Webster University Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Webster's Conservatory blends students' academic experience with its association with professional theatre companies located on campus.

Romeo and Juliet

WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

presents

A PROFESSIONAL THEATRE TRAINING PROGRAM IN EIGHT SEMESTERS

featuring a

BFA DEGREE

with majors in

ACTING, MUSICAL THEATRE, SCENE DESIGN, COSTUME DESIGN, LIGHTING DE- SIGN, SOUND DESIGN, WIG AND MAKEUP DESIGN, SCENE PAINTING, COSTUME CONSTRUCTION, TECHNICAL DIRECTION, STAGE MANAGEMENT

and a

BA DEGREE

DIRECTING

in partnership with

THE DEPARTMENTS OF DANCE, MUSIC, AND ART, DESIGN AND ART HISTORY

and

REPERTORY THEATRE ST. LOUIS, OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS, THE MUNY: THE MUNICIPAL OPERA ASSOCIATION OF ST. LOUIS, ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, VARIETY ST. LOUIS, ARROW ROCK LYCEUM THEATRE

From the Dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts

with remarkable and nationally recognized professional performing institutions— Repertory Theatre St. Louis, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre and The Muny—provide our students with incredible and unique opportunities unequaled at any other undergraduate institution. To see and be a part of exceptional, professional theatre is a rare opportunity. The faculty and staff know that demanding work and exciting performances are natural results of the talent at the heart of who we are. We are confident you will find the challenges and training to be exceptional. At the Sargent Conservatory, we lead through doing and excel by challenging. Come join our ensemble.

Paul Steger

Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts continues to be recognized as a national leader for training artists for careers in the theatre and film industry. We are an exceptional place to train and an exciting place to create remarkable theatre experiences. We are committed to help you prepare for your career. We celebrate the fact that theatre requires an incredible blend of a highly diversified series of accumulated skills whether you are a performer, designer, technician, director or stage manager. To blend those skills and become proficient professionally, you must be willing to commit to a challenging and stimulating sequence of courses and experiences that will help you define your voice and learn the skills you will need to succeed. Webster’s Sargent Conservatory is a unique place to hone your craft. Our partnerships

Paul Steger Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Webster University

Webster University

From the Chair of Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

for what we do in our homes, in our streets and even in our hearts. For over 55 years, Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts has been guided by the core belief that there is power in a strong ensemble. No matter what role we play—whether it is in the rehearsal hall, in class, onstage, backstage, in the booth or in the shops—each of us performs as part of a larger team effort. This core principle permeates our work. We commit to care for each other and help each of us thrive as artists and citizens of a global community. We hope you consider joining our ensemble.

Gad Guterman Chair, Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts Webster University

Gad Guterman

These have been complicated times. One fact keeps me feeling not only optimistic but also grateful. My theatre education and practice have honed my resilience. Making theatre requires collaboration, imagination, problem solving, time management, resource management, improvisation and tending to interpersonal relationships. We simply cannot make theatre if we don’t play with what we’ve been given and play in a safe, caring, compassionate manner. “Crisis is always an opportunity for change.” That’s playwright Paula Vogel on why the current moment, challenging as it may be, is also thrilling. In our playing and in our embodying imagined circumstances, we build the equitable, antiracist, inclusive, sustainable world that we want for ourselves. What we do in our studios, in our rehearsal rooms and on our stages serves as rehearsal

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Only the Finest

Silence

end of each semester, performance students present at “showings” and engage in one- on-one interviews with faculty. Production students present a portfolio review, which includes all faculty. A critical element of Conservatory philosophy is that each member understands the entire theatrical process: actors build sets, construct costumes, hang lights or run props. Designers, technicians and stage managers study acting, and all learn the fundamentals of directing. Our highly selective screening process, our rigorous curriculum and our strong relationships with professional theatre companies lead to our graduates being among the finest and best-prepared professionals entering the job market.

Each spring, Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts holds auditions and interviews in several major cities throughout the United States as well as on the home campus. We screen all Conservatory students, across all majors, through these interviews, auditions or portfolio showings. Students accepted into Conservatory have demonstrated artistic ability and the desire to excel in the profession. From the many students who audition each year, we expect that no more than 30 will enter performance programs, five will enter the stage management program and 25 will enter production programs. We carefully mentor each student’s progress through ongoing evaluation processes. At the

