Visual and Performing Arts Auditions and Portfolio Review

To apply for art scholarship awards, a visual art portfolio is required and may be submitted digitally to Margo Miller via email to millerm@mountunion.edu. Students submitting digitally shall receive an email concerning their review date and time.

Students must submit their personal portfolio for review in PDF format. The portfolio should include an introduction page with 12-15 works. Each work should be on its own page and titled. Pages should be numbered, and the PDF should be presented in slideshow format. This portfolio must be submitted no later than 24 hours prior to your scheduled review date.

Digital submissions are for your convenience, if you prefer to meet with an Art faculty member please feel free to set up an in-person meeting. At the in-person meeting, please bring your portfolio for review with you to your in-person appointment. We also ask that you submit a separate, digital copy of your portfolio as well.

You are encouraged to think seriously about your major strength in the area of visual arts. Students are permitted to audition for only one scholarship, as Mount Union offers visual and performing arts scholarships in art, media, music, theatre, and a blended scholarship for students majoring in both music and theatre.

Thank you for your interest in scheduling a portfolio review. You can choose from the designated audition dates listed on the form. Scholarship preference will be given to those who attend one of the designated dates, but late submissions are still considered. 

Art Portfolio Requirements

• 10 – 15 original works of art completed by the applicant
• Submit works created in art classes as well as independent study
• Select work completed within the last four years
• Emphasis on Drawing and Sketchbook work.
• Feel free to include examples of Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Etc.
  
  

Digital Art Portfolio Tips

• Use high-resolution digital images (at least 1 megapixel) of each artwork in your portfolio
• Take the picture close-up with little to no surrounding background
• Please save the image in a .jpg file format
• Emphasis on Drawing and Sketchbook work.
• Send them as individual attachments to Margo Miller at millerm@mountunion.edu

To apply for a media scholarship, a portfolio of media-related projects or a demo reel showcasing video/film work is required and may be submitted digitally (portfolio file or link to demo reel) to Adelina Cooper via email at cooperls@mountunion.edu.

Upon digital submission, students will receive an email notifying them of their review date and time. Alternatively, if you prefer an in-person meeting, feel free to arrange a meeting with a media faculty member. For an in-person review, we will access your portfolio or demo reel electronically for consideration.

Media Portfolio Requirements

When preparing your portfolio, please bear in the mind the following guidelines.

• A compilation of 10 – 15 original works created by you.
• Works can stem from media classes, independent studies, or work outside of class.
• Pieces should originate from within the last four years.
• Focus on video production and storytelling is encouraged.
• Page numbers must be included, and the PDF should be arranged in a slideshow format.
• Submissions should be completed at least 24 hours before your scheduled review date.
• Students are encouraged to contemplate their main strength within the realm of visual media.
• Each piece should occupy its own page, clearly titled for identification.

Demo Reel Tips

If you want to submit a demo reel, keep in mind these guidelines:

A demo reel is a short video compilation that showcases an individual's best work and skills in a particular field, such as broadcasting, media production, filmmaking, or animation. It is essentially a visual portfolio that provides a quick overview of an individual's capabilities, expertise, and creative style.

In the context of media production, a demo reel typically consists of excerpts from various projects that the creator has worked on. These excerpts could include clips from films, videos, commercials, animations, or any other relevant content. The goal of a demo reel is to demonstrate the quality of work, technical skills, and creative abilities of the individual.

• A well-constructed demo reel should be concise, engaging, and tailored to the target audience. It should effectively communicate the creator's strengths, range of skills, and unique style.
• Aim for a duration of around 2-3 minutes, featuring your best and most relevant work. Showcasing too much content can dilute the impact of your best work.
• Demo reels can be presented in various formats, including video files, websites, online portfolios, and even interactive experiences.
• You might think about demonstrating your proficiency in different aspects of media production, such as cinematography, editing, sound design, visual effects, and storytelling.
• Pay attention to the quality of visuals, audio, and overall production value. Additionally, consider creating a visually appealing opening and closing sequence to make a lasting impression.
• Emphasize Storytelling: While showcasing technical skills is important, storytelling is paramount.
  
  

Remember, the purpose of a demo reel is to make a strong and memorable impression in a short amount of time. Tailor your reel to your target audience and the type of work you want to pursue in media production.

