Department of Theatre Student Opportunities
Auditioning for a Role
Open auditions are held for all Theatre NDSU productions and any NDSU student is welcome to audition. Tri-college students may also audition, but they must register for at least one credit at NDSU if cast in a production. This credit may be THEA 210, Theatre Practicum.
Auditions are held in Askanase Hall. Audition dates are announced via the Theatre NDSU listserv during the early and late fall semester. Play scripts are available for student perusal several weeks before each audition. Please contact Marc Devine at marc.devine@ndsu.edu for script access.
Find more information about auditions here.
Students cast in a role in Theatre NDSU production may earn one credit hour by signing up for THEA 210, Theatre Practice. Students must enroll for this course as soon as they are cast.
In addition, Newfangled Theatre Co. produces several shows during the school year. Cast and crew opportunities are available for all NDSU and tri-college students. Newfangled posts audition notices and crew needs via the Theatre NDSU listserv.
Other Acting Opportunities
Students enrolled in any of the three directing classes offered by the Department of Theatre Arts are always looking for students to act in their class projects. These projects typically require a commitment of two to four weeks and rehearse four to seven days a week for one hour. If you would be interested in acting in a directing class scene, please notify the directing instructors:
Marc Devine, marc.devine@ndsu.edu
Working Behind the Scenes
Theatre is a collaborative art form needing the work of many artists and craftspersons. Theatre NDSU offers students many opportunities to become involved behind the scenes on a production.
Students who work on a crew for any Theatre NDSU production may earn one credit hour by signing up for THEA 210, Theatre Practicum. Please email the Production Manager, Tiffany Fier at tiffany.fier@ndsu.edu for more information.
Construction Crews: Construction crews help prepare the scenery, costumes or properties for a production. Their work is done in the weeks preceding the production. While carpentry skills are helpful in working on scenic construction and sewing skills are helpful in doing costume construction, the theatre staff is willing to train interested students.
If you are interested in scenery construction, contact:
Mark Engler, Technical Director – mark.engler@ndsu.edu
If you are interested in costume construction, contact:
Rooth Varland, Costume Director – rooth.varland@ndsu.edu
Running Crews: Running crews help the show run smoothly while it is in production. They may work the light or sound board during the show, shift scenery or properties during scene changes, Or help with the wardrobe crew. Typically, the running crews begin their work during technical rehearsals, which are held the week before the show opens, and continue through the run of the show.
For more information on the scene shift crew, or to work as a light or sound board operator, contact:
Tiffany Fier – tiffany.fier@ndsu.edu
For more information about working on wardrobe or as a dresser, contact:
Rooth Varland, Costume Director – rooth.varland@ndsu.edu
Earning Academic Credit for Your Work
Students participating in a Theatre NDSU production may earn one credit hour by signing up for THEA 210.
THEA 210 is available only to students working on a Theatre NDSU production.
Ushering at a Production
Any interested person may serve as an usher for a Theatre NDSU production. Ushers see the performance free-of-charge.
Ushers are expected to wear appropriate clothing while ushering. They are required to be at the theatre by 7:00 p.m. on performance nights and to stay through the end of the play.
If you or your group is interested in ushering for a Theatre NDSU performance, contact:
Marc Devine, marc.devine@ndsu.edu