AUDITION INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program! We look forward to meeting you. We will welcome a new class in fall, 2025.

The CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program provides completely tuition-free training. There is also a generous yearly living stipend as well as health insurance included. All students receive the same financial package.

This recruitment season, the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program will be seeing candidates through the University/Resident Theatre Association’s (URTA) National Unified Auditions, as well as through Private Auditions in different cities and online, by appointment.

For information about URTA’s National Unified Auditions and Interviews (NUAI), please go to urta.com. For actors who are NOT participating in the URTA auditions, Private Auditions will take place in Cleveland, New York City,  Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, as well as remotely.

If you are participating in the URTA National Unified Auditions, we will not be able to schedule you a private audition until after we have seen your work during the URTA process. We will schedule callbacks with selected candidates after the URTA preliminary auditions.

We will be holding THREE Zoom information sessions. See registration information at the bottom of the page. 

2024-25 Audition Dates & Locations

Cleveland: December 7-8, 2024. By appointment only. In person. 

International Auditions: December 14-15, 2024. By appointment only. Remote.

Philadelphia: January 10-12, 2025, through the University/Resident Theatre Association’s (URTA) National Unified Auditions and Interviews. In person.

California State University, Fullerton: Jan. 18-19, 2025, through the University/Resident Theatre Association’s (URTA) National Unified Auditions and Interviews. *Hybrid Auditions: candidates in-person; recruiters remote (live-online)

New York City: January 16-20, 2025. Private Auditions. By appointment only. In person.

Chicago: January 26-29, 2025, through the University/Resident Theatre Association’s (URTA) National Unified Auditions and Interviews. In person.

Chicago: January 28-30, 2025. Private auditions. By appointment only. In person.

San Francisco: February 8-9, 2025. Private auditions. By appointment only. In person.

FINAL CALLBACKS: February 14-16 

Virtual URTA Auditions: Feb. 2, 2025, through the University/Resident Theatre Association’s (URTA) National Unified Auditions and Interviews. Remote.

If you are unable to do an in-person audition, please contact Program Director Donald Carrier to discuss what options might be open to you.

COVID-19 Audition Safety Requirements

Applicants who audition in person will be updated on any requirements in response to the university’s latest COVID-19 policies. We will let all candidates know as quickly as possible if COVID-19 related factors impact our ability to hold in-person auditions. We appreciate everyone’s willingness and ability to be adaptable during this period.

Program Requirements

All candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Required Material for Private Audition Appointment

The material uploaded in advance should include:

• A completed audition application
• A current headshot
• A current resume
• A personal statement in essay form

We also require two letters of recommendation which are to be scanned and sent to Donald Carrier. The letters of recommendation are not part of the uploaded audition appointment material. They must be emailed separately.

The Audition

Each candidate must present two contrasting memorized audition pieces - one contemporary, one Shakespearean verse — not to exceed a total of four minutes. The candidate should be prepared to present additional audition pieces if requested — both contemporary and classical. The candidate may be asked to sing a short unaccompanied song. For audition requirements for URTA, please visit their website at urta.com.

FAQs

What kind of actor is the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program looking for?

We’re looking for committed young artists who possess a vivid imagination, a love of language, an empathy for the human experience, the firm belief in the collaborative process and the desire to develop the necessary physical and vocal skills for a successful and sustained career in the ever evolving performing arts scene. We want people who are committed to change and growth and who understand the rigor required to excel in a professional acting training program.

Do I need an undergraduate degree to be admitted to the MFA Program?

Yes. We only accept candidates who have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Does my undergraduate degree need to be in theatre?

No. Your undergraduate degree can be in any discipline. It does not to be in theatre. 

How many actors to you accept each cycle?

We accept a cohort of 8 actors every two years.

When can I send in my application material to schedule a private audition?

Your material can be uploaded starting September 3, 2024. The form is found on this page.

Do I have to use the uploading process? Can I send in my material in hard copy form by mail?

No. Material must be uploaded and not sent as a hard copy.

Is there a fee to audition for the MFA Program?

No. At this time, there are no fees to audition for the CWRU/CPH MFA Program. If you are auditioning for multiple schools through URTA, there is a fee listed on their website: urta.com.

When is the final date that material can be submitted for the auditions held in Cleveland?