Webster University

Cast of Characters

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Paul Steger....................................................................... Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts Gad Guterman............................................................. Chair, Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts Carole Tucker............................................... Associate Chair, Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS Tali Allen........................................... Musical Accompaniment, Vocal Coaching, Musical Direction Jef Awada..................................................................... Head of Performance Programs, Movement Joanna Battles........................................................... Head of Recruitment, Acting, Voice & Speech Michael Baxter........................................................................................................ Musical Theatre Will Bonfiglio............................................................................................................ Stage Intimacy Lisa Campbell Albert......................... Musical Accompaniment, Musical Direction, Vocal Coaching Rayme Cornell........................................................................................ Associate Producer, Acting Doug Finlayson................................ Head of Directing Program, Directing, Acting for the Camera Gary Glasgow............................................................................................................ Acting, Pilates Gad Guterman.................................................. Text Analysis, Theatre History, Creative Dramatics

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Julie Hanson............................................................................................................ Musical Theatre Ron McGowan.................................. Musical Accompaniment, Vocal Coaching, Musical Direction Zahria Moore.......................................................................................................... Theatre History Joel Moses................................................................................. Studio Acting, Acting for Designers Stephen Neale..................................... Musical Accompaniment, Vocal Coaching, Musical Direction Michael James Reed........................................... Musical Theatre, Auditions, Acting for the Camera Rachel Roberts......................................................................................................................... Yoga Lauren Roth.......................................................................................................... Voice and Speech Andy Sloey.................................................................................................................. Improvisation Paul Steger.................................................................................................................. Stage Combat Lara Teeter.................. Head of Musical Theatre Program, Musical Theatre, MT Dance Styles, Tap Rachel Tibbetts.......................................................................................................... Stage Intimacy PRODUCTION PROGRAMS Catherine Adams..................................................................................................... Lighting Design Dennis Milam Bensie......................... Head of Recruitment for Production, Wig & Makeup Design Rob Denton............................................................................................................. Lighting Design Dottie Marshall Englis................................................................................ Fundamentals of Design Doug Finlayson................................................................................................... Visual Storytelling Renee Garcia.................................................................................. Costume Design, Visual History Gad Guterman......................................................................................................... Theatre History Becky Hanson................................................................. Crafts, Props, Costume Shop Management Jayson Lawshee............................................................................................... Design, Vectorworks Scott Loebl................................................................................................................ Scene Painting Arthur Lueking.................................................................................................. Technical Direction Connor Meers..................................................................................................................... Electrics Zahria Moore.......................................................................................................... Theatre History Shevaré Perry................................................................................................ Wig & Makeup Design John Ryan..................................................................................................... Scene Shop Supervisor Michele Siler.............................................................................. Costume Design, Design for Actors Katherine Stepanek..................................................................................................... Scenic Design Eddie Teshara.................................................................................................... Technical Direction Carole Tucker.................................................. Costume Construction, Costume Shop Management Emilie Weilbacher-McMullan........................................................................... Drafting, AutoCAD Amanda Werre........................................................................................................... Sound Design Evangeline Rose Whitlock.................................. Head of Production Programs, Stage Management Sean Wilhite........................................................................................................ Sound Technology Ralph Wilke................................................................................................. Furniture Construction John Wylie............................................................................ Technical Production, Lighting Design DIRECTORS FOR 2024–25 Jeffrey Richard Carter..............................................................................Music Director, Cinderella Kari Ely........................................................................... Director, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui Gad Guterman................................................................................................... Director, Our Town Avery Harrison................................................................ Director, The Legend of Georgia McBride Amalia Perez Lam................................................................... Director, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord Charlie Mueller............................................................................Music Director, Ride the Cyclone Lara Teeter.................................................................Director & Choreographer, Ride the Cyclone Dax Valdes...........................................................................Director & Choreographer, Cinderella

Webster University

The Spitfire Grill

OUR PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS • Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre • The Muny: The Municipal Opera Association of St. Louis

• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis • Repertory Theatre St. Louis • St. Louis Shakespeare Festival • Variety St. Louis

OUR WEBSTER PARTNERS • Department of Art, Design, and Art History

• Department of Dance • Department of Music

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Performance Programs: Acting and Musical Theatre

We train students in the acting and musical theatre programs to perform in a wide range of styles and with complex material, both classical and current. Our focus on storytelling skills prepares our students for success on stage and on screen. Voice & speech, movement and acting classes form the core curriculum every semester. As the training sequence progresses, students hone and apply the principal tools taught in the core to an array of stylistic approaches—from Greek and Shakespearean verse to the early realism of Chekhov and Ibsen, from the farces of Molière and Oscar Wilde to the contemporary plays of Dominique Morisseau and Paula Vogel. Musical theatre majors add to their acting sequence a rigorous training program in music (theory, piano, voice), dance (ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre dance styles) and musical theatre song study (Golden Age, Sondheim, Disney, rock). In the end, the Musical theatre program is comparable to a triple major involving work in the Sargent Conservatory, the Department of Music and the Department of Dance. YEAR 1: DISCOVERY Our first-year program encourages students to discover what it means to be an actor and to establish the basis for a personal technique. First-year students do not perform publicly but do present scene work and songs for Conservatory at the end of the year. Classes during the first year of training typically involve:

