Theatre Admissions & Auditions
The Department of Theatre at Louisiana Tech University offers many competitive graduate assistantships and undergraduate scholarships and awards.
Department of Theatre personnel will work diligently with applicants to identify opportunities for scholarship, awards, and grants. While an audition is not necessary for acceptance into the department as a student, auditions (and/or interviews) ARE required to be considered for assistantships, scholarships, and awards.
Students wishing to apply for Graduate School admission should:
- Go to the Louisiana Tech University Graduate School website and click on APPLY NOW
- Submit application and pay processing fee to the Graduate School with all supporting documentation by the deadline
- Have three letters of recommendation emailed to Director of Recruiting, Paul B. Crook
- Provide a sample of academic writing, a current resume, and headshot. These can be emailed to Paul B. Crook or "snail mailed" to the Department of Theatre (Attn: Paul B. Crook)
- Please note that, due to FERPA privacy laws, the Graduate Admissions Office will not release information regarding the status of your admission application to anyone other than you. Because of that, we ask that, once you have completed the online application process, please inform Paul B. Crook so that we can track your admission process.
Students wishing to apply for undergraduate admission should:
Go to the Louisiana Tech University Undergraduate Admissions website and click on APPLY NOW
- Submit application and pay processing fee to the Admissions Office with all supporting documentation by the deadline
- Provide a current resume and headshot. These can be emailed to Paul B. Crook or "snail mailed" to the Department of Theatre (Attn: Paul B. Crook)
- Please note that, due to FERPA privacy laws, the Admissions Office will not release information regarding the status of your admission application to anyone other than you. Because of that, we ask that, once you have completed the online application process, please inform Paul B. Crook so that we can track your admission process
Students wishing to apply for assistantships, scholarships, and awards should:
- Complete the application process, informing Director of Recruiting Paul B. Crook when you have done so
- Contact Paul B. Crook to request an assistantship/scholarship application form and set up an audition/interview date. Please note that, each year, the Department of Theatre hosts a Scholarship Day where students can audition and interview, as well as take workshop classes from our faculty. This year's Scholarship Day is Friday, January 14th
- Prepare two contrasting monologues (one minute each) or one monologue and one song (16 bars) for your audition [for actors]
- Prepare a portfolio for review [for designers, stage managers, and directors]
For more information, contact:
Paul B. Crook, Assistant Professor
Acting and Directing
Director of Recruiting
Louisiana Tech University
School of the Performing Arts
PO Box 8608
Ruston, LA 71272
pcrook@latech.edu
318-257-2062
AUDITION DO'S AND DON'TS:
1. When you come on stage, say both your first and last name, pausing slightly between the two so that the auditors can hear you clearly. Then introduce your monologue- "Hi, my name is First name (pause) second name, and I will be doing Dorine from "Tartuffe" by Moliere. If you aren't sure of pronunciations, get them before you audition.
2. Men's Apparel:
No flip flops. Please dress as if you were going on a job interview, as this is exactly what it is. Everything must be ironed and shoes must be polished. NO white socks.
3. Women's Apparel:
No flip flops. Please dress as if you were going on a job interview, as this is exactly what it is. Everything must be ironed. Tight clothing or clothing that reveals your belly button is a distraction. Wear make-up (the lights are harsh) and keep your hair off your face. Don't wear backless shoes, or high platform shoes. A simple low-heeled pump is the best bet for any audition.
It is important for both men and women that we need to see your natural movement, not restricted by footwear. Again I remind you to dress like a professional. Remember, if you don't respect what you do, no one else will.
4. Do not choose a story monologue, they do not show the range of an actor.
5. Do not use props. Only use a chair if absolutely necessary.
6. Don't talk to chairs or inanimate objects. In general, place the person you are supposedly talking to somewhere on the back wall of the theatre over the heads of the auditors.
7. In your imagination, you should be talking to someone from whom you need something. And, you must fully understand the meaning of every word in your piece.
8. Choose monologues that are within a range of ages that you play comfortably. An 18 year old boy doing Willy Loman just won't cut it.
9. Movement is good! There is no rule that says you have to stand center and stare straight ahead for the entire time.
INTERVIEW / PRESENTATION DO'S AND DON'TS:
1. When you enter the room, introduce yourself using your full name, pausing slightly between the two so that the auditors can hear you clearly. You may shake hands; you must make eye contact with each person you are interviewing with. If you are going to do a presentation you must introduce your work and walk us through your portfolio. If you aren't sure of pronunciations, get them before you interview.
2. Men's Apparel:
No flip flops. Please dress as if you were going on a job interview, as this is exactly what it is. Everything must be ironed and shoes must be polished. NO white socks.
3. Women's Apparel:
No flip flops. Please dress as if you were going on a job interview, as this is exactly what it is. Everything must be ironed. Tight clothing or clothing that reveals your belly button is a distraction. Wear make-up and keep your hair off your face. Don't wear backless shoes, or high platform shoes. A simple low-heeled pump is the best bet for any interview.