The deadline for submission for Cleveland in-person auditions is Monday, December 2, 2024. Late submissions are accepted based on audition appointment availability.

When is the final date that material can be submitted for international online auditions?

The deadline for submission for international online auditions is Monday, December 9, 2024. Late submissions are accepted based on audition appointment availability.

When is the final date that material can be submitted for all other independent auditions?

The deadline for submission for all other in-person auditions is Friday, January 10, 2025. Late submissions are accepted based on audition appointment availability.  

Is there flexibility with audition scheduling?

As we audition over a number of days, we do our best to honor a candidate’s specific request of day and time.

How do I make an audition appointment?

Once we have accepted your application, you will be sent a link to register for an audition day and time.

Am I able to change my appointment time once I have scheduled it?

If you need to alter or cancel an appointment, please contact Donald Carrier. We do our best to work with your schedule.

How soon will I be contacted about scheduling my audition appointment?

We usually respond within a week of receiving the material in order to send you the audition scheduling link.

Do you allow walk-in auditions?

We want to see as many people as possible. Walk-in auditions are allowed based on  whether there is space on a given day.

Do I need to pay an audition fee for a walk-in audition?

No. There are no fees for a walk-in audition?

What do I have to prepare for the audition?

Each candidate must present two contrasting memorized audition pieces - one contemporary, one Shakespearean verse — not to exceed a total of four minutes. The candidate should be prepared to present additional audition pieces if requested. The candidate may also be asked to sing a short unaccompanied song.

What are the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) Unified Auditions?

URTA auditions allow students to audition for more than 40 different universities and drama training programs at one time for one fee.  To learn more about the auditions, visit their website at urta.com.

I am NOT planning to audition through the University/Resident Theatre Association (URTA). Can I schedule a Private Audition?

Yes. You are able to book a private audition. If requesting a private audition, you must send in the materials requested above. You are only permitted to schedule a Private Audition in advance if you are NOT auditioning through URTA.

I will be auditioning at the University/Resident Theatre Association’s (URTA) National Unified Auditions. Can I also schedule a Private Audition?

No. If you are already scheduled to audition through URTA, we are unable to grant you a private audition in advance. However, we welcome hearing from you and your interest in our program so that we can be aware of you at URTA’s National Unified Auditions. After seeing the URTA National Unified Auditions, we will call back actors the same day for a more extensive session.

Preliminary URTA auditions are very short - two minutes.  If I get a callback with CWRU/CPH, will I be permitted to do longer pieces or longer versions of the same pieces?

Yes. You will be asked to present two contrasting memorized audition pieces - one contemporary, one Shakespearean verse — not to exceed a total of four minutes. You should be prepared to present additional audition pieces if requested — both contemporary and classical. You may be asked to sing a short unaccompanied song.

Do you have advice on the type of pieces I should present?

Ideally the audition process should be helping us get to know you, and who you are as an artist! Choose material that is active with high stakes for the character, that  shows your strengths and passions. Finding material that you have a personal connection with is always preferable. Avoid pieces that are passive or story telling that lack strong dramatic intention. It’s important that we see YOU through the work — what you feel good acting is and what kind of work excites you. Always choose material that you really love to do! Not something someone told you to do that you are not passionate about. Choose two pieces that are contrasting so we can see your range. For example, one piece that is serious and the other that is light. Or one that shows strength and another that shows vulnerability. The contrast need not be dramatic and comic. Avoid using a dialect or an accent that is not your own. Avoid choosing material from a Monologue book or if you do so, make sure that you are familiar with the play and the context of the text. Your unique voice is important to us.

Am I obliged to take my contemporary piece from a play? Can I use material from film or TV?

The monologue tends to be more common and organic in work written specifically for the stage. However, there is strong material in film and TV that might be appropriate. Ultimately, you should choose something you connect with and serves you as an artist, regardless of the medium from which it comes.

What do you consider “contemporary” in terms of material?

“Contemporary” has a flexible definition but we encourage people to do material written after 2000. Ideally, you need to choose material that gives us a clear idea of your strengths and who you are as an artist.

Can I present a classical piece besides Shakespeare?

Your first classical piece must be Shakespearean verse but if further audition material is requested, you may draw from other classical dramatists.

What do you consider classical if I do an additional piece that is not Shakespeare?

