Performance Opportunities

Drama

Performance Opportunities for Actors

In the first two years, roles are assigned primarily to serve the needs of an individual student’s training rather than the demands of the play. In the third and fourth years, we seek to serve both the play and the needs of the ensemble. All casting is done by the faculty; there are no auditions.

In addition, throughout their time with Juilliard Drama students will be cast in Play Labs and new play workshops as well as have the opportunity to work with guest artists and students from other divisions on exciting interdisciplinary projects.

First and Second Years

• Rehearsal projects: Students learn how to use the rehearsal process to work on a role in the context of an entire play. These projects are shared at two or three open run-throughs with an audience of Juilliard students, staff, and faculty; during the second year, friends and family members are also invited.

Third Year

• Heightened text project: often Shakespeare, incorporating costumes, props, lighting, music, and scenery, performed in the 184-seat Stephanie P. McClelland Drama Theater and open to the public
• A festival of student-initiated work performed in the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Drama Studio
• A musical project (our yearly Cabaret) performed in the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Drama Studio
• Additional fully produced plays performed in Juilliard’s Stephanie P. McClelland Drama Theater

Fourth Year

• Fully produced plays performed for the general public as well as agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals in Juilliard’s Stephanie P. McClelland Drama Theater
• Professionally produced and directed short films written for the graduating actors by alumni of the Playwrights Program
• Actor Presentations: the graduating class presents an evening of scenes for members of the industry

Opportunities for Playwrights

Play Labs

Twice-monthly readings of new work by our writers, cast with actors from all years of training. Labs are moderated by Tanya Barfield and David Lindsay-Abaire, co-directors of the Playwrights Program.

New play workshops

Workshops of new plays written by second-year playwright fellows, directed by professional directors, and featuring Juilliard actors and alumni.

PlayTime series

A student-driven opportunity to hear new works read aloud in an informal setting. PlayTime happens several times a year and is designed to meet the needs of development at any stage of the writing process.

Durang Playwrights Evening

The year culminates in the Durang Playwrights Evening, where playwright fellows present their work to the Juilliard community and industry professionals.