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Mega Auditions
Welcome to the Department of Drama’s Open Call Website!
New students: Auditions for the academic year’s entire Main Stage Season (four shows) take place in fall Week 0 during our Mega Auditions (“Megas”), where you’ll have the chance to audition for all the Main Stage directors at one time.
We encourage everyone to audition, even if you’re unsure of your chances, because:
- You’ll be seen by several directors who may cast future roles.
- It’s a great way to demonstrate your unique skills.
- Auditioning is a vital skill to practice.
Megas are often your first introduction to faculty and other department members, which can positively impact your opportunities throughout the year.
Below, you’ll find details about our season and how to sign up for an audition time.
To be considered for any roles in this year’s Main Stage Season, you must attend the Mega Auditions.
UCI DRAMA CASTING POLICY: The Drama Department is committed to inclusive and conscientious casting, celebrating diversity by considering race, ethnicity, and identity in our storytelling. We strive to provide equitable opportunities for everyone across the spectrum of human experience.
Production schedules can be found on the UCI Drama Digital Callboard.
Fall 2026
Continuity
- Play by Bess Wohl
- Andrew Borba, director
- xMPL
- Rehearsals begin: Tues, Sept. 29
- Show opens: Wed, Nov. 6
- Show closes: Sun, Nov. 14
Titanic the Musical
- Story & Book by Peter Stone
- Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston
- Orchestrations by Ian Weinberger
- Daniel Keeling, director and music director
- Jim Kollias, music director
- Irvine Barclay Theater
- Rehearsals begin: Wed, Sept. 30
- Show opens: Sat, Nov. 21
- Show closes: Sun, Nov. 22
FLUX: Musicals in Motion - APOCALYPSE! The Musical
- Book & Lyrics by Jeffrey Berke
- Music by Jezreel Real
- Myrona DeLaney, director & musical staging
- Jezreel Real, music director
- Zach Dietz, Advisor
- Nixon Theater
- Rehearsals begin: Sept. 29
- Rehearsal schedule: T/W/Th: 4 - 6 p.m.
- Show opens: Sun, Dec. 6
- Show closes: Mon, Dec. 7
Note: This will be an undergraduate-only cast.
Winter 2027
Machines Like Me
- Adapted by Annie Loui
- Novel by Ian McEwan
- Annie Loui, director and choreographer
- Little Theater
- Rehearsals begin: Mon, Dec. 7
- Show opens: Fri, Jan. 29
- Show closes: Sat, Feb. 6
Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812
- By Dave Malloy
- Adapted from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- Andrew Palermo, director & choreographer
- Roland Perold, music director
- Claire Trevor Theatre
- Rehearsals begin: Mon, Jan. 11
- Show opens: Fri, Mar. 5
- Show closes: Sat, Mar. 13
Spring 2027
Clown and Mask Show - NOT CASTING AT MEGAS
- Created by Eli Simon
- Eli Simon, Clown Wrangler
- Little Theater
- Rehearsals: Occur in Clown Class during Winter Quarter
- Show opens: Fri, Apr. 2
- Show closes: Sat, Apr. 10
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
- By Bertolt Brecht
- Budi Miller, guest director
- Claire Trevor Theater
- Rehearsals begin: Mon, Apr. 5
- Show opens: Fri, May 28
- Show closes: Sat, June 5
How to Sign Up
Audition slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your time, please complete the UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Digital), which includes selecting your audition time.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to sign in and submit your audition materials. Check in for your audition at the Dance Loft, next to Studio 4, Room 209, closer to the Bren Events Center.
Use the links below to sign up and find more information:
- UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Digital): Open the UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027. You will need to upload a headshot, resume, and a completed UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Hard Copy) . You must be signed in with your UCI email to access the submission form.
- Mega Audition Schedule (see tab): Details on auditions and callbacks.
- Mega Audition Preparation (see tab): Tips on what to prepare.
- 2025-2026 Season Information (see tab): Show details.
- CTSA Welcome Week: Welcome Week information. This page is not managed by Stage Management and may be updated separately.
- Music Theatre Workshop Auditions : Full details for Music Theatre Workshop auditions.
- Costume Fittings: Learn how an actor prepares for costume fittings.
All information listed is subject to change.