We appreciate your eagerness to undergo a review of your work. While scholarship preference is extended to those attending these scheduled dates, we do consider late submissions.

Music auditions serve two purposes:

1. MUSIC MAJORS: For students who wish to major in music and are thus applying for direct-admission to the music degree programs, auditions are an evaluation of skill and potential for success as future musicians. For these students, auditions are part of the admission process into the music degree programs as well as evaluations of musical ability for the purposes of earning a scholarship award. Students intending to major or minor in music should clearly state their intent to do so in the application process. There is also a blended scholarship available for students double majoring in both music and theatre.
2. NON-MUSIC MAJORS: For students who do not wish to major in music, the music audition serves only as an evaluation of musical ability for the purposes of earning a Music Scholarship Award.
   
   

Music Scholarships awarded in: 

Brass ▪ Guitar ▪ Harp ▪ Percussion ▪ Piano ▪ Organ ▪ Strings ▪ Voice ▪ Woodwinds

We encourage you to think seriously about your major strength in the area of visual and performing arts. Students are permitted to audition for only one scholarship. Mount Union offers visual and performing arts scholarships in art, media, music, theatre and a blended scholarship for students majoring in both music and theatre.

Thank you for your interest in scheduling an audition. You can choose from the designated audition dates listed on the form. Scholarship preference will be given to those who attend one of the designated audition dates, but late auditions are still considered. 

Music Audition Requirements

INSTRUMENTAL:

• Scales C-G-D-A-E-F-Bb-Eb-Ab Majors
• An etude of your choice
• A solo showing your level of advancement

VOCAL:

• Perform two solos of contrasting style (Preferably memorized)

KEYBOARD:

Piano:

• Scales
  • Majors through four sharps and flats
  • Minors through four sharps and flats, harmonic and melodic
• Three works in contrasting styles, memorized
• Sight-reading

Organ:

• Two works in contrasting styles
• One prepared hymn
• Sight-reading

PERCUSSION:

• A short solo on any two of the following:
  • Snare Drum
  • Mallet Percussion
  • Timpani
  • Multiple Percussion 

• Major scales on any mallet instrument in two octaves, up to 4 sharps and 4 flats
• Snare Drum Rudiments -or- a short rudimental snare etude

NOTE: Students may bring their own accompanist. With advance notification, an accompanist can be provided. If we will be providing an accompanist for you, you will need to send or fax your music one month before your audition date and plan to arrive thirty minutes early to rehearse with the accompanist before your audition.

Music Audition Day Information

ARRIVAL: The audition activities may take several hours. It is strongly recommended that students arrive early for adequate warm-up time before the audition activities.

PARKING: There is visitor parking available in the lot next to the Giese Center for Performing Arts. Alternate parking is available on Simpson and Vincent Streets and in the Eells Art Center parking lot (across the street from Cope Music Hall/The Giese Center), as well as in other campus parking lots.

AUDITION SCHEDULE: Each student will participate in the following activities: (1) individual audition(s) with music faculty, and (2) an interview with representatives of the department faculty. Additionally, students wishing to major in music will be required to complete diagnostic tests in music theory, musicianship, and piano proficiency. Students wishing to minor in music will have the option to complete the above diagnostic tests in order to test out of certain required music courses.

PRACTICE ROOMS: The music department has individual practice rooms located in Cope Music Hall. Limited warm-up time is provided in your personal schedule. You are welcome to use these facilities on audition day.

PARENTS: We welcome your attendance on audition days. While the audition, interview, and diagnostic tests are for students only, parents are invited to meet with the music faculty afterward.

HOSPITALITY: Parents and students are invited to the lobby of Cope Music Hall where refreshments will be available.

ACCOMPANISTS: Instrumentalists and vocalists should provide their own accompanist whenever possible. If we will be providing an accompanist for you, you will need to mail or fax your music one month before your audition date and plan to arrive thirty minutes early to rehearse with the accompanist before your audition.

CANCELATIONS: As a matter of professional courtesy, if you need to cancel your audition for any reason, please notify the VPA office as soon as possible by calling 330-823-2180.