In their first year, Musical theatre majors will add to their required classes the following:

• Ballet I • Jazz I • Private Voice • Piano • Music Theory • Song Study

YEAR 2: EXPLORATION In their second year, performance majors stretch and strengthen basic techniques by applying them to highly contrasting styles of dramatic literature. Second-year students join the casting pool and are now eligible to perform in the Conservatory season. They also comprise the casting pool for the directing students’ “Every Tuesday” series of performances, which involve 20-minute plays presented almost every Tuesday in the semester. Classes during this second year of training typically involve: • Acting: Contemporary Theatre, Ibsen and Chekhov • Voice & Speech: Greek and Shakespeare • Movement: Neutral Mask, Yoga and Pilates • Song Study • Audition Techniques

In their second year, Musical theatre majors will add to their required classes the following:

• Ballet II • Jazz II • Tap Dance • Musical Theatre Dance • Private Voice • Musicianship • Piano • Musical Theatre History

• Acting • Voice & Speech • Movement • Text Analysis • Makeup

*Acting majors will also begin the required Theatre History sequence.

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Blood at the Root

• Ballet II or III • Jazz II or III • Musical Theatre Dance • Musical Theatre Scene Study, Song and Dance • Dance Improvisation and Composition • Private Voice • Vocal Ensemble YEAR 4: PREPARATION The fourth year aims to provide a smooth transition into professional practice. Students remain eligible for both Conservatory casting and casting opportunities with our professional partners. In spring, students will participate in Senior Showcase, presenting work to casting agents and directors. Classes typically involve:

YEAR 3: APPLICATION Work in contrasting styles becomes even more ambitious in the third year of training. Students continue to be eligible for casting in the Conservatory season as well as for opportunities to perform with our professional partners. Classes will now include: • Acting: Shakespeare, 17th- and 18th-Century Comedy of Manners, Edwardian Drama • Voice & Speech: Dialects • Movement: Period Movement, Stage Combat, Alexander Technique *Acting majors will also take classes in directing and improv. Musical theatre majors will continue with required classes that include:

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Romeo and Juliet

• Acting: Contemporary Scene Work, Showcase Preparation • Voice & Speech: Dialects • Movement: Clown • Acting for the Camera • Audition Techniques and Professionalization *Acting majors will continue to take improv and can opt to continue with their directing sequence.

• Dance Improvisation and Composition • Private Voice • Vocal Ensemble Note: Acting majors may opt to take classes in the Departments of Music and Dance as electives, including private voice lessons.

Musical theatre majors will continue with required classes that include:

• Ballet II or III • Jazz II or III • Musical Theatre Dance • Musical Theatre Audition Technique

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Senior Showcase – Performance Programs

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts has been training actors for over 55 years. Our graduates are exceptional storytellers, ready to perform on stage and on screen. Every spring, the senior class prepares a showcase featuring the work of our graduating Acting and Musical Theatre majors. Traditionally, Senior Showcase involves the following: • A performance in New York City tailored to casting agents and directors. • A closed audition/workshop in New York City with select casting agents and directors. • A video showcase, filmed in a professional studio in St. Louis and then distributed to casting agents and directors nationwide.

Showcase involves not only the honing of audition-worthy material but also the preparation of a personal website to set our graduates up for professional success. In addition to signing with agents, students have been cast in exciting projects directly from their showcase performances. We recognize that no single event is a make-or- break experience in the career of a performer, but we believe strongly that the work Senior Showcase entails sets up our soon-to-be graduates for success. Join us this coming March in New York City for our annual showcase: March 11, 2025, in New World Stages. Learn more about the Senior Showcase at webstershowcase.com .