Direct all audition questions to Sammie Moore at mooresd@uci.edu.
Mega Auditions Schedule (Fall 2026, Week 0)
All initial auditions are in Studio 4, Rm. 209. Check-in is at the Dance Loft.
Initial Auditions
- M.F.A. Graduate Mega Auditions:
- Sat, Sept. 19, 12–1 p.m. (Check-in starts at 11:30 a.m.)
- Undergraduate Mega Auditions:
- Tues, Sept. 22, 5–10 p.m. (Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m.)
- Weds, Sept. 23, 5–10 p.m. (Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m.)
The callbacks schedule is listed at the bottom of this section.
Important Reminders
- M.F.A. and undergraduate actors: Please arrive 30 minutes before your audition for check-in and briefing.
- M.F.A. graduate actors will audition one at a time.
- Undergraduate actors will audition in groups of five at a time.
- Check in at the Dance Loft, next to Studio 4, Rm. 209, closer to the Bren Events Center.
In Case of Emergencies: If you are late or need to reschedule or cancel, contact Sammie Moore, Audition Coordinator, at mooresd@uci.edu. Please include your full name, date, and original audition time to aid in the process.
Callbacks
- Those invited to callbacks will be emailed.
- Callbacks will also be posted on the Drama Callboard by Thurs, Sept. 24.
Callbacks Schedule (Subject to Change)
- M.F.A. Graduate Callbacks: Studio 4, Sat, Sept. 19, 1:30–3 p.m. (The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui)
- Titanic the Musical: Studio 5, Fri, Sept. 25, 6–10 p.m.
- Machines Like Me: Studio 5, Sat, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui – Self-Tape Lab: Studio 4, Sat, Sept. 26, 1:30–3 p.m.
- Note: The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui callbacks will be conducted by self-tape. The self-tape lab is available for actors who may need assistance with their tape.
- Continuity – Self-Tape Lab: Studio 4, Sat, Sept. 26, 3–4:30 p.m.
- Note: Continuity callbacks will be conducted by self-tape. The self-tape lab is available for actors who may need assistance with their tape.
- Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812: Studio 5, Sun, Sept. 27, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- FLUX: Musicals in Motion – APOCALYPSE! The Musical: Studio 4, Sun, Sept. 27, 5–7 p.m.
- Backup Callbacks for All Shows: Mon, Sept. 28, 5:30–7 p.m.
Cast Lists
Cast lists will be emailed to those invited to join the show casts and posted on the Drama Callboard by Mon, Sept. 28, at 11:59 p.m.
Role Acceptance
Role acceptance must be received by Wed., Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.
All information listed is subject to change.
Direct all audition questions to Sammie Moore at mooresd@uci.edu.
What to Prepare
Your audition material is the most important thing to focus on. Choose pieces you know well and can perform confidently. We also recommend dressing in professional audition attire, which means clothing that presents you in the way you want to be best seen.
Requirements
- Two contrasting monologues (e.g., comedic and dramatic, or classical and contemporary).
- For musical auditions (singing): Prepare a song that highlights your vocal range and fits the role you are aiming for. A verse and chorus are ideal. Please sing first, then present your monologues if possible. Bring sheet music in a three-ring binder, clearly marked for the accompanist.
Note: You may use material from the UC Irvine Drama season or other sources.
Time Limits
- Undergraduate actors (not singing): 2 minutes
- Undergraduate actors (singing): 2 minutes, 30 seconds
- Graduate actors (not singing): 3 minutes
- Graduate actors (singing): 3 minutes, 30 seconds
Note: Timing starts after you slate your name, and you will be stopped with a verbal “Thank you” once your time is up. You will not be allowed to continue past the allotted time.
Audition Paperwork
Each Auditioning Student Must:
- Prepare your headshot, resume, and completed UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Hard Copy) .
- Complete the UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Digital) . You will need to upload a headshot, resume, and completed UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Hard Copy) . You must be signed in with your UCI email to access the submission form.
- Completing the UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Digital) will also provide your audition time slot. Please record your audition date and time somewhere secure.
- Bring five physical copies of your headshot, resume, and completed UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Hard Copy) to your audition.
You will not be able to audition without complete paperwork.
