University of Nebraska-Lincoln Application
Please apply to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) to receive full scholarship consideration. UNL accepts applications through the Common App or the UNL website.
Prescreen Audition (for entrance fall 2025)
After applying to UNL, upload your prescreen audition videos and application to GetAcceptd. The submission deadline for priority callback notification is December 1, 2024. The final submission deadline is January 3, 2025. If you have any questions about auditions or your application, please contact Todd at tcuddy1@unl.edu.
Helpful Information
First-Year:
First-year applicants should have some training and experience in acting techniques and production.
Transfer or Change of Major:
The BFA Acting Program is built as an eight-semester, four-year sequence, therefore all applicants must enter at the first-year level.
Prescreen Requirements
Overall
Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
Slate
Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera. See more information under "Tips and Resources" below.
Monologues
- 2 contrasting monologues, 60-90 seconds each.
- First monologue: Contemporary (written after 1950); Contemporary monologues should be filmed in a "close up" shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame. The monologue may be from a published play, film, or TV.
- Second monologue: Classical (written pre-1950); Classical monologues should be filmed in a "full body" shot which means the top of the head to the feet on the floor should be visible in the frame. Only perform Shakespeare if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Both monologues should be age-appropriate material that do not require dialects, costumes, or props. Your selection must be memorized and should show your strengths as an actor.
Wild Card
- Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
- The media can be anything you want: a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument that you play, etc. "What do you want us to know about you?" and "What makes you unique?".
Optional Song Submissions
- Choose a song that demonstrates your strengths as a singer and performer.
- Song files should be 60-90 seconds (this time limit includes the slate at the beginning of the piece and is strictly adhered to; please do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds).
- Applicants may sing to live accompaniment, an accompaniment track, or acapella.
- Songs should be filmed in a 3/4 shot which means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
Callback Information
If you pass your prescreen audition, you will be contacted by the Carson School via email to set up a callback. Callback options:
- Callback Weekend (CW) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Callbacks will be held on campus February 22, 2025 (tentative date). This one-day event includes workshops (camera, acting, stage combat, voice), facility tours, meetings with faculty, lunch with current students, and more!
- Visit us at the Palmer House in Chicago during the Unifieds - February 3-6, 2025. For a callback time, please contact Todd at tcuddy1@unl.edu. National Unified Auditions in Chicago
- Zoom Callbacks - Virtual callback February 23, 2025 (tentative date).
Callback Requirements
- Everyone must perform two contrasting monologues of your choice, each approximately one-minute in length, from a published work (no stand-alone monologue collections will be accepted). These pieces should be age-appropriate material that do not require dialects, costumes, or props. Your selections must be memorized and should show your strengths as an actor. At least one of these needs to be different from your prescreen selections.
- Optional song. Applicants will be given the option to sing one 32-bar selection of their choice. We will need music in your key for the accompanist.
Admissions Decision
Decisions will be made by mid-March 2025. Scholarships will be determined after acceptance. All updates will be sent via email.
Tips and Resources*
General Information and Tips
- Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
- Students are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices available to them (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.)
- Solid-colored walls are ideal, but any background that does not steal the focus from your performance is desired.
- Take care that your space allows for adequate lighting. Having a lamp or window directly behind you will cast a shadow over your face. Keep the lighting source behind your recording device or to the side of you so that your face is lit.
- When using pre-recorded music, place the music source (the speaker) closer to you than it is to the device on which you are recording. By having the accompaniment near you, your voice and music will reach the microphone on your device in a more balanced manner.
- Before filming, do a trial run to test both your audio and visual presentation. Watch your video back to ensure everything looks AND sounds okay.
- Ensure the camera portion of your device is at eye level. You can use a tripod built for a smartphone or tablet. If you do not have a tripod, consider using a stack of books on a desk or box. Filming in "landscape" (horizontally) is recommended.
Prescreen Introduction "SLATE" Video
- Record one introduction "slate" video stating your name. If you would like to include your pronouns, state them as well. Please speak loudly (project your voice) and clearly (articulate) directly at the camera. This is an opportunity for the auditors to get a sense of your personality and to learn the pronunciation of your name.
- There is no need to slate your individual performance videos and pieces. Instead, clearly label each video with your name and the title of the piece you are performing.
Labeling Guidelines for All Videos
Label each video file with the piece you are performing, the show or playwright, and your first and last name.
- Title of Song - Musical/Show - Your First and Last Name
- Title of Play - Playwright - Your First and Last Name
- Example: Slate - James Smith
- Example: Your Daddy's Son - Ragtime - Minnie Mouse
- Example: Much Ado About Nothing - William Shakespeare - Luke Skywalker