THEATRE PROGRAM AUDITIONS

Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts provides an exciting opportunity for artistically talented high school students of Lee County. Once selected, students will become part of an artistic environment designed to develop their talents to the highest possible level while fostering an appreciation and love of the arts which will serve them well in the pursuit of the next step in their educational training and chosen careers.

Admission to the Center for the Arts program is by audition only.  In addition to the Center for the Arts application, a zone school application must also be completed according to the published timeline if changing schools or if the student is new to the School District of Lee County.  Should a student be accepted into the arts program following the audition, that student will be released from the school assigned by Student Assignment in order to attend the Center for the Arts.  All students enrolling in the Center for the Arts must complete four semesters in the program to be considered for a waiver should they choose to leave the arts program. (School District of Lee County Administrative Regulation 1.63)

Theatre Arts

The Theatre Program at Cypress Lake High School is a rigorous, comprehensive program of study. Students may pursue one of three tracks of study: Theatre Performance, Technical Theatre, or Musical Theatre. Each track of study is designed to prepare students for a future in the Theatre Arts. In addition to a comprehensive course load, students accepted into the program are required to complete quarterly Lab Hours outside of the classroom in order to put the skills they learn in the classroom into practice. By the time students complete their track of study, they will have earned anywhere from 8 to 13 credits in Theatre Arts and will be equipped with a portfolio of audition material and technical achievements to help  advance them to the post-secondary level of Theatre education.

Audition Requirements

Applicants are expected to arrive at the beginning of the audition time block to sign in and complete paperwork.  All students will be taken into the audition room as a group. Parents/Guardians will be asked to accompany their child to the first 10 minutes of the audition and receive important program information.  Parents will then be escorted back to the waiting area. Parents are not permitted to watch auditions. Applicants will then complete their audition requirements according to their selected track of study.

• Students will be asked to answer a few questions about themselves, e.g. hobbies, activities.

• Students will be asked to provide a recommendation from a previous Theatre teacher, director, or other teacher who can attest to their work ethic, character, commitment, and talent.

• Students must bring a current headshot. It does not have to be a professional photo but should be an accurate representation of the student’s appearance (no filters, costumes, extreme makeup).

• Students should bring a copy of their most recent report card.

• If a student has past Theatre experience, they should bring a current resume of their Theatre experiences. Resumes should not be more than one page, 12-point font. Resumes should include a list of shows including location and directors, any classes or training including the names of instructors, and any special performance skills (such as cheerleading, juggling, etc.)

THEATRE MAJOR

• Prepare two (2) contrasting monologues.  Monologues must be memorized.  Choices might include one comic and one dramatic piece or one classical and one contemporary piece. Monologues must be chosen from published plays.  Scripts from movies are unacceptable.   Maximum monologue time is a total of two minutes for both pieces. Check your material carefully to ensure that you meet this time limit as you will be timed.  

• Students will be asked to participate in a cold reading exercise.

• Students will receive on-site training during their audition and be assessed on their ability to perform certain Technical Theatre tasks following the training.

MUSICAL THEATRE MAJOR

Acting Requirements

• Prepare two (2) contrasting monologues.  Monologues must be memorized.  Choices might include one comic and one dramatic piece or one classical and one contemporary piece. Monologues must be chosen from published plays.  Scripts from movies are unacceptable.   Maximum monologue time is a total of two minutes for both pieces. Check your material carefully to ensure that you meet this time limit as you will be timed.  

Vocal Requirements

• A major scale sung on a neutral syllable, solfeggio, or numbers a cappella, evaluated for accuracy

• A tonal memory exercise evaluated by the number of remembered pitches sung

• Each student will perform from memory two contrasting songs representing the student’s current level. A recorded accompaniment is preferred as long as it contains no vocalist singing the student’s part. Recorded accompaniment can be on any device with a headphone jack.  A live accompanist is also acceptable.  A cappella performances are unacceptable for the audition.

Dance Requirements

• Students will learn and perform a dance combination in the theatrical jazz or musical theatre style.

• Females are to wear a leotard and tights. Hair is to be secured in a ponytail, bun, French braid, or off-the-neck hairstyle, and bangs secured away from face. Jazz shoes are preferred, but ballet shoes or bare feet are allowed. No socks or non-convertible tights on feet. Males are to wear sweatpants and a plain T-shirt, or dancewear. Jazz shoes are preferred, but ballet shoes or bare feet are allowed. No socks or non-convertible tights on feet. Hair is to be secured away from the face. Students will be able to change clothes.

TECHNICAL THEATRE MAJOR

• Students mainly interested in pursuing a Technical Theatre track must still audition with ONE 1-minute monologue. Monologues must be memorized.  Monologues must be chosen from published plays.  Scripts from movies are unacceptable.

• Students will complete an interview to assess their readiness for Technical Theatre. This interview may include questions regarding their past experience and current understanding of Technical Theatre.

• Students will receive on-site training during their audition and be assessed on their ability to perform certain Technical Theatre tasks following the training.

• If the student has already gained experience in Technical Theatre (stage management, tech operator, run crew, etc.), they should also prepare a resume of their experience.

Audition Attire

     Students are to dress as they would for a professional audition but be able to move freely. Flat, closed-toe shoes that cover the entire foot are suggested.  Students wearing sandals, flip-flops or other inappropriate footwear will NOT be permitted to audition.  Hair is to be secured away from the face.  Ladies are asked to please NOT wear skirts or dresses. Those auditioning for Musical Theatre will need to change into appropriate dance attire as described above. Students will be given access to dressing rooms to change.