How to Assemble Your Audition Materials
Please staple each hard copy of your materials together in the following order:
- Headshot: Please display your name clearly somewhere on your headshot.
- Resume: Place your resume facing outward in the opposite direction, so the blank side is back-to-back with the blank side of your headshot.
- UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 (Hard Copy): Place your completed UCI Mega Audition Form 2026-2027 on top of your resume, also back-to-back with your headshot.
It is imperative that you prepare and label your audition paperwork clearly and professionally, as detailed above.
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time to check your paperwork with a stage manager.
Please note that your uploaded digital headshot may be used for marketing or identification throughout the year.
Casting: Show Information & Audition Requirements
Select a show title below to view its casting information.
Please also complete the Staged Intimacy and Simulated Violence Informed Consent Form included with the UCI Mega Audition paperwork. Scripts will be available to check out for a limited time from the Drama Office beginning in Welcome Week.
Note: All casting details are subject to change.
Continuity
Audition Information
- We are looking for connected actors who work well in an ensemble and believe in the play and mission of the production.
About the Show
- This show is about climate change and, in that spirit, all lights and sound will be powered by solar and bicycle power. Some sound will be live Foley. Costumes will not be new and will be recycled, either pulled from stock or purchased secondhand. Scenery has been created from found and/or reused objects. Our goal is a zero-carbon-footprint production. We will be documenting our successes and challenges during the process. Come and join us!
Titanic the Musical
Audition Requirements
- A classic Broadway/legit musical theatre song in the style of Titanic.
- A monologue or contrasting song showing your range as a performer and strong characterization, preferably from a musical for stage or film.
Callback Information
- Participants called back for the dance duo, Mr. and Mrs. DaMico, might be asked to create a short dance combination to present at callbacks for the musical number “Doing the Latest Rag.”
Unique Show Information
- Cast members will need to dress in various types of personally owned, all-black apparel that reflect the class or vocation of the character. For example: First Class in more formal attire; Second Class in period business-type attire; Third Class in period casual/everyday wear; and ship’s crew in appropriate workwear. All cast members will be in all-black attire.
FLUX: Musicals in Motion - APOCALYPSE! The Musical
Audition Requirements
- Short up-tempo pop song in the style of Pasek and Paul or Sara Bareilles.
- 30-second comic monologue.
Note: This production will have an undergraduate-only cast.
Machines Like Me
Audition Requirements
- Adam (artificial human): Must move very well, be coordinated, be able to isolate body parts, and explore the process of coming into physical being through the production.
- Miranda and Charlie: Must move well and be able to embody abstract scenes of physical intimacy.
- Maxie (Maxfield), Turing, and Mr. Sayed: Must move well and be able to embody the physical character of an older person. Accents of status and place are important for these three characters.
- All performers must be able to speak with a light British accent. There is a significant monologue of depth and length for every character. The director’s preference is for five performers playing all roles.
About the Script
- The source material for Machines Like Me is a timely novel about AI development and human nature.
- Read the current draft of the Machines Like Me script .
Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812
Audition Preferences
- Performers may use the allotted two minutes as they please. If you are expressly interested in musicals, you may sing as much of that two minutes as you would like, whether as two one-minute vocal excerpts, one two-minute excerpt, or another combination.
- Performers interested in this production should follow the guidelines below. You may sing from the score if you are expressly interested in a certain role or roles, excluding the song “No One Else.”
What to Sing
- Contemporary or Pop/Rock musical theatre.
- Pop/Rock/Indie material with weight, character, and substance.
- Golden Age material showcasing legit vocal ability.
- Extracts from the score are permitted but not required.
What Not to Sing
- Lightweight or bubblegum Pop/Rock material.
Style Requirements
- Versatility is key.
- Pop/Rock belt.
- Legit singing.
- Ability to blend chorally.
- Contemporary musical theatre storytelling.
In addition to vocal and acting callbacks, all called-back performers will participate in a movement call. All roles will be understudied, and swings will be cast.
Clown and Mask Show - NOT CASTING AT MEGAS
- The Clown and Mask Show will be created and cast as part of Eli Simon’s clowning class during Winter Quarter.
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
More information coming soon.
All information listed is subject to change.
Direct all audition questions to Sammie Moore at mooresd@uci.edu.