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Directing Program

Directors are storytellers. As students of directing begin their journey toward a career in theatre, the coursework at Webster’s Sargent Conservatory vigorously stresses the craft of directing, while providing opportunities for each student to discover the stories they want to tell. Our directing program is highly specialized, combining elements of directing, acting, design and stage management. Practical experience supplements classroom work, and Conservatory directors assist on professional productions such as those at Repertory Theatre St. Louis, a nationally recognized LORT (League of Resident Theatre) organization. Combined with a senior semester studying abroad, the directing program provides a rich environment of learning for the student director. The program culminates with a capstone directing project in the final semester.

theatre classes alongside design and technical theatre majors. Learning the basics of visual storytelling and of communicating with a design team are critical for a director. Key classes will include:

• Directing 1 and 2 • Visual History • Fundamentals of Design

• Prop Design • Shakespeare

YEAR 3: EXPLORATION The third year challenges directing majors to bring stories to full theatrical life. Students will also serve as assistant directors for professional productions. Classes entail a combination of performance and design classes:

• Directing 3 and 4 • Improv • Stage Management • Lighting Design

A typical directing major can expect the following:

YEAR 1: PERFORMANCE TRAINING Directing majors will spend the bulk of their first year training alongside the performance majors. Learning how to perform and how to communicate with performers is integral to the craft of directing. Key classes will include:

YEAR 4: APPLICATION The fourth year is designed around two major experiences. In fall, directing majors will study abroad. In spring, directing majors will lead a capstone directing project, putting to use all the skills learned up to now.

• Acting • Voice & Speech • Movement • Text Analysis • Makeup • History of Theatre

YEAR 2: DESIGN TRAINING In their second year, directing majors will begin the directing sequence and serve as assistant directors for Conservatory productions. Students will take several of their

Webster University

Stage Management

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

Stage managers work on every phase of a production process, from prep to closing night. They facilitate communication among directors, choreographers, writers, designers, actors, office staff and other collaborators. Stage managers run rehearsals and attend meetings. Once installed in the theatre, the stage manager coordinates all production elements and calls the cues of the show for technical rehearsals, previews and performances. After the official opening, the stage manager becomes responsible for maintaining the production’s artistic integrity. The Sargent Conservatory trains the next generation of leaders in the theatre and live events sector by blending classroom training with practical work. Students receive

instruction and one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals with a vast range of experience, including Broadway, off- Broadway, regional, dance, corporate events, and opera. Stage management students also have the opportunity to intern and assist on productions with professional companies in St. Louis and across the country. Through study abroad programs, stage management students can build a rich global experience. A typical stage management major can expect a well-rounded engagement with the theatre process that involves both classwork and production work.

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

YEAR 1: FOUNDATIONS The trajectory of courses begins by building a foundation in the technical skills of stage management through assistant stage management (ASM) production assignments and classes that include: • Stage Management 1 • Stage Management Seminar • Fundamentals of Design • Technical Production: Scenery, Lighting, Sound and Crafts • Scenography • Drafting • Theatre History • Introduction to Drawing YEAR 2: EXPLORATION In the second year, students explore the inter/intrapersonal aspects of a stage manager’s work and focus on the relationships forged in a theatrical process. ASM assignments continue to hone critical skills for running rehearsals and performances. Key classes include:

YEAR 3: SYNTHESIS Whether it’s through a production stage management assignment in the Conservatory season or through a production assistant assignment with one of our professional partners, stage management students will put skills learned in the classroom to practice. Coursework becomes increasingly specialized, while at the same time affording students the chance to explore electives in the design program. Classes might include:

• Stage Management 3/4 • Stage Management Seminar • Stage Management Topics • Lighting Design • Additional Design Electives

YEAR 4: PREPARATION The fourth year aims to provide a

• Stage Management 2 • Stage Management Seminar • Stage Management Topics • Vectorworks • Rendering • Visual History • Fundamentals of Musicianship

• Stage Management 3/4 • Stage Management Seminar • Stage Management Topics • Sound Design • Professional Practice • Additional Design Electives

Silence

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Design: Costume, Lighting, Scene, Sound, and Wig & Makeup

The Spitfire Grill

Sargent Conservatory is one of only a few programs whose productions are designed entirely by undergraduate students; faculty input on production work is strictly advisory. Design students acquire production experience necessary for their degree and simultaneously build exciting, varied portfolios. The combination of conceptual work in the design classroom, coupled with practical shop and stage work, creates a unique opportunity for artistic and professional growth. Importantly, our curricular sequence aims to improve each student’s artistic skills. Students majoring in visual disciplines pair design classes with fine

arts courses throughout their time at Webster. Sound design majors pair their design classes with courses in music and audio technology. Design students enrich their studies by working with our professional partners. Many students opt also to study abroad or do an internship during their third or fourth year at Webster. We offer BFA degrees in costume design, lighting design, scene design,sound design and wig & makeup design. Although there are variations among the programs, all rely on a holistic approach to the design process.

