Artists • Educators • Scholars • Students • Theatre Lovers

American theatrical and academic institutions are still in dire need
of students, faculty and practitioners “of color” with graduate levels of training,
currently offered only at Predominately White Institutions.

It is vital that those who have traversed and navigated the situations
required to achieve such experiences help to prepare the next generations
in making choices that could allow them to succeed at what may otherwise seem a difficult task.

BTN Conference 2012 
StudentQuest Special Event
Prepared Audition Workshops 
(5 Sessions)

For students, teachers and others who seek expert advice on:

• Preparing for Graduate School Auditions


• Techniques for Improving General Audition Skills

Three ways to insure your involvement (Pre-Registration Recommended):

1. Registered Participant - (14 individuals may register for full participation, direct feedback, individual coaching, hands-on AT work, and hand-out materials for all 5 workshop sessions. Alternates attending all 5 workshops sessions will receive a “Certificate of Completion.”)


2. Alternate - (4-6 late registered individuals may be identified as alternates and may replace a fully registered participant at any point during the workshops. Alternates should be present for presentations, feedback, individual coaching, hands-on AT work and hand-out materials for all 5 workshop sessions. Alternates attending all 5 workshops sessions will receive a “Certificate of Participation.”)


3. Registered Observer - (A limited number of teachers and conference attendees may pre-register for admission to all sessions of the workshop as observers. Observers attending all 5 workshop sessions, plus the Faculty training Workshop, will receive a “Certificate of Attendance.”)

Workshop: a seminar, discussion group, or the like, that emphasizes exchange of ideas and the demonstration and application of techniques, skills; place for work, etc.

Conducted by Dr. Mikell Pinkney, veteran Artistic Director and recruiter for graduate actor training program at the University of Florida, in association with the University Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA)

With Special Guest Practitioner Prof. Kathy Sarra, Certified Instructor of the Alexander Technique (AT)

What is The Alexander Technique (AT) The Alexander Technique offers a clear, systematic look at the underlying principles that govern human movement. When applied, these principles guide us to a dynamic experience of kinesthetic lightness - thinking becomes clearer, feelings balanced, sensations livelier, and movement more pleasurable. Within this integrated, more conscious condition, we find our actions strengthened and refined, our sense of time expanded, and our rapport with the environment restored.

The Alexander Technique teaches us how to be relaxed and ready, soft and strong, light and substantial, firm and flexible, awake to ourselves and to the world. Learn more about the Alexander Technique

Tentative Schedule

Friday, July 27, 2012 - Day One

10:00-11:15 StudentQuest:Audition Workshop Orientation: Session #1 (1.15 Hrs.)

Introductory session for registered participants, alternates and observers. Basics of dramatic structure and analysis with attention to monologues as a literal and figurative “moments of dramatic action.” Also, an introduction to the basic concepts of the Alexander Technique (AT) and how it will be used to aid the workshop sessions. Faculty and general conference attendees admitted with conference registration badge.

3:15-5:15 StudentQuest:Three Minute Audition Presentations: Session #2 (2 Hrs.)

Registered participants each present a three minute audition of two contrasting monologues for feedback and identification of specific needs to be addressed in the following two days of the workshops. Alternates may present, with limited feedback when possible.

(Session for registered participants, alternates and observers. Faculty and general conference attendees admitted with conference registration badge when space is available.)

Saturday, July 28, 2012 - Day Two

10:15-12:15 StudentQuest:Auditions Feedback & Hands-on Workshop: Session #3 (2 Hrs.)

Individual work on identified needs of full participants based on earlier presentations of material. Session includes introduction to AT concepts.

(Session open to registered participants, alternates and observers only. No general attendees admitted please.)

2:30-4:30 StudentQuest:Alexander Technique (AT) Workshop: Session #4 (2 Hrs.)

How to understand and apply body awareness and physical freedom to performance work and in everyday life.

(Session for registered participants, alternates and observers. Faculty and general conference attendees admitted with conference registration badge when space is available.)

Sunday, July 29, 2012 - Day Three

10:00-12:00 StudentQuest: Special Secrets of Classical Verse Monologues: Session #5 (2 Hrs.)
This session focuses on the special requirements needed for auditioning with classical verse material. Some basic “clues” to better success with presenting classical verse drama as audition pieces will be investigated. All participants at this session should be familiar with Shakespeare’s play, Measure for Measure.

(Session for registered participants, alternates and observers. Faculty and general conference attendees admitted with conference registration badge when space is available.)

5:30-7:00 StudentQuest:Audition Coach’s Training Session (1.30 Hrs.)

A special session for teachers and coaches only, addressing ways to better assist minority students in preparing for graduate school auditions, advantages of the U/RTA National Unified Auditions and Interviews, and answers to questions.