Academic Catalog

THTR 22: AUDITIONING FOR THEATRE

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2022
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Advisory: THTR 20A or equivalent; not open to students with credit in DRAM 53 or THTR 53.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable
Formerly: DRAM 53, THTR 53

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Upon completing this class, students will generate, rehearse and perform a general audition package, suitable for application to the theatre community at large incorporating the crtieria and theories introduced, preparing the student to face the expectations of auditioning premeses and guidelines within the live performance industry.
  • Upon completion of this class, students will capture and be able to apply concepts of self-promotion, self-marketing and the industry standards for personal presentation in seeking performance/employment opportunities.

Description

Students will be introduced to a variety of auditioning scenarios and strategies. With a focus on stage techniques, the course will explore the practical application of audition theories. Topics will include monologues for general auditions, building a repertoire, preparing video auditions, strategies for cold readings and improvisation situations. Students will be introduced to theories of preparation and etiquette as well as the use of informational resources.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Perceive and apply the psychology of the audition process from the perspectives of actor, director, casting director.
  2. Recognize and respond appropriately to the various audition formats used in theatre, film and television.
  3. Prepare and perform appropriate audition selections drawn from dramatic literature.
  4. Develop a working resume and appropriately consider the function of industry photography as it relates to self-promotion.
  5. Understand and apply the precepts of traditional and "non-traditional" casting issues, as they relate to contemporary employment prospects.

Course Content

Students will experience, encounter and practically engage:

  1. Strategies for approaching cold and prepared reading audition situations
  2. Strategies for approaching improvisational audition situations
  3. Preparation for a general audition situation including memorized monologues or songs
    1. Two modern performance pieces of appropriate length
      1. Comic
      2. Serious
    2. Two classical performance pieces of appropriate length
      1. Comic
      2. Serious
  4. Development of an industry appropriate resume with photographs
    1. Research of industry resources for employment opportunities
    2. Concepts of self-marketing appropriate for the industry
  5. Research and discuss industry casting trends of both professional, semi-professional and community companies with the assistance of industry professional guests where applicable

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Rehearsal clothing, changing rooms.
2. Play scripts as required.
3. A rehearsal studio with an unobstructed, flat floor approximately 30' x 40' for rehearsal and simulated auditions.
4. Video recording and playback equipment.
5. College library dramatic literature collection.
6. For online instruction, regular weekly internet access for online content.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Public presentation of monologues
Resume preparation and scrutiny
Quizzes of introduced class elements
Participation in developmental in-class activities

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture
Discussion
Cooperative learning exercises
Oral presentations
Demonstration
Field trips
Performances
Observation
Video recording and critique

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Shurtleff, Michael. Audition. 2003.

Although this text is older than the suggested "5 years or newer" standard, it remains a seminal text in this area of study.

Additional play scripts, anthologies and scene books assigned on an individual basis

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Preparation of industry suitable resume
  2. Individually assigned play scripts
  3. Journal of self-reflection

Discipline(s)

Theater Arts