college auditions Archives - Dramatics Magazine Online

College Audition Tips

Peyton Locke Lyons — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 22:44:30 +0000

Take it from someone currently going through it, the college admissions process is daunting. From academic applications, to prescreens, to live callbacks, each step of the experience requires focus and discipline.

However, there are certain DOs and DON’Ts that make the process more manageable and contribute to your success.

College Audition Tips: The DOs and the DON’Ts

DO: Organize your information. I have found that Google Sheets is my best friend. I made a sheet with all schools I was applying to and hyperlinked a specific Google Doc to each of these school names. Then I used these documents as a place to keep track of research about each school: deadlines, prescreen requirements, and links to the department website and their prescreen submission platform.

The college admission process can be daunting, but certain steps can help make the process more manageable. Illustration by Reyna Young.

By doing this, I could easily access specific information about each
school whenever I needed it. I also started another spreadsheet specifically for my pre-screen material. I organized it by the school name. I included which songs and monologues I planned to use, time restrictions, and framing guidelines.

DON’T: Don’t pick material outside of your comfort zone in an attempt to impress. In dance, I’ve always been told “a clean single pirouette is better than a messy double.” Picking material that I’m 100 percent comfortable with allows me to trust that I can give my best performance no matter what. Being completely comfortable with the material lets me showcase what makes me special.

How to Stand Out in College Auditions

DO: Let your personality shine! Colleges aren’t just looking for skills, they are
looking for students that they want to work with. Pick material you’re genuinely excited about. Wear outfits you feel confident in. And bring authenticity to your writing supplementals and
wildcard videos. Let colleges get to know the real person you are behind the artist they are interviewing.

DON’T: Don’t pick material from a role you couldn’t play right now. The key to storytelling is authenticity. Don’t choose material that makes it harder for your authenticity to come through. A Doll’s House by Henrick Ibsen is one of my favorite plays, and I love Nora’s monologues. However, I know that her monologue about (spoiler alert!) leaving her husband and children will not be believable coming out of my mouth. I don’t have the experience necessary to bring true authenticity to the monologue. A more age-appropriate monologue allows me to dive into the character work and approach the piece as truthfully as
possible.

DO: Take multiple days to film. At first, I tried to film everything for my prescreens in one day. I quickly realized that this approach tired out my voice, caused me to start over thinking my material, and gave me emotional whiplash when switching between different moods.

I also wasn’t fully connecting to one of my pieces on my filming day and knew that it would be entirely better if I waited for a day when I was better equipped to work.

Give yourself time to spread out your filming so that it all can be completed to the best of your ability.

DON’T: Don’t let your research stop at “best programs.” If you look up “best schools for theatre,” you will find lists naming the same 25 or so schools. But the reality is, there are alumni from all the top programs who are not getting work, and it’s up to you to make the best of your education.

In order to do this, you need to find schools that directly align with your values. Dive into your research for each school so you can find and learn about its environment, values, and teaching styles. Get connected with current/former students. Take advantage of virtual information sessions, and read
testimonials.

The Most Important Things to Remember

THE MOST IMPORTANT DO: Have fun with the process. Sure, it can be incredibly daunting and stressful. And yet, at the end of the day, it is a very special time in your journey as a theatre artist. The best thing I have done has been to relax and trust that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I am doing the hard work, and I am using this time to meet new people, play with material that I genuinely enjoy, and discover new things about myself as a performer.

Peyton Locke Lyons is an International Thespian Officer class of 2022-23.

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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.

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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.

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Your College Auditions Checklist

Laura Enstall — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 18:26:02 +0000

We all know that college auditions, and preparing for them, require rigorous work ahead of time. These tips are like a college auditions checklist. Planning and preparation are keys to your success.

One way to streamline your college auditions process is to attend events that let you audition with multiple schools at once, like the International Thespian Festival. There are also other unified audition options if you plan far enough ahead.

Planning and preparation are keys to your college auditions success. Do not wait until the last minute and expect to shine. (Photo credit: Bich Tran, pexels)

Do Your Part

Doing your part means preparing thoroughly for your auditions and then giving your all at the auditions. College auditions require focused planning and preparation. It is risky to choose a monologue two days before an audition, scramble to memorize it, and then try to learn a new cut of a song you found online! Remember that you are up against the best of the best at college auditions so honor yourself, your talent, the auditors, and show up prepared.

Being totally prepared means you know the entire song, not just the 60-to-90-second cut of the song. Prepared means you have read the entire play. I cannot emphasize this enough! You need to know the entire story, and not just the isolated scene, if you are asked about the character or your objective.

