Laura Enstall, Author at Dramatics Magazine Online

College Theatre Audition Myths

Laura Enstall — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:08:36 +0000

College theatre audition myths take on lives of their own during audition season. During autumn months, deadlines come up, college applications are due and so are prescreens. If you’re auditioning for BFA acting or musical theatre programs, this is the busiest time of year for you! You’re swamped getting all of your material submitted.

I’m here to bust three myths about the college audition process. You can take a deep breath and know the truth.

MYTH: “I can wing my audition.”

I’ve seen many auditions over the years. I will tell you, college auditions cannot be thrown together at the last minute or the night before. Why? For one, there’s a timeline and a process for different required pieces of your audition. Students submit prescreens (filmed auditions) for many schools, and even if the schools don’t require prescreens, there are specific material requirements for auditions.

For the 2022-2023 audition season, most schools required students to have the following:

Monologues: two contemporary monologues from a published play written after 1950, and one classical monologue from a published play written before 1950;
Songs (if auditioning for musical theatre): contemporary musical theatre song written after 1970, and a classical musical theatre song written before 1970.

That’s the bare minimum. Students also need a wildcard video (which is anything you want to showcase in 60 seconds), and dance, if auditioning for musical theatre.

Here’s what you can do to prepare:

Start working on your audition material early. Find your monologues and songs before you actually need them, and begin to work on them. Memorize a little bit each day.
Create a to-do list with deadlines for yourself. Gather and prepare more than the bare minimum of audition material so that you’re ready for your auditions once you hear back from prescreens.
Seek help from others. Ask your theatre teacher to watch your monologues. If you train with someone outside of school, make sure they’re holding you accountable.

MYTH: “Deadlines don’t matter.”

Deadlines for everything with college auditions matter, period. Beginning when you submit your prescreens and application, the process follows the domino effect. If you don’t submit your prescreen then you don’t know if you passed it, and you can’t move forward in the audition process. For schools that don’t require a prescreen if you don’t apply then you can’t request an audition slot. If the audition slots fill up, then you’ve missed an opportunity.

Basically, if you miss a deadline, you miss out on auditioning for that school.

Here’s what you can do to prepare: Create a spreadsheet with all your deadlines. Acceptd has made one this year for all of the schools participating in the Musical Theater Common Prescreen. It’s very helpful.

MYTH: “It’s expensive.”

College auditions can be expensive but they don’t have to break the bank. There are ways to cut costs.

When filling out your applications, look on the school’s site for application waiver fees. If you’re unsure, talk to your guidance counselor.
Since theatre programs have an audition fee associated with their prescreen process, you can ask for a waiver. It doesn’t always work but ask for assistance if you need it.
When it comes to filming your prescreens, you can do it at home with a phone. You don’t need to hire anyone to film them for you. You could also ask a teacher to help you, or even film at school in the theatre.
Seek help from your theatre teacher and music teacher at school if you need help with material selection.
Find resources on social media, like me @auditionwell. I offer free tips on audition prep all the time, sometimes even free workshops.
If you do want additional help, some coaching services have scholarships—apply!
If you need help with your dance prescreen, ask a friend who is a dancer to help you, or see if any studios offer dance classes at a discounted rate or on scholarship.
LOOK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. Talk to your school counselor.
Be sure to fill out the FAFSA.
Target the schools to which you really want to apply. Many still offer virtual auditions so you don’t have to travel. This saves travel money.

Preparation, knowing your deadlines, and having a plan will help you stay focused and keep you on track for this journey.

Laura Enstall, owner and founder of Audition Well. She helps students conquer audition fears, stand out in the audition room, and find the theatre program that’s a perfect fit. Follow Audition Well on Instagram for audition tips @auditionwell.

The post College Theatre Audition Myths appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Your Theatrical Resume Needs These 3 Things

Laura Enstall — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:08:49 +0000

If you’re an actor, you most certainly need a theatrical resume. It’s different from a business resume for job applications, and it’s different from an educational resume for college applications. Here are three things your resume needs, along with a free theatrical resume template to help you get started.

1. Your Contact Information

Directors need to be able to reach you to let you know, “Hey, we want you in our show.” Provide a phone number that you answer regularly, and it’s even better if you have a voice-messaging system or voicemail set up.

If you’ve been using your school email address—or your original email from middle school—make sure it’s easily recognizable. I recommend using your first name and last name (or, in reverse order, last name and first name) @ domain.com. Try to avoid using lots of numbers, or fun names like “Broadwaybaby1234” (which may or may not have been my first email address).

