General Information
The KCACTF Acting Scholarship Auditions provide an opportunity for student actors to submit samples of their work and receive feedback from respondents across the region. The Scholarship Auditions are open to all students; both Production nominees and self-nominees may submit their work for review and feedback. Please note that due to time and capacity, entries will be limited to the first 200 student submissions received.
Choose material (two contrasting monologues and one scene) that both showcases your talent AND addresses the Criteria used to evaluate the auditions. Auditions will be evaluated using the following criteria at every level of the Acting Scholarship Auditions:
- Ability to urgently pursue strong, clear objectives.
- Ability to partner.
- Ability to make varied, specific and bold acting choices.
- Mastery of an expressive and flexible vocal and physical instrument.
- Demonstration of facility with language and a clear understanding of the text.
- In addition to the above criteria, auditions in the semi-final and final rounds will be evaluated on the candidate’s ability to demonstrate range and contrast.
- Avoid material designed to demonstrate the actor’s cleverness as an end in and of itself.
- Comprehensive supporting guidelines and information about royalties and permissions can be found on the KCACTF National Website HERE.
Round 1, The Preliminary Round
What to Prepare
- What to prepare: 2 contrasting monologues
- Time limit: 3 minutes total beginning after slate.
- Format: Pre-recorded submissions, submitted to KCACTF Website by January 6th, 2023
What to Expect in Round 1
- Students will submit an audition video, and their work will be reviewed by two respondents.
- Preliminary round responses (with faculty) will take place via Zoom between Monday, January 23rd, 2023 and Thursday, January 26th, 2023. Students will be put into small groups and each group will meet via Zoom with the two respondents for feedback on their audition.
- 32 students will be selected to participate in the Semi-Final Round, live at Festival.
- Semi-Finalists will be announced on Wednesday morning via social media and email.
Round 2, The Semi-Final Round
What to Prepare
- 1 monologue (from preliminary round, student’s choice), 1 scene
- Time limit: 5 minutes total.
- Format: Performed live at festival on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023.
What to Expect in Round 2
- Students will receive feedback from the Semi-Final Round Selectors.
- Selectors will give feedback in two sessions – 2 groups of 16 Auditionees. Responses will take place on Friday, February 3rd, 2023
- 16 Candidates (and their partners) will be selected to participate in the Final Round, live at Festival.
- Finalists will be announced late Friday morning after responses are complete.
Round 3, The Final Round
What to Prepare
- 2 contrasting monologues from Preliminary Round and the one scene from Semi- Final Round
- Time limit: 6 minutes total.
- Format: To be performed live at festival on Saturday February 4th, 2023
What to Expect in Round 3
- Students will present Saturday, February 4th
- 2nd Alternates, 1st Alternates, and Finalist will be announced Saturday evening.
To Participate
- Any student interested in participating may submit to the Preliminary Rounds; participation is not limited to Production Nominees.
- Candidates can serve as scene partners for each other. If both candidates advance, they will perform the scene twice – in each participant’s time slot.
- Submit Preliminary Round video no later than Friday, January 6th, 2023 at 11:59 PM
- Students must also provide their Semi Final Round scene partner name and Semi Final Round material selections at this time (Title of play, playwright, publisher, etc.).
- Candidates & Partners must have a paid registration by Friday, January 20th, 2023 at 11:59 PM and both must be able to present in person.
Additional Information
- Audition Introductions – Each candidate and partner shall be introduced by name and material selection only (name of play and playwright). No school affiliation shall be identified.
- Furniture and Props – Two armless chairs and one table will be provided at each round of the auditions. No other furniture is allowed. If simple hand props are used, the nominee must provide them. Use of prop weapons (knives, guns, spears, etc.) is discouraged. Any such props must be disclosed in advance and are subject to inspection by appropriate safety personnel.
- Rights/Permission – Written proof of permission from the rights holder must be presented at each level of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition for any material that has not previously been designated as available. Any royalty fee(s) for material performed in the auditions is the sole responsibility of the nominee.
- Cuts or changes – Performers should seriously consider that when internal cuts and the realignment of text are made to scenes or monologues, there is the risk of significantly altering the interpretation of the dramatic idea of the play and the author’s intent. Both coaches and students are reminded that they assume the liability should any rights holder choose to formally complain about the way the material is used.
- Participants who do not advance to the semi final round are eligible for a performance role with the National Playwriting Program. Further, a track of acting workshops is provided to help students develop their acting and auditioning skills.
- Additional information and tips can be found HERE.