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

YEAR 1: FOUNDATIONS Our design programs begin with a fundamental first-year experience aimed to develop a common theatre vocabulary and practice. Key courses include:

during the third year. Key courses now include electives in other design areas:

• Design Seminar • Design 1 • Design Electives • Figure Drawing (except for sound design majors)

• Fundamentals of Design • Scenography • Drafting • Technical Production • Introduction to Drawing • Principles of Drawing • Design: 3-D

YEAR 4: PREPARATION The fourth year aims to provide a

smooth transition into professional practice. Production assignments will serve to round out a student’s resume, and preparation for the Senior Portfolio Open House will entail creating a website and fine-tuning interviewing skills. Classes typically involve: • Design Seminar • Design 2 • Design Electives • Professional Practice • Figure Drawing (except for light and sound design majors)

*The sequence for sound design students is slightly different during the first year, with Audio Technology classes (Lecture, Lab, Practicum, Signals & Systems) replacing the drawing sequence. YEAR 2: EXPLORATION In the second year of training, students delve into the specific processes of their disciplines. Production assignments complement coursework, ensuring students are putting learning to hands-on practice. Key courses include:

• Design Seminar • Rendering • Vectorworks • Visual History • Figure Drawing • Crew Management • Theatre History

*Sound designers again replace the drawing courses with Fundamentals of Music for Audio class and an Audio Technology elective. YEAR 3: SYNTHESIS In their third year, design students focus their studies in their particular discipline and take on more creative responsibility in the Conservatory production process. Increasingly, students will take advantage of opportunities for professional experiences with our professional partners. Many students opt to take a semester abroad or on internship

Blood at the Root

Webster University

Technical Production: Costume Construction, Scene Painting, and Technical Direction

Sargent Conservatory’s technical production programs focus on innovative solutions to technical problems. Students train with highly skilled professional mentors, have direct access to up-to-date equipment and hone their practice working in three different performance spaces. Our technical programs demand the highest standards of operations and craft helping students to bring theatrical designs to life in a safe and efficient manner. Each technical shop is staffed professionally by Repertory Theatre of St. Louis during the day and by Webster students in the evening. Our faculty includes working professionals, many of whom are currently employed by our professional partners. As a result, students in our technical production programs consistently have the opportunity to work in professional endeavors. Many students opt to study abroad or do an internship during their third or fourth year at Webster. We offer BFA degrees in costume construction, scene painting and technical direction. Although there are variations among the programs, all rely on a holistic approach to the technical process. The first two years of the program parallel those of our design programs (see pages 15–16) to ensure a balance of studio course work and practical application. The third and fourth years focus on specialization in the student’s major. YEAR 3: SYNTHESIS In their third year, technical production students focus their studies in their particular discipline and take on more creative responsibility in the Conservatory production process. Increasingly, students will take advantage of opportunities for professional experiences with our professional partners. Many students opt to take a semester abroad or on internship during the third year. Key courses now include electives in other areas:

• Costume Technology / Technical Direction Seminar / Scene Painting 1 & 2

• Design Seminar • Design Electives

YEAR 4: PREPARATION The fourth year aims to provide a

• Advanced Costume Technology / Technical Direction Seminar / Scene Painting 3

• Design Seminar • Design Electives • Professional Practice

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Senior Portfolio Open House – Production and Directing Programs

Silence

Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts has been training theatre artists for over 55 years. Our graduates leave Webster ready to work in a wide range of creative environments. Every spring, students majoring in directing, stage management, design and technical production present their work at an event in New York City. The goal of the Senior Portfolio Open House is to have students network with potential employers, who annually visit our event to meet soon-to- be graduates.

We recognize that no single event is a make- or-break experience in the career of a theatre artist, but we believe strongly that the work Senior Portfolio Open House entails sets up our soon-to-be graduates for success. Join us this coming March in New York City for our annual Open House: March 11, 2025, in New World Stages. Learn more about the Open House—and view representative work from all graduating students—at webstershowcase.com .

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A Well-Rounded Education

Directing majors, who are pursuing a BA degree typically fulfill the Global Citizenship Program with 10 general education courses: • A first-year seminar • Two courses with a focus on history • Two courses in the social/behavioral sciences • A course in intercultural/international studies • A course in the natural sciences • A course in mathematics

We have designed all our majors with a singular goal in mind: prepare artists to work professionally. Part of this effort involves offering a well-rounded college education. All theatre majors at Webster need to complete the Global Citizenship Program. The required set of general education classes seeks to nurture the skills necessary to confront 21 st century global challenges. Theatre majors pursuing a BFA degree fulfill the Global Citizenship Program with five general education courses: • A first-year seminar • A course with a focus on history (fulfilled by theatre history) • A course in the social/behavioral sciences or one in intercultural/ international studies • A course in the natural sciences or in mathematics • A culminating capstone class

• A course in arts appreciation • A culminating capstone class

*All major requirements are detailed in Webster’s Undergraduate Catalog .

