Auditioning for the Department of Theatre and Dance
Who has to audition?
What will I expect to do when I come to audition for the Department of Theatre and Dance?
  • You will participate in three important processes when you audition for the Department of Theatre and Dance: a Performance Audition or Portfolio Review, an Entrance Interview, and a current resume.
  • The resume should include all previous theatrical, film, television, and other arts related work. The resume is the strating point for the Entrance Interview.
  • A headshot would be helpful but it is not a requirement.
What is the performance audition process for students who want to emphasize in acting, directing, or theatre education?
  • The audition is your time to demonstrate your ability and understanding of the craft of acting. Belmont theatre faculty will observe your audition monologue and make careful assessments about your current level of skill as well as your ability to take direction and adapt your performance. A successful audition is an extremely important factor in being accepted into the theatre BFA Performance, Directing, or Theatre Education program.
How do I select a monlogue that I will perform in my audition?
  • We encourage you to take great care in choosing a monologue for your audition. You are required to perform the monologue from memory. The monologue should be approximately minute and a half  long. Choose a monologue that will best represent your talents and abilities.
What is the portfolio review process for students who want to emphasize in design?
  • The portfolio review is your time to present representative work of previous writing examples, scripts, design and/or technical experience. Your portfolio should contain any combination of writing examples, scripts, drawings, renderings, drafting examples, CAD drawings, light plots, and/or photographs. A successful portfolio is an extremely important factor in being accepted into the theatre BFA in Theatre and Drama Design or Directing program.
What is the Entrance Interview?
  • The Entrance Interview is an informal conversation between you and faculty members in your area of emphasis. This conversation will focus on your previous experience, your expectations for your college education, and your goals for the future. This interview can be conducted during your visit to the campus or by telephone.
Can I audition for more than one emphasis area at the same time?
  • Absolutely. If you have an interest in both Directing and Production Design, for example, come prepared to audition for both areas. We do not want to limit your focus.
 How do I schedule my audition?
  • Scheduling a date for your audition is another important part of the audition process. To schedule an audition, complete the university application After submitting your completed application, contact our offices at 615-460-5503 or by email to set-up an audition date. Your application must be completed and submitted to Admissions before you can request an audition date. You will receive an e-mail and telephone call from the Department of Theatre and Dance confirming your audition date.
Is it possible for me to audition if I cannot come to campus for an audition date?
  • Potential students are strongly encouraged to come to campus and audition in person. We want you to become familiar with Belmont, and we want to meet you and experience your audition live. Occasionally, it is impossible to audition in person. In those circumstances, a videotaped audition is permitted. (Tape format: VHS, VHS-C or DVD. Your tape or DVD should be labeled with your name, ss#, emphasis area, and all monologue information.) Portfolios can be submitted through the mail. (Acceptable formats: photographs, color copies, slides or CD. Your submission should be labeled with your name, ss#, emphasis area, and all submitted production information.) Videotaped auditions and mailed portfolios should follow the same guildlines as the in-person auditions. After submitting your application and supplement, contact and confirm with the Department of Theatre and Dance that you are unable to audition in-person and will submitting your audition through the mail. All audition material submitted by mail will not be returned.
How do I find out if I have been accepted into the BFA program?
  • Applicants will be notified of an admissions decision within 1-3 weeks of completing the application and the audition/portfolio.