Music Auditioning Tips

• Select music that shows your talents in the best light.
• Be prepared to perform to the top of your ability.
• Arrive well in advance of your audition time to allow for a sufficient warm-up.
• Make sure your instrument is in proper working order.
• Have all appropriate musical scores (not photocopies) with you.
• Dress as you would for a serious business interview (no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, etc)

To apply for direct admission and/or to be considered for theatre scholarships, performers will present an audition, and designers and technicians will present their portfolio for review. Students with multiple areas of interest may apply for consideration as performers and designers/technicians. All students applying for a scholarship will interview with the theatre faculty, and if appropriate, members of the music faculty. Auditions and reviews for these awards are open to both theatre majors and non-majors who have been admitted to the University.

Thank you for your interest in scheduling an audition. You can choose from the designated audition dates listed on the form. Scholarship preference will be given to those who attend one of the designated audition dates, but late auditions are still considered. 

Theatre Audition and Portfolio Requirements

ACTING AUDITIONS

Each actor should prepare two contrasting one-minute monologues. Care should be exercised in finding a suitable piece which best shows the performer’s strengths.

Students auditioning digitally for an Acting emphasis shall prepare and video record two contrasting monologues of approximately one minute each. Next, upload the unedited recording to YouTube, save as an unlisted video, and email the link to francije@mountunion.edu.

All students should also email a copy of their resume. Once received, you will be contacted to discuss your interview. During the interview, students should be prepared to discuss their theatre experience, training, and future career plans. This will be an opportunity for students to get acquainted with our theatre faculty and ask questions. For questions or concerns, please contact us at the above email.

ACTING/SINGING AUDITIONS

Musical theatre performers should prepare a one-minute monologue and a song. Care should be exercised in finding a suitable piece that best shows the performer’s strengths.

You may bring your own accompanist, or accompany yourself. Accompanists are available through Mount Union. For more information, contact (330) 823-2180.

Students auditioning for a Musical Theatre emphasis shall prepare and record one monologue lasting approximately one minute and a known Musical Theatre song. Next, upload the unedited recording to YouTube, save as an unlisted video, and email the link to francije@mountunion.edu.

All students should also email a copy of their resume. Once received, you will be contacted to discuss your interview. During the interview, students should be prepared to discuss their Theatre experience, training, and future career plans. This will be an opportunity for students to get acquainted with our Theatre faculty and ask questions. For questions or concerns, please contact us at the above email.

DESIGN/TECH PORTFOLIO

Each designer or technician should bring a portfolio showing examples of theatre work. This work can be theoretical, practical, or both and may consist of pictures, renderings, sketches, process shots, prompt books, programs, costume pieces, or anything that displays the candidate’s talent and experience.

Theatre Audition Day Information

ARRIVAL: The interviews will take no longer than 30 minutes

PARKING: Parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the Giese Center for the Performing Arts. Alternate parking is available on Simpson and Vincent Streets and in the Eells Art Center parking lot, as well as in other campus parking lots.

REQUIREMENTS: Actors will perform two contrasting one-minute monologues.

Musical Theatre performers will present a one-minute monologue and a song.

Designers and Technicians will present a portfolio of their work.

A brief interview with the Theatre faculty will follow all presentations.

PRACTICE ROOMS: The music department has individual practice rooms located in Cope Music Hall. Limited warm-up time is provided in your personal schedule. You are welcome to use these facilities on audition day.

PARENTS: We welcome your attendance on audition days. You are invited to be present at the audition with your child’s consent, tour the facilities and to meet with the theatre faculty afterwards.

HOSPITALITY: Parents and students are invited to the lobby of Cope Music Hall where refreshments will be available.

ACCOMPANISTS: You may bring your own accompanist, or accompany yourself. Accompanists are available through Mount Union. For more information, contact (330) 823-2180.

Theatre Audition Tips

PERFORMERS

• Select pieces that best show your talent and portray characters within your age range.                  
• The pieces should be well-memorized.
• Use pieces from published works.
• Arrive well in advance of your audition time to allow for a sufficient warm-up.
• If using an accompanist, make certain that you bring original scores of the music that are clearly marked and in the proper key.

DESIGNERS/TECHNICIANS

• Portfolios should include show titles and venues. It is perfectly acceptable to show work from class projects.
• Be prepared to talk about your work on the projects.

EVERYONE

• Dress as you would for a business interview (no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, etc.)