The definition is flexible, but you should consider anything written before 1900 as classical material. There are many writers that you might consider from world theatre including Lope de Vega, Congreve, Webster, Calderón, Racine, Hannah Cowley, Corneille, Aphra Behn, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Kalidasa, Vyasa, Schiller and Shaw. All speeches must be presented in English. We are interested in how you approach heightened text so that it, like a piece of contemporary material, is a product of given circumstances and connected to thought and action. We are less interested in how beautiful or poetic you deliver the language. It must be active, connected to a specific situation and ideally, how you affect your imaginary scene partner(s).

How are Private Audition days structured?

We’ll be seeing applicants from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm for preliminary auditions. Those whom we want to see again will be asked to return for an End-of-Day Callback. We will be holding end of day callbacks between 4:00- 6:00 pm. We ask that all those who have callbacks arrive at 4:00 pm and we will have a quick group warmup, an opportunity for some group work and allow time for Q and A. We will then see people one at a time in order to once again see your pieces, work with you and may ask for a third piece as well. We will see people in the order that they originally came. An interview may also take place during this callback session.

We may also ask you to sing if we did not in the preliminary audition. After you have finished your individual callback, you are free to go. The callback session will go no later than 6:00 pm.

If I do not get an End-of-Day Callback, am I still being considered for admission to the Acting Program?

If you do not receive a callback, this indicates that you are no longer being considered for admission this intake.

How long should the song be, if  I’m asked to perform one?

It should not exceed 16 bars of music. There can be no live or recorded accompaniment. It can be any genre of music. It’s an opportunity for the candidate to show another aspect of their personality or skill set. A song is another chance for us to get to know you. A trained singing voice is not a requirement for admission to the program.

Do I need to send in my transcripts with my material?

No. Official transcripts are only required after a candidate is made an offer to join the program.

If I have auditioned for the program in the past, can I be seen again this cycle?

Yes. However, applicants who have auditioned twice without being offered admission are discouraged from re-applying to the program.

If I applied in the last cycle, do I need to resubmit my materials in order to re-apply? 

Yes. Since we don’t keep any past candidate files, you would need to resubmit all requested materials. 

Who should I get letters of recommendation from, and what should they include?

The two letters of recommendation should ideally be from a theatre professional (director, artistic director) and an instructor who are familiar with your work. A letter of recommendation should include your recommender’s title, contact phone number as well as their institutional or corporate email address. It should be sent electronically as a PDF document. The content should speak to your ability as an artist and your work ethic. All recommenders are contacted when a candidate is being seriously considered for acceptance to the program.

Should the recommender send in the letter of recommendation?

The letters may be emailed by the candidate or by the recommender. They should be in PDF format. We contact the recommender directly if we are seriously considering a candidate.

I am auditioning through URTA. Do I need my letters of recommendation at this audition?

No. However, if you are in consideration for our program, we will request them.

Can I provide more than two letters of recommendation?

Yes, but we only need two.

Can I upload the letters of recommendation as part of the submission package?

No. Letters of recommendation must be sent separately. They can be emailed to Donald Carrier.

When are letters of recommendation due?

We will accept your letters of recommendation up to the date of your audition. You should submit all other material through the uploading process and we will add the letters of recommendation to your file when we receive them. Since historically, this has been the most challenging piece of material to obtain by candidates, we encourage you to reach out to your recommenders early.

What should the Personal Statement contain?

A Personal Statement is an opportunity for us to get to know you better. It should detail why you are pursuing graduate training and specifically why you want to study with the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program as opposed to another program. What do you want to achieve in your training and what might you want to avoid? It is also useful to know what your interests and hobbies are and what drew you to the performing arts in the first place. We truly want to know who you are through this short essay and what the life of an artist means to you. Write about your history, your aspirations for the future and what kind of art inspires you. These essays are read only by the audition panel and as such, the material is confidential.

How long should the Personal Statement be?

It should be a maximum of two pages – typed and double-spaced.

I am auditioning through URTA. Should I have have my Personal Statement at this audition?

No. However, if you are in consideration for our program, we will request one.

Should I fill in my Audition Request Form under my legal name?

Yes. Please avoid using nicknames or stage names on the Audition Request Form.

Do you accept audition requests after the cutoff date?

We will consider late applicants based on the availability of appointments.

I’m auditioning through URTA. Do you have a callback process?