A Well-Funded Education

Almost every full-time undergraduate student at Webster University receives some sort of financial aid. Webster’s Office of Financial Aid is committed to making a college education affordable. Additionally, the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts awards annual scholarships designated specifically for theatre majors. In 2023-24, the department awarded over $225,000 in scholarships to its students.

Most of these awards are reserved for our third- and fourth-year students. Still, every year we allot some scholarships to first- year students. These awards are made in consultation with the recruiting faculty and with the Office of Financial Aid. There is no separate application process. Please contact Andrew Laue, Associate Director of Fine Arts Admissions at lauear@webster.edu , for additional information.

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Theatre and the Space

Loretto-Hilton Center

two spacious dance studios, dressing rooms, design spaces, fully equipped scene and costume shops and light and sound labs. It also houses two of our theatre spaces:

Theatre does not exist without space. At the Sargent Conservatory, the actor, stage manager, designer, director and technician constantly transform space through vision, skill and hard work. The Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, funded in part by the late Conrad Hilton, houses administration offices,

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VIRGINIA BROWNING MAINSTAGE THEATRE

This thrust theatre is used for a multitude of artistic activities and has seating for nearly 1,000 people. It is home to the Sargent Conservatory’s Mainstage Series, as well as to productions staged by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Webster University Dance Ensemble and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

EMERSON STUDIO THEATRE

This “black box” theatre is located on the lower level of the Loretto-Hilton Center. It is a flexible space that is constantly changing from mock proscenium to fully immersive environments. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis uses this space to present its Studio Series of intimate theatrical works. Sargent Conservatory uses this space each semester for at least one of its productions.

Blood at the Root

STAGE III

Our third performance space is located in Webster Hall. Stage III is a small proscenium- style house that contains movable seating and modified thrust capabilities. Stage III is home to at least one Sargent Conservatory production every semester, as well as to our “Every Tuesday” series of performances, which involve 20-minute plays presented almost every Tuesday by students in the directing sequence.

The Spitfire Grill

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

What are We Looking for at Your Audition/Interview?

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot

Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts requires auditions/interviews for all students planning to major in theatre. AUDITION/INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS FOR PERFORMANCE PROGRAMS: ACTING, MUSICAL THEATRE, DIRECTING As a prospective Acting, Musical Theatre, or Directing major, you must prepare two monologues of no more than three minutes total. The selections should be of a contrasting nature. Choose characters close to yourself in age from scripts written after 1930. You must memorize and fully prepare your monologues. Do not plan a long and involved introduction. Simply announce the name of the play and character and begin. Do not select Shakespeare or classical pieces. Do not do extreme characterizations of body, voice

or speech to alter your own age, physical abilities or mental health. The characters should be as natural, authentic and close to you in real life as you can imagine. Do not alter your dialect or accent. Use your own speech, even if the character would normally speak with an accent that is different from yours. Musical Theatre candidates only: The audition will consist of the presentation of two monologues using the same guidelines and procedures detailed above. In addition, you must present two songs of contrasting nature of no more than 32 measures each to provide substantial information on your vocal quality and range. One of the songs should be from the “Golden Era” that spans from 1943 to 1964.

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Props and Costumes Feel free to use a chair if you need it. Keep the number of props and costume pieces down to one or two at the most. Clothing Please dress in clothing comfortable enough to allow you to do your best work, while still maintaining a professional look. No gym clothes, nothing too tight or revealing and no heels above 3 inches tall.

might have little or no formal directing experience. The portfolio might therefore include work in other disciplines such as acting, design, choreography, opera, singing, photography, video, film, painting or writing. Share your artistic interests. • An essay with pictures. Using pictures and words, create a 750 to 1,000-word essay on one of the following topics: • Tell a compelling story from your life (or someone you know) and describe how you would bring it to the stage • What surprises/inspires you most about your experiences with live performance? Give an example of how you might create such a moment yourself. • Describe how you would go about sharing your passion for the theatre with children. Give an example of a project you could direct to demonstrate that passion. INTERVIEW/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTION PROGRAMS: STAGE MANAGEMENT, DESIGN AND TECHNICAL THEATRE At your interview for the costume construction, costume design,lighting design, scene design, scene painting, sound design, technical direction or wig & makeup design program, you must present a portfolio that showcases the variety and caliber of your work in fine arts or theatre. Your interview therefore includes a portfolio review. Such a portfolio might include pieces from the following: • Drawings, any subject and media • Examples of work in color • Drafting • Prints • 3-D projects of any type • Actual theatrical design work, either for a production or a project • Photographs of projects • Evidence of work in carpentry, electronics, mechanics and scenic construction • Sound files

