Upcoming Events at the Brooks Center

Lang Lang and Christoph Eschenbach with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra

March 24th, 2010 at 8:00 pm - Christoph Eschenbach first met Lang Lang in 1999 at the Ravinia Festival (just weeks after his July Learn More...

Billy Jonas, vocalist/percussionist

March 26th, 2010 at 7:00 pm - Performance artist, camp counselor, high energy musician—Billy Jonas is all of these things and more Learn More...

Ruske, Prutsman, and Frautschi

April 6th, 2010 at 8:00 pm - Horn soloist Eric Ruske was named associate principal horn of the Cleveland Orchestra at the age of Learn More...

Clemson University Choral Ensembles

April 8th, 2010 at 8:00 pm - The Clemson University Choral Ensembles present a concert of traditional and contemporary choral mus Learn More...

Betrayal • Clemson Players

April 13th, 2010 - April 17th, 2010 at 8:00 pm - "Betrayal," one of Harold Pinter’s most celebrated plays, begins in the present with the meeting of Learn More...

 

Admission to the Production Studies in Performing Arts program at Clemson University is a two-step process. First, all interested students must complete an official application form to the University - please visit the Admissions Office web site for complete application procedures. Secondly, an audition/interview is required for all students interested in pursuing an audio, music, or theatre concentration.

To request an auditions, you may contact the departmental office at 864-656-3043 or via e-mail me at Perf-Arts-L@clemson.edu. Auditions for the 2010-2011 academic year should be completed by Friday, March 12, 2010.

FOR A SUCCESSFUL AUDITION

Complete and return the audition application form before your audition date. (See the link to the right of this page).

Be prepared!

Dress appropriately.

Be at the lobby of the Brooks Theatre before 10:00 a.m. on your audition day.

Bring a resume which details your performing arts experiences and background.

Bring at least two letters of recommendation.

For music students requiring an accompanist – send or fax your music ahead of your audition to:
Ms. Sybil Miller
Department of Performing Arts
221 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634-0525
864-656-3043
864-656-1031 (fax)

For audio students, bring samples of your work on a CD, DVD, or laptop.

For technical theatre students, bring a portfolio of your work.

You will be asked the following questions during your audition/interview – be prepared to answer them:

  • What attracted you to this degree program?
  • What are your career aspirations?
  • What are your experiences and background in the arts?
  • What other (non-arts) activities were you involved with in your school and/or community during your high school career?
  • Understanding that this degree requires collaborative teamwork with students of varying performing arts backgrounds:
    • How do you see yourself fitting into this curriculum?
    • What previous experiences have you had in collaboration?

Music Concentration Auditions

Please read our specific music audition requirements. An accompanist will be provided; however, instrumental students are not required to audition with an accompanist. If you do plan to use an accompanist, please send your music in advance of your audition (see above). Also, see our list of audition tips available online.

Theatre Concentration Auditions

All perspective performing arts majors who are interested in the theatre concentration should bring a resume listing any theatrical or related creative experiences and course work with them for the audition/interview process.

ACTING/MUSIC THEATRE EMPHASIS

  • Prepare two contrasting monologues not to exceed 5 minutes in combined length.
  • Students interested in musical theatre should have a song prepared to sing. If requested, an accompanist will be provided and applicants should send their music in advance to:
    Ms. Sybil Miller
    Department of Performing Arts
    221 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
    Clemson University
    Clemson, SC 29634-0525

DESIGN/TECHNICAL EMPHASIS

  • Bring a portfolio and/or photographs of their creative work, including scenery, lighting, costume, or any backstage or design examples.
  • Applicants should be prepared to discuss their backstage work such as stage management, running crews, design, etc.
  • Any artwork, i.e. , drawings, paintings, etc.

Audio Technology Concentration

Students will be given preferential consideration for admission with any of the following experiences and/or skills:

Previous Music Technology Experience

  • MIDI or Audio on Home Computer
  • Audio Work at School, Community, and/or Church Venues

Musical Skills (Demonstration of any of the following skills is beneficial, but not required):

  • Performance
  • Music Reading
  • Song Writing

Auditioning Tips

- adapted from Teaching Music

  • Be confident, but not arrogant
  • Prepare your repertoire several months in advance of your audition
  • Open with your strongest piece
  • Play in tune - nothing will hurt an audition more than playing out-of-tune
  • Don't panic if you're asked to stop before the end of a piece
  • Have your scales down cold
  • Play in front of an audience (friends and family are OK too!) as much as possible
  • Accept constructive criticism
  • Use a cassette or video recorder to self-evaluate your selections
  • Be so comfortable with your selections that your nerves heighten your performance
  • Dress appropriately
  • Don't stop during your performance
  • Bring copies of your music and a resume to your audition
  • Smile, make eye contact, and engage in conversation with the committee
  • Be professional
  • Be courteous
  • Use good posture and stand (if appropriate) for your audition
  • Arrive early and warm-up
  • Don't chew gum
  • Don't rush through the audition
  • Don't make excuses for something that doesn't go well (the committee's heard it all!)
  • Have Fun!