take creative risks
- Ability to incorporate direction
- Professionalism (attire, etiquette, etc.)
Next steps
After discussing and assessing your audition, the review committee will make a recommendation. You will receive an admission decision by email from the Office of the University Registrar.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact the Department of Theatre Academic Advisor at musictheatre@macewan.ca from your MacEwan University student Gmail account.