SINGING

Typically, you will be asked to sing one or two songs. The college will stipulate what style they want to hear and how long it should be. If preparing two songs make sure they are contrasting. This will allow you to show your full potential. They usually ask you to have sheet music and to block it clearly for the pianist.

PLEASE WATCH EPISODE 2 – Singing Audition Tips. This will help you and tell you what to expect.

Questions . . .

Where can I find sheet music?

There are websites dedicated to this and they are simple to use. There is usually a very small fee but then you are able to download it to your PC and print it out at home.

Three sites we would recommend are - 

    www.sheetmusicdirect.com

    www.musicnotes.com

    www.performerstuff.com

Do I need to have singing lessons?

This is entirely up to you. If you have done a lot of singing and are confident then you will be fine. If, however, you have done very little or no singing, it might be a good idea to arrange a few lessons. A singing teacher will be able to help with your song choice if you are struggling. They will also be able to choose a song which is best suited to your voice. 

One piece of advice for all students would be to make sure you have a couple of practices with a pianist. It is very different from singing with a backing track and will prepare you well for your audition.

MONOLOGUES

A lot of colleges ask you to prepare a monologue. Usually this is a contemporary more modern piece. Make sure you choose something age appropriate. Also a subject you can relate to will make it easier to deliver with confidence.

PLEASE WATCH EPISODE 3 – Monologue Audition Tips. This will help you and tell you what to expect.

Questions . . .

What if I have never done any acting?

The audition panel will be looking at this one piece and if you practice hard and project well, you will be fine. Remember they are not looking for perfection, they are looking for potential. They want to see what needs working on, this excites them, it’s why they do their job! 

Where can I find monologues?

You can find monologues on www.dailyactor.com and www.backstage.com

Another great resource we would recommend is a website called www.performerstuff.com

Can I take the script into the audition?

Mostly yes, however you must learn it. This is really important. To deliver a good monologue you should have learnt it word for word. This way you can put one hundred percent into the character and give it your all. Taking the script into your audition should just be for back up in case you have a blank and it happens sometimes… even to the professionals.

Do I need to read or see the play my monologue is from?

This is extremely beneficial. The audition panel might ask questions about your monologue, who wrote the play, why you chose it or something about the character. It will definitely help them to see that you have prepared well and it will also help you to understand the character you are playing.

SOLO DANCE

Depending on which course you have applied for you may be asked to prepare a solo dance piece. Usually this should be a minute and a half but the college will stipulate this.

Questions . . .

What style of dance should my solo piece be?

This is your chance to shine! Choose the style you are best at.

Do I need to choreograph the dance myself?

If you can, great. If not, then you should ask your dance teacher or an older student at your dance school to help you.

What if I forget the dance on the day?

Remember only you know the dance! Try not to worry. Confidence is key. If you have a complete blank you could stop and very politely ask if you can start again. The panel understand that you are nervous but please don’t forget… they want you to do well!

SELF-TAPES

Due to COVID-19 some colleges and universities may ask you to send in video footage rather than attend in person. We recommend that you read their guidelines carefully and if you are at all unsure about anything, contact them directly and they will be happy to help and advise you. 

Here we share some useful tips for Self-Taping: -

1. Always film in landscape.
2. Use a plain background.
3. Use natural light where possible or soft artificial lighting. Avoid light behind you. Remember do not stand in front of a window.
4. Use a room with no background noise or echo if possible.
5. Tripods for filming can be purchased cheaply but make sure the clamp can hold your device in landscape.
6. Check how you are required to send the file - for example by WeTransfer.
7. Name it.
8. Do not panic! If it’s not going well, take a break and then try again.

INTERVIEW

You will have an interview with the audition panel. Please don’t worry about this. It gives them the opportunity to find out more about you, to understand what you are looking for in a college and your goals for your future career. Remember this is a two-way street. You need to know that this will be the right college for you. Ask any questions you have, anything! Find out all you can about the college. They like to know why you have chosen to audition for them. 

Questions . . .

What can I ask them?

You might want to ask about the different courses they offer. How many shows they do each year, how many places there are? 

What might they ask me?

They might ask you where else you are auditioning. Don’t worry about this you can tell them. They may want to know what you hope to do in the future. Give this some thought. They will recognise that how you feel at this stage is not set in stone. Often as you go through your training you discover things you didn’t know you liked or were even good at but they like to see your passion and enthusiasm for your career!