Having a silly or fun email address, or one with lots of numbers and random letters, is great for personal use—but it’s not great for auditions. It leaves so much room for error if someone is manually typing it in. It’s easier to see your name on your resume, audition form, headshot and email address if they’re all the same—less room for error.

When it’s time to apply for colleges, you definitely want to have a professional email address. The only exception here is if you’re a child actor and your parent(s) want to use his/her/their email address.

You can include a social media handle as well if it’s appropriate. Some actors have their Instagram or TikTok ready for public viewing. You could also create an account where you post updates and performance videos. Some people like to put a small thumbnail headshot in the header of their resume. It’s not required but it’s an option.

2. Your Experience

You should include an accurate portrayal of your theatrical experience. Do not lie or embellish facts on your resume. The theatre community is small, and it can be figured out quickly if you haven’t told the truth about a role you’ve played or a show you’ve listed.

It should also be easy to read. Format your resume so important information is easily seen. While it can be tempting, you don’t need to get fancy with various font colors—black text is sufficient.

Here are key experiences to include:

Title of the show, the role you played, and where you performed the show. Place this in three columns (see the template for an example).
Training in dance, voice, and/or acting. If you’re a dancer, you should include classes you’ve taken. If you’re a singer, include voice lessons and choir. If you’ve taken acting classes, list them as well.
Masterclasses or workshops.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a large theatrical resume. Remember, everyone starts somewhere. If you do have a large resume with much experience, make sure it all fits on one page.

3. Special Skills

This section is fun because it gives the auditors and directors an idea of who you are as a person. Include info that helps you stand out or makes you unique. Can you juggle, whistle, make animal noises, yodel, roller skate, or skateboard? Can you do a handstand, or are you a tumbler? Do you have a driver’s license? Do you play an instrument? Give this some thought, and be ready to do any of these things in the audition room or provide supplemental material if asked.

The PDF link above should help guide you as you create or tweak your own theatrical resume. There isn’t one perfect way to do a theatrical resume, but it should be clean and easy to read.

One other thing to remember: You’ll want to staple your resume to the other side of your headshot, which should be 8×10 inches in size, so you’ll want to trim accordingly. Have fun putting together your resume!

Laura Enstall is the owner and founder of Audition Well. She helps students conquer audition fears, stand out in the audition room, and find the theatre program that’s a perfect fit. Follow Audition Well on Instagram for audition tips @auditionwell.

The post Your Theatrical Resume Needs These 3 Things appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

3 Misconceptions About College Musical Theatre Auditions

Laura Enstall — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 12:52:37 +0000

Here’s the thing about college auditions for BFA musical theatre and acting programs: It’s a big process. There seems to be this looming, dark cloud that hangs over the words “COLLEGE AUDITIONS,” and students (and parents) cringe any time it’s mentioned. But why? Well, there are several reasons:

There’s much preparation that comes with these auditions;
This audition process is unlike anything you’ll ever experience in your life;
The competition is fierce.

In working with students, I’ve found many misconceptions about college musical theatre auditions. Below, we’re going to discuss three things you’ve got wrong about college auditions, and three ways to set yourself up for success!

MISCONCEPTION #1: COLLEGES WANT YOU TO FAIL

This idea comes from fear/nerves in the audition room. Whether a student is auditioning in a room full of auditors/college department heads, or a room of a few people, it can be really scary! You don’t know what is going through their mind. Your job is to perform and to perform well. Sometimes people make “thinking” faces and that can appear “mean” or “disapproving.” We have no idea what’s going on in someone’s mind, so don’t think too much into it. Go in, do your audition and do your best.

The truth is, the colleges want you to do well. They are looking for students to fit their programs just like you’re looking for a program to fit you! They’re not sitting behind the table thinking, “Ooh, I hope this student messes up on their monologue.” No way! They want you to have your best audition. If you don’t get a callback from a particular school, it means they didn’t think you would be a good fit that year for their program needs.

College musical theatre auditions are a big deal, and you do need to prepare according to the guidelines for each school and/or the Musical Theater Common Prescreen. This isn’t something that can be thrown together overnight or put together in a weekend—especially if you really want to succeed, stand out, and get into a program that is well-suited for you.

MISCONCEPTION #2: YOU WON’T FIND A SCHOOL

The biggest concern students have shared with me is not finding a school. They’re afraid they won’t get into a “good” theatre program. But there are so many theatre programs across the country—way more than the “Top 20” lists students find online. Are some of those schools great programs? Yes! Does it mean they are the only places you can receive quality acting or musical theatre training? No! Really, the fear is hearing “no” from all of these schools and not getting to pursue the dream anywhere.

