Prospective Students
Thank you for your interest in becoming a part of the finest and most unique four-year preparatory theatre curriculum available to Central Texas students.
To become a member of the program, you will have to take a few steps:
1. Have a passion for theatre, either performing or behind the scenes. The single most important thing we are looking for in prospective students is the desire to be involved in theatre. It matters little how much experience you have, as long as you are excited by the opportunity to learn, practice, and hone your craft.
2. Apply to the Academy. Before you can even audition for the Theatre program, you must apply to the Fine Arts Academy. You can do this by filling out the application. If you want to learn more about McCallum High School and Fine Arts Academy visit their website by clicking here. More information about the Theatre program as well as the rest of the programs we offer at MFAA can be found by downloading our “How-To” Handbook by clicking here.
3. Review the requirements for being a Theatre Major. Remember that being accepted and attending means you’ve made a commitment to fulfilling the four year of requirements for all majors. In addition to completing the coursework necessary to graduate under Austin Independent School District requirements, the Fine Arts Academy major must complete the coursework listed below for the Arts strand in which they are majoring and for Theatre, that means:
Minimum requirements for THEATRE ARTS majors:
Four years of acting classes (Theater Arts I, II, III, IV)
One year of Technical Theater class
Dance I for PE credit (required for a total of 6 credits)
Minimum requirements for TECHNICAL THEATER majors:
Four years of Technical Theatre classes (Theater Tech I, II, III, IV)
One year of Art I class
One year of Acting class
Recommended Dance I for PE credit
Minimum requirements for MUSICAL THEATER majors:
Three years of Musical Theatre Classes (Musical Theatre I, II, III)
1 Applied Music Class
1 Acting Class
1 Dance Class (2 Recommended)
*Theatre Strand Majors are required to participate in one approved play production their freshman year and two approved productions every other year (participation is either as an actor on stage or behind the scenes in a technical capacity).
4. Schedule an Audition Time and Prepare for It!
Acting Major
Evaluation Criteria
• Energy • Acting instinct • Emotional, physical, and vocal freedom • Ability to communicate the circumstances of a scene • Ability to communicate moment-to-moment reality
Part 1: Prepare and perform two contrasting (one-minute) monologues. These monologues should be of contrasting styles. Characters chosen should be close to the student in age. Please avoid verse, classical works, film/television scripts, and original material. The most effective actors have a comprehension of the entire play from which the monologue originated.
Part 2: Interview
Musical Theatre Major
Evaluation Criteria
• Energy • Acting and Vocal Instinct • Emotional, physical, and vocal freedom • Ability to communicate the circumstances of a scene • Ability to communicate moment-to-moment reality
Part 1: Prepare and perform one 2-minute monologue and two 16 bar cuts (one up-tempo, one ballad) from the Broadway repertoire. The pieces should demonstrate range and ability. Characters chosen should be close to the student in age. Please avoid verse, classical works, film/television scripts, and original material. The most effective actors have a comprehension of the entire play from which the monologue or song originated.
Part 2: Short Movement/Dance Audition
Part 3: Interview
PLEASE BRING:
▪ Sheet Music for the Pianist
▪ Clothes that you can move or dance in, including any shoes you would like (tennis shoes are ok).
Technical/Design Major
Evaluation Criteria:
▪ Conceptualization ▪Creativity ▪Comprehension ▪Concentration ▪Communication Skills ▪Dexterity
Part 1: Prepare a typed 300-word essay that describes your interest in technical theatre. This essay could include your formal experiences with technical theatre such as lighting, costume, or scenic design but may simply be why this area has sparked your imagination and interest.
Part 2: Prepare an example of your design abilities by creating an informal scenic design model box (could be in a shoebox). Choose a famous character from literature or history and design the birthday party for them. Special attention should be paid to the overall concept of the birthday party including location, surroundings, theme, etc. Emphasis is placed on creativity of design, use of materials, composition, and technical execution. Student should be prepared to discuss the design and answer any questions posed by the directors about it.
Part 3: Interview and short problem-solving evaluation.
5. Prepare for Auditions. Work hard and diligently to prepare a successful monologue, song, and/or shoebox design. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time and rehearse quite a bit to avoid getting nervous or getting behind.
6. Present your Audition piece. After you present, you will have a quick interview with the Directors of the program. Be ready to discuss your experiences in theatre, how you work with others and under deadlines, and prepare any questions you might have for us. This will help us make sure if you’re a good fit for the program and that the program would be good for you.
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