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
After applying to UNL, upload your prescreen audition videos and application to GetAcceptd. The submission deadline has been extended past January 2, so you may still submit your application and audition videos. 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
There should not be a separate "slate" video. Instead, slates are to appear at the beginning of each piece.
The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the work, and the playwright/screenwriter.
The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and source (e.g., musical title, composer and lyricist, pop-artist) in which it appears.
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 on February 23-24, 2024. This 1.5-day event includes workshops (camera, acting, stage combat, voice), facility tours, meetings with faculty, lunch with current students, a Friday night dinner, and more!
- Visit us at the Palmer House in Chicago during the Unifieds - February 5-6, 2024. For a callback time, please contact Todd at tcuddy1@unl.edu. National Unified Auditions in Chicago
- Zoom Callbacks - Virtual callback on February 25, 2024.
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 2024. Financial packages will be determined after acceptance. All updates will be sent via email.
Tips and Resources*
Overall Tips: Set Up Your Recording Space
- Find a space where you can move around freely taking care to move items that might impede your creative exploration. This is especially important for dance and movement.
- Ensure the camera portion of your device is at eye level. This way the camera can record you the way others see you. You can use a tripod (at least 60 inches tall) built for a smart phone 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 always preferable, but not required.
- Do your best to find a space that is free of visual distractions. 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. Do not have a lamp or window directly behind you as it will cast a shadow over your face. Keep the light source behind your recording device or to the side of you so that your face is lit.
Slating Tips
- An example of a slate for a song might be, "My name is Audra McDonald and this is 'Daddy's Son' from Ragtime."
- An example of a slate for a monologue might be, "My name is Lin-Manuel Miranda and this is 'Choir Boy' by Tarell Alvin McCraney."