Drama

The goal of the training is to produce actors who are open and confident in the use of their resources in the face of diverse demands. The training must enable them to respond flexibly and, above all, independently to different work contexts and aesthetic concepts. This requires that the individual creative possibilities of the students are recognized by the education and purposefully encouraged. Likewise, the willingness to take responsibility, to become proactive.

Speech feeling, vocal expression, getting to know and mastering one's own body, musical, vocal, dance and acrobatic skills are developed by teachers of technical subjects in close coordination with scenic teaching. Work on expression is understood as a comprehensive psycho-physical process. Scenic instruction focuses on fostering perceptual and sensory skills, the development of scenic imagination, and experience in interaction with partners*. The training strives to increase the ability to concentrate, to get to know one's own resilience, the ability to perceive and describe processes as well as to exercise and accept criticism.

The study program is divided into a basic and a main study. In the basic classes (1st semester), acting and directing students learn the basics of acting and improvisation together. The focus is on the fun-filled exploration and development of individual playful possibilities.

In the subsequent main study period, acting students continuously deepen the basics of speaking, vocal and physical expression in the so-called technical subjects and develop their musical, vocal, dance and acrobatic skills. This is done in close coordination with scenic classes, which teach students how to work on situation/character/role in sequential study projects specifically.

Link to semester plan (1st semester)

NOTE: The start of studies is only possible in the summer semester.

Prerequisite for the diploma study is the passed admission exam. The entrance examination for the acting major consists of the scenic presentation of at least two role excerpts, the performance of a song, various tasks from the subjects for the development of linguistic, physical and musical skills and from the subject of acting.

Four roles are to be rehearsed for the 1st round of the entrance examination:

• One of three offered, self-selected scenes of two. The role can and should be gladly chosen regardless of gender.
• Three monologues. Two of these should be from a play (classical or modern), the third should be self-written by the applicant.
• In addition, please prepare a theater song or a song (without musical accompaniment).

After the first round, applicants will be notified whether they will be admitted to the second round, which will take place on the evening of the same day.

For the 3rd round of the entrance exam, in addition to auditioning again for the roles they ve prepared, applicants will receive additional work opportunities in the area of improvisation. In the evening they will be informed whether they will reach the final round (4th round).  

Tips for the entrance examination

• When choosing your monologue roles, applicants should choose characters that particularly interest them, even if they do not resemble their personal character or gender match.
• In interpreting these characters, applicants should avoid playing after models (such as in the manner of an imitation of great theater actresses), but should try to play the role with personal expression.
• Applicants should prepare themselves for an interview with the jury, commenting on their motivation and interest in wanting to study at the Mozarteum University.

At the time of application a minimum age of 17 years should be reached. Matura/Abitur is not a mandatory requirement for admission.

10 study places are allocated each year. An acting talent is expected and it is pointed out that each university requires different evaluation criteria for artistic decisions. It is recommended to apply to different colleges or universities and also to apply a second or third time to the Mozarteum University, if further experience has already been gained.

For applicants whose first language is not German, proof of German language skills must be provided.