Monthly Action Plan

05 Monthly Action Plan

Isabella, the next few months should focus on executing the performing arts application process with precision. Because theater programs evaluate both your written application and your artistic materials, your calendar should prioritize audition preparation, portfolio assembly, and careful submission of artistic supplements. The timeline below sequences these steps so that your strongest performance work is ready before application and audition deadlines.

Month Key Actions Target Outcome
August
  • Confirm audition requirements for New York University, DePaul University, and UCLA. Review each program’s required monologues, video formats, and supplement rules.
  • Select and begin refining your audition monologues. Aim to identify pieces that contrast in tone and character and begin consistent rehearsal.
  • If possible, schedule feedback sessions with a coach, theater teacher, or director to strengthen delivery and interpretation.
 Monologues selected and actively rehearsed; clear understanding of each school’s audition and artistic supplement expectations.
September
  • Continue intensive rehearsal of your audition monologues and refine performance details such as pacing, emotional beats, and memorization.
  • Begin recording early versions of your audition tapes to evaluate lighting, framing, sound quality, and performance clarity.
  • Create a draft of your performance résumé and begin listing productions, roles, training, and theater-related experiences. If you have not yet compiled this document, prioritize building it this month.
 Audition material performance-ready and a working draft of your theater résumé prepared.
October
  • Finalize your audition monologues and record high‑quality audition tapes once you are confident in the performance and technical setup.
  • Re-record any takes that need improvement after reviewing clarity, camera framing, or performance energy.
  • Begin assembling portfolio materials, including your performance résumé and documentation of productions you have participated in.
 Strong audition recordings completed and core portfolio materials assembled.
November
  • Compile additional artistic materials that support your theater work, including production documentation and any available performance footage.
  • If applicable, review footage from directed work such as “Invisible Borders” and determine whether a short excerpt would strengthen your artistic supplement.
  • Complete and review your Common Application and school-specific applications to ensure your theater materials align with the narrative developed in your essays (see §06 Essay Strategy).
 Full artistic portfolio organized and ready to upload alongside completed written applications.
December
  • Submit applications and artistic supplements according to each school’s required format and deadline.
  • Where permitted, consider submitting your application test‑optional and confirm that your artistic materials meet each program’s technical specifications.
  • Double-check uploads for video quality, file naming, and correct formatting before final submission.
 All applications and theater supplements submitted accurately and on time.
January
  • Monitor applicant portals for each school to confirm that audition videos and portfolio materials were received successfully.
  • Prepare for potential live or callback auditions by continuing to rehearse your selected monologues.
  • Keep copies of all submitted materials and maintain readiness to provide additional footage or documentation if programs request it.
 Applications fully processed and you remain prepared for any additional audition stages.

This schedule keeps the heaviest creative work—monologue preparation, audition filming, and portfolio assembly—in the early and middle fall months so that by late fall you can focus entirely on accurate submission. Following this rhythm will help ensure that your artistic materials present your theater abilities as clearly and professionally as possible when admissions committees review your application.

Success Stories →