Your Audition Day
This is a very exciting but also an extremely nerve-racking day! You have done all your research, applied and prepared and now the audition is finally here.
So, let’s take you back to before the day. What do you need to prepare for the day itself? You may have lots of audition days ahead and being prepared and organised is key. 1 Song? 2 contrasting songs? Monologues? A Solo Dance? Hair, Make-up, Outfit? We hear you. Let’s work this out so you can go to your auditions feeling ready to do your very best.
YOUR AUDITION DAY
You can print out our template or write one of your own but this is a really good idea. What does each audition require from you? Not every audition is the same and by using this template you can write a plan for each occasion.
Go to the college/university ‘Audition Information’ one last time and check and check again their requirements for the day. Often you have been applying for multiple courses and mistakes can easily happen. If you have one last calm cool and collected look you may find you missed something.
Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to prepare for each audition day. Avoid any last-minute panics, that is just stressful and will not help you. You have already put so much effort into to this. With a plan and a check list you can start the process with confidence.
Click planner above to download your own blank template to fill in.
Ok, so you have everything prepared. Now work out your day.
You will have to plan how to get to your audition and this can sometimes involve long journeys and maybe an overnight stay. Plan your train times, connecting bus or underground route. Ring the college/university for help with this if you are unsure and they will be happy to help, even with recommendations for accommodation close by.
Allow plenty of time. If your audition starts at 9am then arrange it so you arrive at 8am. It is better to arrive early and wait around or go for a coffee rather than rushing and worrying you are going to be late. Often there are traffic or train issues but if you have allowed extra time it will make things less stressful on the day.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Usually the college/university will stipulate what is required for the dance element. Choose your dancewear with care. Make sure there are no holes in your tights (take some spares). Are your ballet shoes clean and tidy? Think about how you will have your hair - take extra gel, grips and hairspray. It is always good to take spare dancewear, just in case. If you are given the option to choose something different to wear then try a few options before the day and make sure it is comfortable. If you want to wear a colour that makes you stand out that’s great but make sure on the day you stand out for the right reasons!
Give a lot of thought to what you will wear for the singing, acting and interview parts of the day. Something smart but easy to move in. Of course, your talent and potential are what the audition panel are looking at but if you present yourself well in every way possible, they WILL notice and hopefully remember you!
Helpful Tips . . .
Avoid…
- Jeans and baggy tracksuit bottoms
- Nothing too distracting (you want them to focus on your performance not your outfit)
Choose…
- Smart trousers, dress, jumpsuit, playsuit or skirt (not too short)
- Clean appropriate footwear
HAIR AND MAKE-UP?
You might not have experienced an audition before and have no idea what to expect. You do not have to attend with full stage make-up, however it is good to wear some make-up. If you know someone who has been to auditions ask them what they did. Talk to your dance teacher or even ring the college/university and ask. They will be happy to advise you. When you start training most colleges expect you to wear make-up everyday anyway.
Make sure your hair is neat (boys and girls). Girls, whatever style you choose make sure it is secure and think about whether you want to change it for the none dance sections? Presenting yourself well is important and will apply throughout your training and into your future career so this is just the start.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO TAKE?
Audition days can be long, so go well prepared: -
- Snacks, lunch and plenty to drink.
- Extra dancewear and a small towel.
- Make up, hair grips, gel, hairspray.
- Phone charger.
- Monologues.
- Sheet music.
- A pen.
Something to wear over the top of your dancewear if you have to wait around.
It is a good idea to buy a folder of some kind so you can keep your monologues, sheet music and any other paperwork all neatly together for the day.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR AUDITION DAY
Most audition days have a similar process but can vary slightly depending on which course you are auditioning for. Most will include: -
- A ballet class
- A jazz class
- Singing
- Acting workshop or monologues
- A solo dance
- An interview
- A tour and talk about the college/university
There may only be a small group of you or at larger places many more students on one day, so just be prepared for anything. Some make a cut half way through the day and this is tough but if you know that it is a possibility ahead of time it will help prepare you and therefore eliminate any unexpected shocks on the day.
Check each college/universities auditions section for detailed information.
Please note . . .
Even when you are not performing you may be being watched. Be polite, kind and respectful to everyone. Chat to others during free time, especially to those students who may be sitting alone. Remember you are all going through similar emotions and they might have some experiences at other auditions that are useful to know!
Audition days can get quite costly, usually there is an audition fee and then there are travel expenses, hotels and if you are auditioning for multiple colleges/universities then sit down with your family and make a plan so you can book well in advance to help keep the cost down.
If you are running late through no fault of your own, phone the college/university and let them know. They are more likely to be more understanding than if you just turn up late.
If you have decided not to attend an audition day please let the college/university know as soon as you can. They might be able to offer that audition date to another student who is desperate to audition there.
FINALLY - GOOD LUCK
If you are well prepared and organised it will make the whole process a lot less stressful.
Remember to smile!
We wish you lots of luck.