Accompaniment for Musical Theatre Candidates

For on-campus and Chicago auditions: An accompanist will be provided for your audition. Please be sure to bring your sheet music, clearly marked, for each of your two songs. For New York and Los Angeles auditions: Please have your piano accompaniment recorded and bring a playback device to play your two songs. Dance for Musical Theatre Candidates We may request you to send a video of ballet, jazz and/or contemporary dance that is no longer than one minute in length. An additional one-minute dance video of hip-hop and/or tap will be optional. Please do not send us dance videos unless we have requested them. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DIRECTING CANDIDATES Applicants for the directing program will audition with two monologues using the same guidelines and procedures detailed above. You will also need to interview. At that interview, you will need to present: • A portfolio that showcases any materials that might demonstrate your work and interest in theatre and/or in the arts. If you have directed a play or scene or assisted on a project, bring materials from that work (a promptbook, photographs, a videotape, photography, etc.). We also understand that students interested in the directing program

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Letters of recommendation from two people familiar with your work should be included. We schedule interviews individually to allow ample time to review the portfolio and to discuss your experience and career goals. Stage Management Candidates: If you are applying to our Stage Management program, your portfolio should include: • A one-page resume that has references and contact information • A curated sample of production work through all phases of production (prep, rehearsals, tech, previews, performances). Please compile this in a way that makes sense to you – this can be by production or by category, as long as it is organized and clearly laid out. • Your materials should showcase your best work and give an idea of the scope of shows you have worked on. It is okay to pull a cast list from one production, a calendar from another, blocking sheets from a scene in class, etc. • Please remove any personal information such as cast email addresses and phone numbers. Please do not include any forms (such as emergency forms) that have personal or sensitive information. • Photos of productions or of yourself in action are great! • Letters of recommendation are fine to include but are not required.

basis in St. Louis. We also schedule interviews and portfolio reviews during the Unified Auditions in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles (see dates below). Our Audition Coordinator will follow up with you once we have received your Request Form. We prefer to meet you in person and encourage you to visit us on campus. Virtual interview options are available in instances of extenuating circumstances. Our Audition Coordinator can discuss virtual options after you have completed your application to the University. Performance Programs Auditions for the acting, directing and musical theatre programs can only be scheduled on the designated dates outlined below. Individual appointments are not available. Our Audition Coordinator will follow up with you once we have received your Request Form. AUDITION CALENDAR FOR 2025 On-Campus Auditions 2025 • Friday, January 17 • Saturday, January 18

• Friday, January 31 • Friday, February 14 • Saturday, February 15

On-campus auditions can be helpful since you are able to spend the day not only auditioning but also meeting with faculty and students and touring our facilities. For acting, directing and musical theatre auditions, check- in commences promptly at 8:30 a.m., and auditions conclude by early afternoon. You should come dressed in comfortable clothing and be prepared for a brief group warm-up session. You will have time to change before your audition. You will perform your audition pieces on an individual basis. We may ask you to do various exercises and improvisations during the audition, and you should be prepared to discuss your work on the audition pieces. You will have the option to visit classes as schedules permit, except on Saturday. We encourage you also to watch a performance

HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION/INTERVIEW?

Visit our website to get the scheduling process started. Please note that you must submit your application to the University prior to requesting an audition/interview. If you have any questions regarding the Conservatory or the audition process, please contact our Audition Coordinator at auditions@webster. edu or at 314–246–7587 (email preferred). Production Programs We schedule interviews and portfolio reviews for our design, technical theatre and stage management programs on an individual

Webster University

while on campus. We strongly advise you to arrive the night before your audition if you are coming from some distance. *Note that you will need to make your own arrangements for an overnight stay. Information on recommended hotels can be found at webster.edu/visit . Scroll down to Accommodations in St. Louis. Off-Campus Auditions/Interviews 2025 In order to accommodate students who are not able to audition on campus, Webster proudly participates in Unified Auditions, which allows you to audition simultaneously for several select training programs. This year’s Unified Auditions schedule is as follows. NEW YORK: UNIFIED AUDITIONS • Saturday, January 25, 2025 • Sunday, January 26, 2025 • Monday, January 27, 2025 CHICAGO: UNIFIED AUDITIONS • Sunday, February 2, 2025 • Monday, February 3, 2025 • Tuesday, February 4, 2025 • Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Thursday, February 6, 2025 LOS ANGELES: UNIFIED AUDITIONS • Saturday, February 8, 2025 • Sunday, February 9, 2025 Virtual audition options are available in instances of extenuating circumstances. Please contact our Audition Coordinator at auditions@webster.edu to discuss virtual audition options. MEET SARGENT CONSERVATORY FACULTY Sargent Conservatory faculty attend a variety of thespian festivals and other similar events throughout the summer and fall.

