Theatre & Dance

Casting Policy

Casting decisions are made primarily by the production director and by the Department of Theatre and Dance Chair when necessary.  The department supports the principle of non-traditional casting.  Non-traditional casting is the use of ethnic minority actors (African American, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, etc.), female actors, and physically challenged actors in roles where race, ethnicity, gender and/or physical capabilities are not absolutely essential to the character's development.

Audition Policy

• Any UWL student enrolled with at least 3 credits are eligible to audition for Department of Theatre and Dance productions.
• It is understood that any theatre major/minor auditioning for a production, including SummerStage, who has not specified that the audition is "for experience only" agrees to accept any role on the cast list awarded by the director.  Failure to accept the role (i.e. turning down the role), except under extenuating circumstances, will forfeit the next casting possibility within the department for that student.
• The nature of auditioning is competitive and the faculty endeavors to cast from the efforts of a specific audition and not past histories, accomplishments or previous roles.
• Majors with a GPA below 2.0 will be required to schedule consistent meetings with their theatre faculty advisor to discuss resources for time management, health and well-being, etc. and develop a plan so that production work does not hamper grade improvement.
• All Theatre majors are required to audition:
  • Performance/Musical Theatre students must audition for each department production.
  • Design/Technical/General Studies/Management students must audition for at least one production each academic year.
• UWL faculty members may be cast if the qualities demonstrated are deemed necessary for a production.
• Members of the La Crosse community may audition with prior approval of the Department of Theatre and Dance.
• In production requiring children, the director will establish procedures with the department chair for auditioning child actors.
• In the rare instance when a role cannot be cast through the audition process, the department will determine procedures for filling the role.

Role Acceptance Policy

It is understood that any theatre major/minor auditioning for a production, including SummerStage, who has not specified that the audition is "for experience only" agrees to accept any role awarded by the director on the cast list.  Failure to accept the role (i.e. turning down the role), except under extenuating circumstances, will forfeit the next casting possibility within the department for that student.

Cast lists will be posted on the theatre call boards (at the end of the theatre hallway) and on the electronic callboard.  Auditioners should check the cast list, initial his/her acceptance of the role and pick up a script (as indicated on the cast list or by e-mail via the stage manager).

Notification for the first rehearsal will be either posted with the cast list or sent out via e-mail by the stage manager.  During the first read-through, cast members will be asked to complete a conflict schedule and brief program biography.  A complete rehearsal schedule will be determined once the conflict sheets are collected.

Rehearsals usually run Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Depending on the size of your role, you may not be required to attend every rehearsal.  This will be determined by the director and communicated by the stage manager.  Occasionally, the director may schedule additional rehearsals depending on the production needs.

All cast and crew members are required to:

• Come to rehearsal prepared and on time.
• Maintain a professional attitude with other members of the cast and crew.
• Attend all scheduled rehearsal and tech week rehearsals.
• Attend all ACTF critiques.
• Attend classes and maintain University eligibility requirements.
• Participate in strike (as assigned) following the final performance of a production.
• Return musical scripts, with all pencil markings completely erased, to the stage manager by the end of strike.
• Assist with production publicity (i.e. radio/newspaper/television interviews, informational tables, special performances, high school matinee performances, etc.).

All auditions are cold readings (nothing to prepare) unless otherwise indicated.  However, auditioners are strongly urged to read and be familiar with the script.  Scripts are available for review at Murphy Library's Reserve Desk at least one week prior to auditions.  Please note that the location of the auditions is subject to change.  Watch for posters on campus for audition information.

Musical Theatre Auditions for New Incoming First-Year Students

Any new incoming first-year student interested in declaring a Musical Theatre major must complete an Acceptd application and then interview with the department for admission into the program in the subsequent fall semester. 

The Musical Theatre audition will be based on the materials submitted through the Acceptd application.  Below is information required to complete the Acceptd application:

• Resume including any theatre training or experience, academic achievements, work experience, community service, etc. (pdf format)
• Headshot
• 1-2 page essay summarizing your reasons for pursuing a major in theatre
• One Monologue; Two Songs
  • One (1), 60-90 second contemporary monologue (written during the 20^th Century to the present) from a published play; should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
  • Two (2), 60-90 second contrasting songs
    • One song should be a ballad and one song should be an up-tempo
    • Each song should be 60-90 seconds (including the slate at the beginning of the piece)
    • Students must sing to live or recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing. 
    • Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
  • SLATE: The slate should appear at the beginning of each piece.  The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, and the playwright.  The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and the show in which it appears.
  • Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.

Once you have completed and submitted the Acceptd application, your material will be reviewed by the UWL Department of Theatre and Dance faculty.  Acceptd will give you online access to schedule your interview. The on-campus interview day will include a tour of the theatre facilities, lunch with current students, a classroom visit, and interview with Musical Theatre faculty.  If you are unable to attend in-person, there are also Zoom interview dates available through Acceptd.  If you have any questions about your Acceptd application and/or interview, please contact Nic Barilar at nbarilar@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8521.

Musical Theatre Auditions for Transfer and Current UWL Students

• Transfer students and current UWL students who are interested in majoring in Musical Theatre, please contact Nic Barilar at nbarilar@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8521 to schedule an audition.  Below are audition guidelines for transfer and current students planning to declare a Musical Theatre major:
  • Two prepared songs:
    • Two contrasting songs from the musical theatre repertoire.
    • Songs should be appropriate for your vocal range and personality.
    • Please have your music clearly marked for the accompanist.
  • One prepared monologue from a contemporary play
    • Either comic or serious.
    • Selection should reveal your personality and character type.
  • A brief interview with the Theatre Performance/Musical Theatre faculty.

Auditioning for a role can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, with these tips and lots of practice, you can give an outstanding audition and can give you an opportunity to do what you love… perform.

BEFORE THE AUDITION

• Be sure to have a pen/pencil to fill out information sheets, etc.
• Have at least 2 copies of your headshot and current resume stapled together. You will probably only need one, but sometimes they’ll ask for a second, especially if you’re being seen by a panel.
• Read the script. At UWL, most auditions are cold readings which means you need nothing prepared. However, the director does expect you to be familiar with the storyline and characters.
• Have a copy of your schedule so that you can complete the “time conflict” form. This will include your classes, work or special events that may interfere with the rehearsal/production process.

THE AUDITION

• Arrive early so that you have ample time to complete paperwork, review sides, etc. Sign in immediately.
• Be prepared. An actor should always have a number of monologues ready. If you are given the sides in advance, be extremely familiar with them.
• Dress appropriately. Clothes should be clean and presentable. You should also be able to move freely especially if the audition includes a dance routine.
• As you enter the audition room, introduce yourself and present your headshots/resume. Make eye contact.
• Be prepared to talk about yourself on a personal and professional level. Be able to speak on your career aspirations, previous work experience, etc.
• Immediately following your audition, thank the casting director and leave the room quietly.

ATTITUDE 

• Be positive and friendly.
• Listen. Never interrupt the director.
• Be engaged. Have questions or comments about the material if asked.
• Be fearless. An audition is not a moment to ask permission. Don’t apologize for yourself or make excuses. If you mess up a line in your monologue, keep going.
• Be polite. Do not linger after your audition.
• Watch what you say and who you say it to.
• Be aware of your posture. Body language reveals a great deal about what we think and feel. Stand up straight, shoulders back and be confident.