Auditions



Musical Theatre Auditions

Most Friday mornings are available for auditions; other arrangements can be made on an individual basis if necessary. Please call Ms. Sharon Tucker at (607) 753-2811 to reserve a time for this audition.

  • Candidates should prepare two contrasting songs from the musical theatre repertoire: one up-tempo, one ballad-one pre-1960, and one post-1960. (No pop, rock, rap, or country.) You must bring the sheet music, in the correct key, to the audition-an accompanist will be provided.
  • Candidates should prepare a brief (1¸ - 2 minute) monologue. Contemporary material is recommended.
  • Candidates must prepare a short (no more than 2 minutes) dance or movement combination. The accompaniment should be prerecorded, either on cassette or CD. If you haven't had dance training, a short combination will be taught to you at the audition. (Bring shoes you can dance in!)

If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact Prof. Kevin Halpin, the director of the musical theatre program. He can be reached at: (607) 753-4599, or halpink@cortland.edu.

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Theatre Auditions

Auditions for plays and musical theatre productions are held at the beginning and the middle of each semester, approximately six to eight weeks before each theatre production. Auditions for all productions are open to students in all majors. An audition workshop is usually held the day before the auditions to help students prepare for the tryout process. Notices for each audition are publicized campus-wide and in the community.

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Vocal Auditions

Auditions for College Singers are by appointment during posted hours, the first week of classes, or by appointment if you require specific times, with Dr. Stephen Wilson, Dowd Fine Arts, Room 105, X4615. The Vocal Chamber Ensemble is derived from members of College Singers, and requires a separate audition.

BRING a prepared song if possible(not required). Student vocal ranges will be determined and rhythm and tonal memory will be tested. Pitch accuracy is essential.

NO AUDITION is required for the Choral Union. See Dr. Wilson for more information about the Choral Union (Dowd Fine Arts, Room 105, X4615), or come to the first rehearsal during the first week of classes. Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in Dowd Fine Arts, Room 108.

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Instrumental Auditions

AUDITIONS for Wind Ensemble and for the College-Community Orchestra will be held during the first two rehearsals during the first week of classes. The College-Community Orchestra is comprised of students and members of the community; the Wind Ensemble participants are mainly students. For further information, please contact Dr. Ralph Dudgeon, Dowd Fine Arts Room 218, 607.753.5721.

PREPARE a piece (or two) that demonstrates both lyrical and technical elements of your playing style. You may be asked to perform scales or to do some sight reading. Please do not feel intimidated by the audition requirements. The audition is simply a tool to provide a baseline of your musicianship.

IF YOU OWN an instrument, bring it with you to campus. For those who do not own an instrument, the school has a collection of instruments which students who are enrolled in ensembles may use. There is a special secure room where you can store your instrument.

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Additional Audition Information

BEFORE AUDITIONING, note your ensemble's time and leave room in your schedule.

AFTER AUDITIONING, you will be given a permission slip to add the ensemble. This can be done through the Department of Performing Arts Secretary in Dowd Fine Arts Room 216 (X2811).

The Performing Arts Department welcomes students from all majors and pre-majors into its music ensembles.

JOIN US!

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