Entrance Auditions and Scholarships
Due to growing popularity, reputation and demand, we now require auditions for admission to the acting and musical theatre concentrations. We welcome and encourage audition submissions from aspiring performers of all skill levels, as we believe potential is as important as current skill levels.
Scholarships
In addition to consideration for admission to these concentrations, these auditions and portfolio reviews will also serve as consideration for all available theatre scholarships.
Admission into our other concentrations (design / technical theatre, directing / dramatic literature, arts administration and theatre studies) does not require an audition or interview. However, there are scholarships available in these areas that do require submission of a portfolio (or work examples) and a possible follow-up interview.
2024-25 Audition Process
We welcome audition material in two ways: (1) scheduling an in-person appointment on one of our audition days, or (2) submitting self-recorded videos that adhere to industry standards.
All interested students will either audition in person or submit videos and other documents via SlideRoom, which is an extension of the Common App. Therefore, acting and musical theatre applicants, as well as students interested in scholarships in other theatre areas, must apply to Christopher Newport University via the Common App and select the appropriate academic areas. If there are questions about navigating and completing the Common App, please contact the Office of Admission. You must upload all audition or portfolio review materials (listed below) at the same time as completing the Common App, so please be prepared. In-person auditions will be held on November 9, 2024, January 18, 2025, and February 15, 2025.
Review of candidates will begin on February 1, 2025, and continue through February 15, 2025. Although submissions will be accepted after February 15, for full consideration for acceptance and scholarships, we strongly advise meeting these deadlines. Admission to Christopher Newport does not guarantee you a place in the performance program. You will receive a separate notice of that decision.
Please submit four files:
- One dramatic monologue video, 60-90 seconds from first word of dialogue (.mp4 or .mov)
- One comedic monologue video, 60-90 seconds from first word of dialogue (.mp4 or .mov)
- Performance resume (.pdf)
- Current moderate-to-high-quality photo/headshot (.jpg or .pdf)
Please clearly name all files with the candidate's last and first name, and some indication of the contents (e.g., Lloyd-Gregg-Comedic-Monologue.mp4).
Notes on Video Submissions
- Use wide-screen or landscape format/orientation
- Frame should start at mid-thigh/waist and reach 6-10 inches above the head
- Lighting should allow for clear vision of the auditioner with no shadow on the eyes
- Slate/introduce each piece with your name and the show it is from
- If at all possible, songs should have recorded or live piano accompaniment
- Videos should have no internal edits; please trim the beginning and end, if possible, for a clean presentation
- Do multiple takes of each piece and send us your best work
- Be aware of your background to present the least distractions (we want to watch YOU)
- Dress appropriately for a professional audition
In Person Requirements for Acting Candidates
- Two contrasting 60-90 second monologues (e.g., dramatic/comedic, classcial/contemporary, think of them as pieces that show you off in different ways)
- Current photo or headshot (if available) and performance resume (.pdf)
- All acting candidates are encouraged to attend the dance call at noon
Please submit 5-6 files:
- One monologue, 60-90 seconds from first word of dialogue (.mp4 or .mov)
- One up-tempo song from musical theatre or popular/commercial music repertoire, 16–32 bars, with accompaniment (.mp4 or .mov)
- One ballad from musical theatre or popular/commercial music repertoire, 16–32 bars, with accompaniment (.mp4 or .mov)
- Performance resume (.pdf)
- Current moderate-to-high-quality photo/headshot (.jpg or .pdf)
- Optional: dance video, 45-60 seconds of any dance style(s) (musical theatre preferred)
- Some of our scholarships have a dance component as an element of the consideration.
- If including a dance video, please combine the headshot and resume into one .pdf document. SlideRoom has a 5-file upload limit.
Please clearly name all files with the candidates' last and first name, and some indication of the contents (e.g., Lloyd-Gregg-UpTempo.mp4).
Notes on Video Submissions
- Use wide-screen or landscape format/orientation
- Frame should start at mid-thigh/waist and reach 6-10 inches above the head
- Lighting should allow for clear vision of the auditioner with no shadow on the eyes
- Slate/introduce each piece with your name and the show it is from
- If at all possible, songs should have recorded or live piano accompaniment only
- Videos should have no internal edits; please trim beginning and end, if possible, for a clean presentation
- Do multiple takes of each piece and send us your best work
- Be aware of your background to present the least distractions (we want to watch YOU)
- Dress appropriately for a professional audition
In-Person Requirements for Musical-Theatre / Dance Candidates
- One 60–90 second monologue
- Two songs, 16–32 bars of each, from musical theatre, one up-tempo, one ballad
- Current photo or headshot (if available) and resume (.pdf)
- Sheet music marked for your audition cut (accompanist provided)
- Attendance at the dance call at noon
Please submit:
- A compiled portfolio document (one file) with examples of creative works (.pdf)
- Portfolios and samples may include: production photos, process photos, plans or light plots, script analyses, renderings, or any other item that illustrates a student's experience and/or abilities
- A 500-750-word essay explaining theatre area of interest and highlighting 2-3 accomplishments represented in the portfolio. (.doc or .pdf)
- An up-to-date resume with 2-4 references (.doc or .pdf)