Doing your part means you arrive with back-up materials. A complete audition book will have your songs in it that you are singing (the cuts clearly marked). It should also have additional songs that are performance ready. You do not want to be asked to sing another song and be unprepared! The same is true for monologues. Have another monologue prepared that is performance ready as well.

Check the audition requirements for each school before you go to the audition. If it is in person, what are you required to bring or submit prior to auditioning? Many schools will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before entering campus.

I strongly suggest you create a spreadsheet with all your auditions and what each requires. This will lower your stress level to be able to access vital information in one place without having to go to multiple websites. (Here are some video tips from Laura, too, about where you can audition!)

Take Care of Yourself Physically

Self-care is an ongoing process. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is a marathon, not a sprint and it is so important!

Try to regularly eat foods that sustain and fuel your body. For example, try to avoid a lot of fried foods. Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods. If milk or dairy clogs your voice, avoid it before an audition.

Drink water! Not just before an audition, always. Get in the habit of carrying around a water bottle and filling it up throughout the day. This will keep your body and your voice hydrated. If you get bored with plain water, add lemon or lime juice.

Listen to your body. Learn to recognize when you are starting to feel run-down and then rest. Make smart choices. If you have an audition, do not stay out late the night before with your friends singing showtunes at the top of your lungs. I also recommend investing in a personal steamer to keep your voice hydrated. This product is just one option.

Take Care of Yourself Mentally

Be sure to give your brain some breaks. I know how hard it is to disconnect from your devices (!) but unplug for an evening. Read a book or do a puzzle. Choose an activity without a screen. If an entire evening off is not possible, take short breaks. Stretch your body, play with your dog, take a walk outside for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. These “state changes” will refresh your mind and give you more physical energy.

I highly recommend a dance party with your favorite songs when you need a mental break. If you feel yourself struggling or stressed, reach out to a friend, teacher, parent, or guardian. You are not alone; so please do not feel you have to go through auditions alone.

To reduce mental stress, do not over commit yourself during college audition season. Set firm and healthy boundaries around your time and what matters most. I see the ill effects of not doing this with my students every year. College prep can feel like a part-time job on top of schoolwork, doing shows at school, and potentially other activities and lessons. Sometimes doing it all is not an option. Prioritize your schoolwork and your college auditions.

Keep Up the Good Work

A display of talent at auditions is important, and so are consistent good grades and training. Keeping up your grades all four years of high school will help you in the college auditions process. Do not think that you can slide your senior year, and that colleges won’t notice! As important as college auditions are, schoolwork should come first.

Keep up your training with your voice lessons and dance classes. If you are not currently taking voice lessons or dance classes and you want to study Musical Theatre in college, I highly recommend finding a voice teacher (or choir teacher) to help you prepare for your auditions. This expert input will help make preparing your music much easier and more effective.

Break a leg with your college auditions. Start early, fully prepare, and let your best self shine at auditions!

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.

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3 Ways to Look Your Best

Laura Enstall — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:09:45 +0000

Prescreens are filmed auditions to get you an audition slot for Acting and Musical Theatre BFA programs. Not every school requires them, but many do. Here are three tips to help you when preparing your prescreens. (If you want additional help setting up for a virtual audition, here’s another post that will help you!)

Three Ways to Look Your Best for Prescreens

Take the time to set up your space. Make sure you have sufficient, flattering lighting. Get your sound set up. Make sure your background is neutral. Preparation helps YOU stand out. Without distractions, all the hard work you’ve done gets the chance to be the star.
Practice and prepare well. If you haven’t prepared it shows. And when you feel confident that you’re ready, only do a few takes of each piece you’re doing. Otherwise your presentation gets stale and you get tired.
Rehearse your slate (check the playwright’s name and how to pronounce it and rehearse it with your piece). This kind of preparation shows that you understand the full scope of performance. Every part of the creation is important, including the playwright’s name.

Laura Enstall, owner and founder of Audition Well, is a St. Louis based college audition coach specializing in college audition prep, acting, and acting the song training for high school students in the United States and internationally. She helps students conquer audition fears, stand out in the audition room, and find the theatre program that’s a perfect fit. Her goal is to create confident, prepared actors. Follow Audition Well on Instagram for audition tips @auditionwell. Visit the Audition Well website for a free college audition consultation.

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Michelle Evans

Patty Craft — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:28:00 +0000

Meet Michelle Evans, who taught the College Auditions Cheat Sheet workshop at the 2021 International Thespian Festival (ITF). Michelle shared her own experiences in theatre with us, including how she became passionate about the college auditions process. And how she helps students and parents/guardians successfully navigate the process. (Check out the 2021 College Guide, too. It’s full of tips for tours, and great questions to ask your recruiter. Plus, links to colleges looking for students just like you!)