How does one solve this problem? There isn’t a quick fix or a formula that guarantees you’ll get into a certain program. Each school is looking for students to fit their program that year. And since art is subjective, it could vary from year to year. You could be the most talented tenor in the room, but if a program is looking for basses, there’s nothing you can do. It doesn’t mean that you’re not talented. Plus, you want to be at a school where you’re wanted. While it may sound simple, the best thing you can do in an audition is go in and be you.

MISCONCEPTION #3: YOU NEED A BFA

First, let’s identify the difference between a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and a BA (Bachelor of Arts). A BFA is a degree in musical theatre or acting, and is earned within the school of theatre at a university. (Note: some musical theatre degrees can be earned in the school of music). The courses for a BFA degree have a very specific track to follow, with some room for electives. You’ll have more degree-specific classes. While earning a BA in theatre, you’ll still study within the theatre department, but you’ll have more flexibility for electives.

The misconception about theatre degrees is that you must get a BFA in order to be successful or be a “good actor.” That isn’t true. There are plenty of programs out there that offer great BA options either in theatre or even musical theatre. Some students want the flexibility to have a BA so that they can double major. BA-seeking students can still audition for productions and are still part of the theatre department.

When you opt for a BA in theatre, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. (That really goes for any degree, too.) Know that a BFA isn’t a magical piece of paper that suddenly guarantees a job. A casting director won’t look down on you because you didn’t get a BFA.

Here’s the bottom line when it comes to the process of college musical theatre auditions: Prepare, be yourself, be open to programs that you might not have ever considered, and trust the process. It’s an adventurous ride, but if this is truly what you want to do, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be—and it will be worth it.

The post 3 Misconceptions About College Musical Theatre Auditions appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Acting the Song for Auditions

Laura Enstall — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 23:34:41 +0000

When you’re acting the song for an audition, choose an appropriate genre for that show. If you’re auditioning for a traditional show like Guys and Dolls, choose a song from the Golden Age of Broadway. If on the other hand you are auditioning for a contemporary show like Freaky Friday, find a song with a fitting style for the time period.

Having classical and contemporary songs in your book that are performance ready will help you go into auditions feeling more prepared. “Performance ready” means you have done your prep work, understood the character, the intention behind the song, and have practiced it enough to truly perform it. This will all help you be in character and act the song better. If you learn a new song the night before, I guarantee, you will not be as connected to the character.

When you audition, you might only have 16-32 measures or 60-90 seconds to show ’em what you’ve got. This is why you must be prepared. I’ve had students tell me they have a difficult time connecting to a song when they have to do a cut rather than the entire song. Well, here’s the thing, that is exactly what you must be prepared to do to shine in the audition. You need to be able to “drop in” to the song and the character quickly at your audition, even if that means starting in the middle of the song. (Review part one of this story for tips.)

Pro Tips for Acting the Song in Auditions

1. Drop In
Learn the entire song so you have context for the whole story. Then if you’re asked to do just a cut, you can drop into character because of your thorough preparation. For example, when you get to your spot onstage or in the audition room you want to have a thought prepared that helps you quickly become the character. Practice quickly getting into the character’s mindset. The intro of the song (the starting notes the accompanist plays) can most certainly help you, but you should begin acting before the music starts.

2. Focal Point
Having a focal point will also give you more direction. If you’re in a small room auditioning, consider looking above your audition panel’s heads. Don’t look too high, you don’t want to appear as though you’re looking up at the ceiling. But rather, find a spot on the wall on which to focus. You don’t need to stare at that spot the entire time. You can place the person you’re singing to, your “other,” on that spot and find the moments when you want to look back.

Use your space and move around if it makes sense. You can always go back to that focal point. It will help you to have direction and not wander. Rehearse this at home with a focal point on your wall. Find the moments when you move away from it and when you return to that spot. One other nice thing about a focal point, you know where to look and you don’t feel awkward wondering if you should look at the audition panel or directors while you’re singing.

3. Trust the work
Connecting to your song when you’re not feeling it can be a real challenge. There may be times when you have to audition and you’ve been sick or you had a tough day for other reasons. Trust the work you’ve already done to carry you through the audition. Trust the character study and the time you’ve analyzing the song. When the time comes to sing, tap into the lyrics and the music, think about what you’re saying. We often need to slow down and remember the words, feel the meaning of the words, and not just sing them. This brings authenticity to what you’re singing.

