Theater Performance

Theater Performance

Our performance students fall under the Theater Performance major. This exciting new approach to training provides a fuller, richer experience, providing the necessary training for artists in the 21st century.

Part of our mission is to prepare artists for the demands of an ever-expanding definition of theater. While we would like to see everyone become a triple threat, we realize that not everyone is a singer or dancer or either. In order to be competitive, however, actors need to at least be comfortable with acting, using their voice, and using their bodies to tell stories. The old boundaries between “musical theater” and “acting” did more harm than good. Students were being limited by being placed in a category where they felt they should stay. Plays were the domain of the “actors” and musicals were the domain of the “singers” – and rarely was the line crossed.

By housing all performance students under the common banner of Theater Performance, we will be  stretching our artists beyond pre-defined boundaries and opening up artistic doors for exploration in all areas of theater.

Auditions

Please read all information carefully. The ability to follow directions is paramount to your success in the Theater Department. All interested auditionees must FIRST apply to the Hillsborough County Schools Choice program and select Blake High School Theater Performance (check the county website for dates). You will be contacted by the school through the email you entered on your application (check your junk/spam mail) with audition dates and times.

READ ALL DIRECTIONS!!!

REQUIRED ITEMS

All performance auditionees will be required to:

  • Provide one (1) letter of recommendation. Letters may come from teachers, directors, theater professionals, coaches, etc.
  • Provide a current headshot/photograph and resume listing any theatrical or related experience. (There is no need for professional shots, a school photo is acceptable).
  • If you are applying for more than one theater related major, you must provide these items for all separate auditions.
  • Dress for audition – dress in clothes that allow for full range of movement and expression. No sandals or flip flops. Present yourself as professional and prepared.
  • Participate in a 60 minute theater class that will include various theater exercises assessing creativity.
  • Be prepared to perform a one-minute contemporary monologue. Monologues will be videoed AT the audition for review by the faculty. You may choose from one of the monologues provided through the links below OR one of your own.

Female Character Monologues

Male Character Monologues

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Singers – The OPTIONAL singing audition should only be considered by proficient singers.

Choose one of the songs provided.

Songs for Soprano/Mezzo/Alto Voices:

Songs for Tenor/Baritone/Bass Voices:

At the conclusion of the class, you will sing the song you chose from the beginning with the accompaniment track provided. We will stop you after approximately one-minute of singing. You do NOT need to bring the track with you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Class – 30-40 students per session. Prospective students will work through various improvisational and theatrical exercises.

Anyone who feels they are a strong singer will be recorded singing their song in a separate room for later review by the faculty.

Monologue and song performances MAY be one-on-one OR in front of small groups, depending on time and the number of auditions scheduled..

Required Educational Track For Theater Performance Majors

General Theater Studies

General Theater is the required track for all Theater Performance majors.

9th Grade – Pre-AICE Drama (Honors level), Vocal Tech

10th Grade – AICE Drama AS Level (AP Level), Dance Technique 1

11th Grade (The tech costume requirement can be taken either in the 11th grade or 12th grade, but must be taken before graduation) – AICE Drama A Level (AP Level), Tech Theater 1 (required)

Options if schedule allows: Musical Theater (this class is by audition only. Dance Tech 1 is a prerequisite. Vocal Tech 2+ is a co-requisite), Theater Elective (see list at bottom of page)

12th Grade (The tech costume requirement can be taken either in the 11th grade or 12th grade, but must be taken before graduation) – Acting 4 (required)

Options if schedule allows: Musical Theater (this class is by audition only. Dance Tech 1 is a prerequisite. Vocal Tech 2+ is a co-requisite), Theater Elective (see list at bottom of page)

College BFA Preparation

This track is the SUGGESTED track for students planning on auditioning for college BFA Theater programs. This is an OPTION that requires planning and possible virtual classes.

9th Grade – Pre-AICE Drama, Vocal Techniques 1, Dance Techniques 1

10th Grade – AICE Drama AS Level (AP Level), Musical Theater (this class is by audition only. Dance Tech 1 is a prerequisite, Vocal Tech 2+ is a co-requisite)

If a student is not admitted to Musical Theater, they should continue with a vocal tech class.

11th Grade – AICE Drama A Level (AP Level), Musical Theater (this class is by audition only. Dance Tech 1 is a prerequisite, Vocal Tech 2+ is a co-requisite.) If a student is not admitted to Musical Theater, they should fill this spot with another Vocal Tech class.

Options if schedule allows: Technical Theater 1 (This requirement must be completed prior to graduation), Directing or Playwriting

12th Grade – Acting 4 (required), Musical Theater (this class is by audition only. Dance Tech 1 is a prerequisite, Vocal Tech 2+ is a co-requisite.) 

If a student is not admitted to Musical Theater in their Senior year, they should fill this spot with a Theater elective if their schedule allows. Technical Theater 1 (This requirement must be completed prior to graduation), Directing or Playwriting

Electives Directing 1; Directing 2 (with approval and scheduled the same time as Acting 2); Dance Techniques; Playwriting. Other options may be available with approval of the Theater Artistic Director.