Michelle Evans says, “I admit college auditions are my thing! I love the whole crazy process.”

How did first-grade Michelle Evans get hooked on theatre?

My first taste for the stage was in first grade in my elementary school production of the Marlo Thomas classic, Free to Be…You and Me. I got to play a tiger. The big thrill of doing that show was that I got to wear a cool jean skirt. This was in the late ’80s; it really was a really big deal to 6-year-old me.

It was also around that time that I was exploring improvisational songwriting. Most everything I wrote had something to do with my cat that had run away. Good stuff, as you can imagine! If only there wasn’t already a show about cats…

Are you a Thespian alum?

Yes, I’m a proud alumni and former president of Troupe 5368! The best thing about being a Thespian was the camaraderie. Just being around like-minded people with a common passion was great. Time with the troupe helped me know that theatre was the community I wanted to spend my life with.

Being with Thespians is still the thing I love about teaching at festivals around the country. No matter what state I’m teaching in, it feels like home!

Participating in Thespian leadership as a student helped me learn to think about the good of the whole; to look past my wants or desires. That experience was the birth of my desire to teach and direct. I wanted to be a good leader for all the people looking to me to guide the troupe.

What do you hope workshop attendees will learn?

I hope more than anything that students feel more confident about college auditions after they take my workshop. There’s so much college audition information swirling around that it can seem overwhelming.

No two students are exactly alike, even if they’re pursuing the same degree program. I’m passionate about helping students create their best path to the future they want. I want students to see that there are so many ways to have a great college audition process. The key is finding what they need and not trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

I also want to help workshop attendees understand the most current information about the 2021-22 college audition season. This will give them stress-management tips for the process. And, ultimately, I want them to know they have someone to help them throughout their journey, so they never feel alone!

What workshops you’ve taken made the biggest impact on you?

I took a master class with Sam Shepard when I was in college that had a big impact on how I saw myself and my path in the industry. It was the first time I realized a person could be good at many things. I mean, Shepard was a brilliant playwright, actor, and director. We know him best for his plays, but he’s equally respected for his other efforts.

Something clicked for me that day. I’d always thought I could only be good at one thing. And that if I tried to do something besides my one good thing, then everything would suffer. After that class, I threw away my old thinking and fearlessly pursued everything I was passionate about. That approach led me to where I am today. I’m so happy doing work I hadn’t even remotely considered originally!

What makes you particularly well suited to teach this workshop?

I’ve been a private acting coach for 17 years. When the college audition process changed about eight years ago, growing more competitive each year, I shifted my focus. Auditions were especially competitive for musical theatre students. So, I partnered with colleagues that specialize in other disciplines (Dave Clemmons, Camiah Mingorance and Pat Valleroy). Together we built the College Audition Project (CAP).

Now, I help students and their parents/guardians prepare for college auditions. I do it for 12 months a year, on a constant loop. I help them tackle everything from acting training (of course) and material selection, to school selections, prescreen preparedness, auditions, interview, and everything else in between. As a co-owner of CAP and in running my own studio (MJE Acting Studio), I work with 100+ students every year. My sole purpose is helping them thrive through the college auditions process.

Through the CAP United Auditions, I work with 40-60 collegiate Acting and Musical Theatre Programs in the U.S. and Europe. I know firsthand what they’re looking for in the students they recruit, and how their processes work. Schools aren’t one-size-fits-all. I help students realize they don’t have to pick/audition for a school just because it’s on a list.

I admit: College auditions are my thing! I love the whole crazy process. The best part is when I get that text from a student saying they just committed to the school of their dreams. It’s particularly great when that school wasn’t originally their dream school, and by working together, they found even better opportunities they hadn’t known existed.

And, just for fun, choose one for each:

Hamilton or Hadestown?
That is hard, but I’m going with Hamilton. Even after all these years, that show still amazes me.

Ballet, Hip-Hop, or Tap?
I’m a ’90s kid, so Hip-Hop. Although no one wants to see me do Hip-Hop, unless they want a good laugh!

Hero or villain?
It could be because of my character actress days, but I love a dynamic villain.

The one most impressive performance you’ve seen?
In 1996 I saw Ragtime when it opened on Broadway with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie, and Audra McDonald. I had no idea what it was about or even who was in it. I was completely obsessed with the show after I saw it, and to this day it’s still my favorite musical! ■

Patty Craft is Content Manager for Dramatics.org. She lives and writes on 10 acres in southwestern Ohio where she also hikes to her heart’s content.

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