• Auditions at these sites for Musical Theatre, Acting, and Directing are considered “meet-and-greets” rather

than full evaluations. Potential candidates for our performance

programs must apply and schedule an official audition through through the Audition Coordinator as outlined above. • Conversely, we may consider interviews and portfolio reviews at these events for production candidates (design, technical theatre, and stage management) to be full evaluations and no subsequent interview might be necessary. Prospective Production majors will still need to apply and be accepted by the University before gaining admission into the Conservatory program. IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY’S SARGENT CONSERVATORY OF THEATRE ARTS Direct all questions regarding auditions and interviews to the Audition Coordinator at auditions@webster.edu or at 314-246-7587 (email preferred). You must apply and be academically accepted to Webster University before we can release audition/interview results for the Conservatory. The Conservatory is a professional training program. Therefore, only students enrolled in Conservatory classes may audition for productions. Conservatory (CONS) class units are closed to students who are not performance, production, directing or stage management majors. Transfer students in acting or musical theatre typically need to complete four years of training in the Conservatory in order to graduate, regardless of previous coursework. We evaluate transfer students in production and directing programs individually by portfolio review/interview to determine placement within the training sequence.

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Our Partners

The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts has six professional partners. We are the leader in developing productive professional partnerships that benefit our experiential programs. Each partner works with us in unique ways to provide exposure to professional quality, practices and individual opportunities for experience. Our partners are all committed to the education and training of young artists.

OPERA THEATRE OF SAINT LOUIS Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is one of the leading American opera companies, known for a spring festival of inventive new productions, sung in English, featuring world-renowned singers and accompanied by members of the St. Louis Symphony. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis artists share performance and creative space with Conservatory students, in addition to providing master classes, internships and employing students each season in multiple backstage roles. www.opera-stl.org

On the Campus of Webster University

In Partnership with Webster University

REPERTORY THEATRE ST. LOUIS Since 1966, Repertory Theatre St. Louis has been the St. Louis region’s premier live, professional theatre. Our innovative partnership inspired other theatres and programs to form similar relationships. With a mission that dedicates itself to excellence in producing an eclectic range of live theatre, The Rep is also committed to building and sustaining its vital connection with Webster University. Rep performers, designers, artisans and administrators share performance and creative space with Conservatory from July through March. Students are assigned to Rep backstage crews, assist various artists and on an individual production basis, audition for casting. www.repstl.org

THE MUNY (MUNICIPAL THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF ST. LOUIS) The Muny is the United States’ oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. Each summer, The Muny enriches lives by producing exceptional musical theatre accessible to all. Since 2012, Webster University and The Muny have shared a partnership that blends the renowned Muny theatre with Webster’s nationally acclaimed Conservatory of Theatre Arts. This partnership has provided many year-round opportunities for Conservatory students, including master classes, internships, employment and casting in the season. www.muny.org

Webster University

ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL St. Louis Shakespeare Festival fosters community and joy across the St. Louis region through the Shakespearean tradition of art for all. Its programming includes Shakespeare in the Park, an annual production in Forest Park and one of the most anticipated events of the St. Louis summer season; Shakespeare in the Streets, a grassroots theatrical experience that invites St. Louis neighborhoods to tell their stories; and TourCo, a stripped-down, actor- centric production that brings Shakespeare’s iconic texts to schools, parks, libraries, civic centers and wherever people gather to learn, experience and be inspired together. The partnership with Webster University supports opportunities for employment, internships and casting. www.stlshakes.org

ARROW ROCK LYCEUM THEATRE Our newest partner, the Lyceum Theatre, is one of Missouri’s oldest professional regional theatres. Located in the unique Village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, The Lyceum is housed in a beautiful, intimate 416-seat theatre where Lyceum audiences truly are a part of the action. Each year, more than 33,000 patrons enjoy Broadway-caliber productions created by professional theatre artists carefully chosen

from around the country. www.lyceumtheatre.org

VARIETY ST. LOUIS Variety’s Performing Arts programs, Variety Theatre, Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance, bring together children of all abilities to spread a message of inclusion. www.varietystl.org

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

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