Theatre FAQs
Western offers two options:
Virtual: Complete the Special Ability Grant Scholarship application online and upload a current resume, headshot photo, and audition video including:
From memory, two contrasting musical theatre songs not to exceed 1 minute in length each, with live or recorded accompaniment, AND one contemporary monologue not to exceed 1 minute in length (total of three minutes). The songs must be from a stage musical (1920s-present) and should display your best vocal range, vocal style, and characterization. The monologue must be from a published stage play.
On campus: Complete the Special Ability Grant Scholarship application online and schedule an audition by emailing Steve Cramer at scramer@westernwyoming.edu.
Please bring your current resume, headshot photo, and be prepared to perform from memory two contrasting musical theatre songs not to exceed 1 minute in length each, with live or recorded accompaniment, AND one contemporary monologue not to exceed 1 minute in length (total of three minutes). The songs must be from a stage musical (1920s-present) and should display your best vocal range, vocal style, and characterization. The monologue must be from a published stage play.
For any questions regarding the necessary materials, the audition process in general, or the Special Ability Grant, feel free to call the Theatre Office at (307) 382-1721.
Perform from memory one musical theatre song not to exceed 1 minute in length and one monologue not to exceed 1 minute in length (total of three minutes including introduction). The song must be from a stage musical (1920s-present) and should display your best vocal range, vocal style, and characterization. The monologue must be from a published stage play.
Please have your printed music marked and in a three-ring binder for the accompanist.
Fall auditions are typically mid August while spring auditions are typically late November. Watch the Western Theatre Facebook page for more information.
Go to Student Positions and apply to the Theatre Student Worker position for work relating to technical and costume areas. Apply to the Piano Accompanist position to play for classes and/or show rehearsals. You will also need to stop by the Theatre Office (room 1004) and fill out a supplemental application.
(If you have worked for the Theatre department the previous semester/year, please see Katie in the Theatre Office before applying).
The Associate of Arts degree transfers seamlessly to four-year colleges and universities throughout the USA that offer the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and/or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. It may also transfer to other programs and institutions both in the USA and abroad. It is never too soon to begin discussing transfer options and career paths with the theatre faculty who serve as a student’s advisor.
For some aspiring performers, heading straight to New York City and auditioning for Broadway after high school is an option, but due to the competitive nature of show business it is generally best to have some training in acting, singing, and dancing. Even those that are in NYC take acting and dance class as well as voice lessons. An Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre provides foundational training in musical theatre, but students are encouraged to audition for summer opportunities in the region. See a theatre advisor for more information.
For those considering teaching as a career, working as an intern for the Sweetwater Board of Cooperative Educational Service Summer Theatre for Youth and/or Shakespeare Workshop offers students hands-on experience creating a show with young people (ages 8-18).
Students can also complete the Substitute Teacher Training course (EDUC 1520) and be hired by the local school districts (Sweetwater 1 and Sweetwater 2) to teach. Students who obtain a bachelor degree in secondary education with a specialization in theatre are able to teach in secondary schools (grades 7-12). For more information contact Steve Cramer at scramer@westernwyoming.edu.
The performance spaces at Western include a 521-seat proscenium theatre which can be converted into 131-seat black-box configuration, as well as an outdoor enclosed courtyard and open-air amphitheater. The production spaces include a large scene shop for set construction, a large costume shop for costume construction, a crafts room for props construction, as well as considerable storage facilities for sets, props, costumes, lighting, and other theatrical equipment.