The WVU School of Theatre & Dance does not require a prescreen submission as part of the application process, the requirements below are for video auditions only. WVU Theatre & Dance uses digital audition submission requirements from Musical Theatre Common Prescreen criteria, endorsed by Paper Mill Playhouse.
Please upload one video for your song and monologue package and another video for your dance audition. Each piece should be uploaded as a separate piece of media; please do not upload one continuous video.
Slate
There should not be a separate “slate” video, rather slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece.The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the 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.
Songs
Students should prepare 2-contrasting pieces:
- One song should be a ballad and one song should be an uptempo
- 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)
- Songs should be filmed in a ¾ shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
You may choose from options A or B included below.
OPTION A
- One song should be written prior to 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 of the first.
OPTION B
- Both songs should be from contemporary musicals (any musical written after 1970) contrasting in style
Monologues
- Monologues must be from a published play.
- Monologues cannot be from musicals, television shows, or movies.
- Each monologue file should be 60-90 seconds in length (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)
- Monologue Criteria: 1, 60-90 second contemporary monologue (written during the 20th Century-present) from a published play. 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 monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
Wild Card Video
- You are welcome to but not required to submit a Wild Card video.
- Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
- This media can be ANYTHING you want: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc. “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”.
Dance
30-60 seconds of dance, in whatever dance discipline you are most comfortable with: jazz, ballet, modern, African, hip hop, lyrical, or contemporary.
- No barre work. A ballet solo is acceptable.
- No tap. For applicants that tap, consider showcasing that skill as part of your wild card submission.
- 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; no “a cappella” dance media please.