Communications Audition Information

  1. Prepared Speech – Applicant will present verbally a one (1) minute original speech that should be prepared prior to the audition. The required topic for this speech is “The Responsibility of Youth to Society”. The applicant should bring to the audition a hand- or typewritten copy of the speech. The speech does not have to be memorized; the applicant may use the copy of the speech they bring to the audition or notecards when presenting.

    Evaluation of the speech will be based on:

    • originality and creativity
    • content development and organization of ideas
    • vocal delivery/expression
    • physical delivery/expression
    • preparation of speaker

  2. Interview – Applicant will meet with a panel of three adjudicators. Interview items may include questions related to the prepared speech (see number one above).

    Evaluation of the interview will be based on:

    • ability to communicate ideas and goals clearly
    • conviction and confidence
    • experience in, and knowledge of, communication arts

  3. On Site Creative Writing – Applicant will be given a prompt (a topic, phrase, quote, or image) and asked to write a creative story, which may be fiction or non-fiction, based upon the prompt. The applicant will be limited to twenty (20) minutes for this portion of the audition. Poetry is not permitted for the creative writing portion of the audition.

    Evaluation of creative writing will be based on:

    • originality and creativity
    • development of content and story
    • organization of ideas
    • grammar, mechanics, word choice, and usage

  4. On Site Creation of Storyboard/Synopsis or Poster for Original Short Film – Applicant will develop either a storyboard with synopsis OR a poster for an original short film. In order to create the storyboard with synopsis or poster for the applicant's original short film, the applicant will be given a topic or image(s) on which to base his/her work. The topic or images as well as all materials needed for the creation of the storyboard with synopsis or poster will be provided at the audition. The applicant will be limited to forty (40) minutes for this portion of the audition.

    Applicants choosing to create a storyboard with synopsis should be sure to include images and written text that represent frames of their original short film (storyboard) as well as a synopsis. A synopsis is 3-4 sentences that convey the summary of the short film.

    Applicants choosing to create a poster should be sure to include images that represent the short film, written text that provides an original title for the short film, as well as an original an creative tag line. The tag line is a phrase or short sentence that reflects something about the film (theme, message, etc.) and attracts a potential audience. It aims to advertise the film and persuade people to see it. For example, for the film Jaws, the tagline was "You'll never go in the water again."

    Evaluation of the Original Short Film Storyboard/Synopsis or Poster will be based on:

    • originality and creativity
    • clarity of concept
    • effective use of images and written text to convey concept
    • composition and craftsmanship

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