Definitely do not rely on your own emotions. If you’ve had a tough day, it might be a challenge to emote happily, for example. But it’s your job to think about the character and who they are. It’s about what the character is going through, not what you’re experiencing. Practice being in character no matter your own emotions.

Be sure to focus on your “other” as you are acting the song for auditions. Remember, you’re singing TO someone, even if that someone is yourself. Focus on the message of the song. Be clear about your reasons for singing this song to that person.

Acting the Song at Callbacks

When you have a callback, apply all of these same tips. Plus, here are a few more things to think about for callbacks that are different than for the audition. (Let’s not forget our virtual auditioning skills! Click that link.)

Study the show before you audition.
You might have cold reads and cuts of songs you’ll be asked to prepare or do on the spot. Make choices for acting the song for the characters based on the lyrics and the circumstances. This is why it’s important to study the show ahead of time.

If you get to take sides home or are sent them ahead of time, use this to your advantage. Study and show up prepared! Spend time making not only acting choices but physical choices (based on the character). Don’t be afraid to stand out (in a positive way).

Acting the song skills can be learned and honed to help you onstage, in auditions, and at callbacks. Invest your time in practicing these tips and honing your skills. You’ll be glad you did!

The post Acting the Song for Auditions appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.

Acting the Song

Laura Enstall — Wed, 11 May 2022 21:32:10 +0000

You can connect more deeply with any musical theatre song you’re singing by using these three tips on “Acting the Song” technique. What is it? Maybe you’ve heard of it but thought it’s something only professional actors use or something you learn once you’re in college. Not true! And no need to wait until college to learn it.

Acting the song is important because it’s simply not enough to sing a song well. You need to be able to embody the emotions behind the lyrics for anyone to stop thinking you’re just acting; that you actually are the character. Honing this technique is especially helpful for auditions when you only have 16 to 32 bars to “sell” the song.

Acting the Song Technique

There are a few ways you can connect to a song. You can use the “magic if.” That is, imagine you are the character and then act “as if” you are. This approach is great if you’re in a show and have time to really study the character and know their mannerisms and attitudes.

Or use a situation from your life and relate it to the song. These are two common ways for an actor to relate more to a musical theatre song. And when you understand your character and truly act as if you are them, it’s so much easier for the audience to connect and care.

3 Tips for Acting the Song Successfully

It’s important to do some character analysis work. Sure, you could just start singing but remember that to be the best you have to do more than simply sing well. To improve your performance, know the answers to these questions about your character:
• Who are you?
• What’s your name?
• What’s your occupation?
• Who is your family?
• What do you like and dislike?
• Who are you singing to?

Also, knowing these answers for your character helps you direct your focus while you’re singing. You’ll most likely be singing to someone else, yourself, a higher being/God, or a group of people. Pick your focus based on what you know from the show. For example, let’s look at the lead character in Anastasia: The Musical. In the song “Journey to the Past” who is her “partner”/who is she singing to? Herself!

Acting Starts the Moment Before You Sing

What happens right before you open your mouth to sing is when your song starts. Your acting begins before the first note; the story begins before the song does. Again, in “Journey to the Past,” Anastasia is getting the courage to make a huge decision in her life, to move forward and take a leap of faith. She doesn’t do that when she first starts singing, “Heart don’t fail me now, courage don’t desert me.” She’s having an internal talk with herself during the introduction of the song (the instrumental) before she sings. Practice having that conversation with yourself so that you can convey the intense feelings that Anastasia has when she breaks out in song.

Know What You Want

Take the time to ask yourself more questions so you can create an entire character to step into while you’re singing:
• What does the character want?
• What’s the objective or the goal of the song? There’s always a goal. So, what do you want and what are you willing to do to get it?

Going back to Anastasia, perhaps you think she’s trying to define who she really is in the world. Or maybe she’s wanting to find her family. Know your objective.

The easiest way to determine your objective is to read, and re-read, the lyrics. Do the reading with and without music to give yourself multiple opportunities to for a deeper understanding.

Acting the song technique will help you become an actor who transforms from your own personality and mannerisms into embodying the character! And this ability will help you succeed. I encourage you to take a closer look at a song you’re working on and try a few of these tips. Trust me, it will make a huge difference in your performance. Break a leg!

Laura Enstall, owner and founder of Audition Well, is an audition coach and regular contributor to Dramatics.org. She helps students conquer audition fears, stand out in the audition room, and find the theatre program that’s a perfect fit. Follow Audition Well on Instagram for audition tips @auditionwell.

The post Acting the Song appeared first on Dramatics Magazine Online.