Advanced Acting: The Company

Placement Requirements

The Vision

Advanced Acting students are the official Company Members of the Jackrabbit Theatre Company.  Your audition will consist of your initial audition in April for the 2026 - 2027 year, but you will need to audition to remain a company member again in December.  For advanced acting students who are interested in learning the techniques of auditioning and analyzing characters in depth. Through improvisations and acting scenes, each student will learn how to create the role desired in a production. In addition, much time will be spent on what constitutes complete characterization. Rehearsals and performances after school hours will be required.

Company members are:

  • Core actors in plays and musicals

  • CAFT competitors

  • Thespian competitors

  • Inducted Thespians

  • Student leaders & council members

  • Standard-bearers of rehearsal culture

This is not simply a class.  It is a commitment.  Membership is earned — and maintained.

Company Standards Contract

All Advanced Acting students sign a Company Agreement at the beginning of the year acknowledging:

  • Attendance expectations

  • Memorization deadlines

  • CAFT and Thespian participation requirements

  • Leadership obligations

  • Respect for rehearsal hierarchy

  • Academic eligibility

  • Professional conduct

Failure to uphold the contract triggers review.


Audition Components

1. ENTRY AUDITIONS (April 8, 2026)

. Two Contrasting Monologues (2–4 minutes total)

  • One contemporary

  • One classical (Shakespeare or heightened text)

  • Fully memorized

  • Clean, intentional cuts

  • Clear objectives and tactics

  • Physical life and specificity

You are being evaluated on the following:

  • Ownership of language

  • Emotional depth

  • Vocal and physical control

  • Stamina

  • Artistic maturity

2. Partnered Scene (Memorized)

  • 2–3 minutes

  • Strong relationship and stakes

  • Must show active listening and risk-taking

You are being assessed on the following:

  • Ensemble instincts

  • Responsiveness

  • Commitment under pressure

3. Interview Panel

Questions such as:

  • Why do you want to be a Company member?

  • What does professionalism mean in rehearsal?

  • How do you respond to corrections/notes?

  • What do you do when you disagree with a director?

You are being evaluated on the following:

  • Coachability

  • Emotional maturity

  • Leadership mindset

  • Accountability

4. Written Statement (Submitted at Audition)

One page:

  • Why should you represent this Company?

  • What does “discipline, excellence, and achievement” mean to you?

  • What standard are you willing to uphold — even when no one is watching?

2. MID-YEAR COMPANY REVIEW
(December, 2026 Retention Audition)

Now here’s where it becomes real. Advanced Acting is not permanent.  It is reviewed.

December Evaluation Includes:

1. Performance Audit

  • Prepared monologue (new material)

  • Short cold read

2. Professionalism Review

Evaluated on:

  • Rehearsal discipline

  • Preparedness

  • Attendance

  • Contribution to ensemble morale

  • Leadership follow-through

  • Respect for process and peers

3. One-on-One Conference

  • Reflection on growth

  • Discussion of areas of concern (if any)

  • Clear next-step expectations

Possible Outcomes:

  • ✔ Retained as Company Member

  • ⚠ Retained with Contract (specific performance goals)

  • ⬇ Moved to Intermediate Acting for Spring Semester

And here’s the key:

Movement down is not punishment. It is placement alignment.  If a student is not upholding Company standards, they move to a class that better fits their current level of discipline and commitment.  Then, they can audition again in April to become a Company member for the following fall.