During the URTA process, we select actors after each day’s preliminary auditions for another opportunity to meet you. After this, we may ask you to submit a taped audition or request to see you again remotely or in-person prior to “offer day.”

Do you hold final callbacks?

We are planning on holding final callbacks in Cleveland. Dates TBD.

How long does the initial Private Audition last?

This depends on the candidate but each preliminary audition can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule, candidates should be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes in case appointments have fallen behind.

Is there an age limit for candidates?

There is no age limit for candidates to apply. All applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The program is full-time and therefore all applicants need to be available for this commitment.

Do you provide travel stipends to International students who wish to audition for the program in the case of in-person callbacks?

No.

Are students required to take the GRE?

No. We do not require students to take the GRE.

May I audition if English is not my first language?

Yes. However, all candidates must demonstrate a complete fluency in the English language. Auditions are conducted entirely in English.

Do you accept international students?

Yes. International students who have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university are eligible.

I’m an International student and I want to audition in person. I will need a Tourist Visa. Will the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program provide me with an audition/interview letter that I would need to obtain the Tourist Visa?

Yes, we will provide you with an invitation letter to show your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate after you have officially submitted your application and been assigned a specific audition time.

If you are applying for the Tourist Visa, we recommend you do this as early as possible time as waits can vary for a consular interview.

When will I know whether I have been accepted to the program?

Admission decisions are made by early April. Please note that this is a tentative timeframe, as notification can be delayed by the selection process. If a candidate is offered a place in the 2028 cohort, they will first be contacted by phone, followed by a formal letter of acceptance by email. All applicants should be notified of their status by mid-April through email contact.

I am planning to audition through URTA. When would I know my status?

As an URTA participant, we are obliged to follow its guidelines around offers to those candidates who auditioned through URTA. On a date stipulated by URTA, we are able to make offers. No URTA member program should be making you an actual offer before that date.

On URTA’s designated “offer day”, we are free to make you an offer or update you on your status as an alternate or waiting list candidate. The offer will be made by phone, followed by a formal letter of acceptance through email. You will have a finite time period, stipulated by URTA, in which to decide whether to accept an offer. After this date, we may move on to other candidates, as any delay will hamper our recruitment efforts of other strong candidates.

I did not audition through URTA. Will a potential offer follow the same URTA guidelines?

No. If you did not audition through URTA, we are free to make you an offer at any point. The initial offer will be made by phone, followed by a formal letter of acceptance. Once an offer is made, we will agree on a date by which you will need to make a decision whether you wish to join the program.

How many people do you accept?

We accept eight students every other year. Our next class intake will be fall of 2025. Auditions will be held in December 2024, and January and February of 2025.

Is there financial aid?

The CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program provides completely tuition-free training. There is also a generous yearly living stipend as well as health insurance provided. All students receive the same financial package.

How long is the program?

The MFA Program runs three consecutive years.

Can I defer my admission if I am offered a place?

The CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program does not grant admission deferments due to the structure of the training program. Since we only take a class every other year, this would prove impractical.

Are classes held on the CWRU campus?

The majority of our classes are held off-campus at Cleveland Play House but from time to time, some classes and/or workshops are held at the Department of Theater’s Maltz Performing Arts Center.

Do you provide housing?

No. There is a living stipend to help defray living expenses. Cleveland has plentiful and affordable housing options.

Can I visit the CWRU/CPH MFA facilities?

At this point, there will be no in-person visits to campus. We do a two-show season and always encourage prospective students to see our work.

Will you be holding information sessions?

Yes. We will be holding THREE remote open house information sessions in Fall 2024. You must register in advance for these meetings

Information Session #1: September 29 from 6:00-7:30pm ET

register

Information Session #2: October 19 from 10:30 am-12:00 pm ET

register

Information Session #3: November 16 from 11:00-12:30 ET

register

Do I need to apply directly to Case Western Reserve University at this point?

No. Only candidates that are accepted into the program make an official application to Case Western Reserve University.

Can I get feedback for my audition?

Unfortunately, due to the number of candidates, it is not possible to provide individual feedback either at the time of your audition or at a later date. Because of fairness and equity, we can’t give one person feedback without extending that courtesy to all that request it. Given the large numbers we see, this would not be possible

For any further questions and information please contact Donald Carrier.