Thank you for your interest in Results Will Vary*!

We are currently in the process of building our company for 2026. If you are a performer or musician interested in auditioning for the show, please carefully review the information on this page! 

Results Will Vary* is a 55-minute musical sketch comedy show that prepares incoming students for life at Penn State and is performed during each New Student Orientation program at Penn State University Park. This show is written for students, by students and features the authentic voice of the company. This musical will have 15 performances during the summer of 2026. Rehearsal and performance dates are listed below.  

The company will use last year’s show as a basis to build this year’s show, expanding upon and/or refining the existing messages. Topics range from learning about resources on campus to more serious subject matter. We are looking for company members who are eager to share their individual story to help the experience of incoming students.

There are 11 student positions available:

• 8 cast members (including at least one pianist and one guitarist)
• 2 swings
• 1 assistant director/stage manager 

Program Details and Expectations

Below is important information regarding participation in the NSO Musical and the associated summer commitments:

• Compensation: Payment for the full summer is approximately $3,000 (pre-tax). This total includes compensation for rehearsals and all performances.
• Additional NSO Employment Opportunities: New Student Orientation will hire up to five company members to assist with NSO Check-In shifts throughout the summer. These positions involve fewer than 10 hours per week and occur during the same weeks as performances.
• Other Employment: Company members may hold an additional summer job, provided all external commitments are communicated to and approved by the stage manager, and do not interfere with scheduled rehearsals or performances.
• Eligibility Requirements: Selected company members must be current Penn State students and will be subject to a GPA review and student conduct check.
• Attendance Policy: Company members may request one pre-approved show or rehearsal absence during the summer. Please note that paid compensation will not be provided for any rehearsals or performances missed.
• Commitment to Inclusion: We are committed to assembling an NSO cast that reflects the diversity of the Penn State student community. We strongly encourage students from all backgrounds to audition and share their unique perspectives with incoming first-year students. While the script and score provide a strong foundation, each new cast plays an important role in refreshing and shaping the production.
• Direction: This year’s show is directed by Kelsey Robins. 

Rehearsal and Performance Schedule

Rehearsals to begin week of June 1, 2026; company should expect to rehearse for 6 hours/day. 

Performance Calendar

Audition Information: 

FOR PERFORMERS: 

The audition process will begin with a self-tape, after which a callback will be held on Sunday, March 29 time and location TBD.

For your self-tape, you will prepare:

• A short, spoken piece that shares your unique skills and personality with us (monologue, poem, stand-up routine, etc....) – comedic, please!
• A 32-bar cut of an up-tempo pop song or musical theatre pop-rock song of your choice. You may accompany yourself on an instrument.
• Please upload your recordings to YouTube using this naming convention: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_2026 NSO AUDITION. Send the links in an email to resultswillvary@psu.edu. All self-tape auditions must be received via email no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.

For the live callback, on Sunday, March 29:  

• Be dressed in comfortable clothes and ready to move. You will learn a short dance sequence.
• If you play an instrument, please bring it with you and be prepared to play (a piano will be provided)!
• There will be some group improvisation.
• For MUSICIANS, please be prepared to play a pop keyboard/guitar selection of your choice.  

Email us at resultswillvary@psu.edu. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

FOR ASSISTANT DIRECTORS/STAGE MANAGERS: 

If you are interested in being considered for the Assistant Director/Stage Manager position, please send an email to Director, Kelsey Robins (krobins@psu.edu); and Producer, Katie Motycki (kem197@psu.edu) indicating your interest and including your resume NO LATER than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 1.

After this information has been reviewed, interviews for the Assistant Director/Stage Manager position will be scheduled as necessary.

Email us at resultswillvary@psu.edu. We are happy to answer any questions you have.