Department of Theatre Interview/Non-Competitive Audition Requirements
The theatre degree program at USM offers a holistic exploration of the theatre arts. After gaining a strong foundation across theatrical disciplines, students build a personalized course of study according to their interests and professional goals. Three areas of focus include: Design/Technology, History/Literature, and Performance. The audition is competitive and is required so that we can gain an understanding of your interests and skills.
Important Note: At USM, the Theatre major is offered by the Department of Theatre. The Musical Theatre major is offered by the Osher School of Music. For more information on that program and to sign up for an audition, head to: https://usm.maine.edu/music
How to Interview/Audition for the USM Department of Theatre:
1) Apply to USM through the Office of Admissions (https://usm.maine.edu/admit). Please note: To be granted an interview/audition, an applicant must either be an accepted USM student or have submitted their application to the University’s Office of Admissions.
2) Submit an online Interview/Audition Request Form to the Department of Theatre, available here.
3) Prepare for your interview/audition using the criteria below, based on your area of interest.
Design/Technology: Costume, Lighting, Scenic, Sound, Stage Management, & Technical Production
Be prepared to present sketches, production documents, prompt books, or any other representations of your previous work. If you don’t have such representations, be prepared to discuss with us your interests and experiences in theatre, what storytelling techniques and genres you like, and what would be your dream production to be a part of at USM.
History/Literature: Directing, Dramaturgy, History, & Playwriting
Be prepared to discuss with us one of the following plays:
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
- All My Sons by Arthur Miller
- Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
- Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
- A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
- Fences by August Wilson
- Piano Lesson by August Wilson
- Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl
- Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Be prepared to talk about what storytelling techniques and genres you like, and what would be your dream production to be a part of at USM.
Performance: Acting & Dance
Present two contrasting monologues no longer than 2 minutes each. One monologue should be contemporary, and the second one may be contemporary OR classical. They both must be from published dramatic literature. No film monologues, poems, or self-written work. We may work with you on the monologues as well as do some improvisation and/or movement exercises.
Be prepared to talk about what storytelling techniques and genres you like, and what would be your dream production to be a part of at USM.
Need more info?
If you have any questions about the Department of Theatre Interview/Audition requirements, please email Department of Theatre Outreach Coordinator, Janice Gardner, at janice.gardner@maine.edu.