Your college audition is your moment to shine, a curated glimpse into your talent, passion, and potential. This section is your ultimate guide to preparing a compelling and authentic audition package that will make a lasting impression.
We'll dive deep into the critical components of a successful audition: from the art of selecting songs and monologues that showcase your unique strengths and fit specific program requirements, to understanding the nuances of choreographing and performing dance effectively. Discover essential tips and tricks for perfecting your delivery, managing nerves, and standing out from the crowd. Plus, we'll walk you through the technicalities of filming polished prescreens that grab attention, ensuring your virtual introduction is as impactful as an in-person performance. Get ready to refine your craft and confidently present your very best self!
Click HERE for the Common Prescreen Requirements
Best site for sheet music - Musicnotes
Click HERE for how to organize a binder of songs for a rep book
Click HERE for top dance ausition tips for actors (video)
Click HERE for a Sample Taped Dance Audition (Giovanna Martinez)
Songbook Organization
Tips for Choosing Monologue
Ballet and Jazz for MT Auditions
Your opportunity to share more about you! Demonstrate a special skill, tell a story, play an instrument, share your passion, create a how-to video - the possibilities are endless!
Your prescreen is your digital first impression, a crucial step in showcasing your talent before an in-person audition. To ensure your performance shines through, meticulous attention to filming quality is key. Here are essential tips to help you create a professional and impactful prescreen:
Framing: Always film in landscape orientation. For acting and singing pieces, aim for a chest-up shot that clearly shows your upper body, facial expressions, and gestures. For dance, ensure your full body is visible within the frame.
Lighting: Good lighting is paramount. Avoid harsh shadows that can obscure your features. Whenever possible, utilize natural light by facing a window. If natural light isn't sufficient, use soft, diffused artificial light to illuminate your face evenly.
Background: Choose a plain, uncluttered background. Solid walls in neutral colors like white, light gray, or a calming blue work best. Absolutely avoid distracting items such as busy patterns, pictures, posters, or personal belongings that can draw attention away from your performance.
Sound: Clear audio is non-negotiable. Record in a space without echo, such as a room with carpeting, curtains, or furniture that absorbs sound. A bathroom, for instance, is the absolute opposite of what you want due to its hard, reflective surfaces. Test your sound levels before you begin.
Editing: While minimal editing is usually preferred, always adjust the volume of any accompanying music to ensure your voice remains the clear focus. The music should enhance, not overpower, your performance. Ensure smooth transitions and clean cuts, if necessary.
By following these guidelines, you'll produce a polished prescreen that highlights your talent and makes a strong impression on admissions committees.
Filming Your Self-Tape
Sample Yale School of Drama Acceptd Video (warning: language)
Be Yourself | Audition Advice
Your college audition is your chance to showcase your talent, personality, and potential. What you wear plays a significant role in your first impression, communicating professionalism, confidence, and an understanding of the industry. The key is to choose an outfit that allows you to move freely, looks polished, and lets your individuality shine, without being distracting.
Here's a breakdown of what to wear for the singing, acting, and dance components of your musical theater college audition:
Comfort is King: You need to breathe, move, and feel completely at ease. Avoid anything too tight, restrictive, or that you'll be constantly adjusting.
Professional, Not Formal: Think "smart casual" or "first-date cute." A full suit or formal gown is generally too much. You want to look like a serious student and artist, not like you're attending a gala.
Clean and Pressed: Ensure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and fit you well. Poorly fitting or messy clothes can be distracting.
Solid Colors are Best: Solid, flattering colors (jewel tones like emerald, royal blue, burgundy, or even a nice neutral like grey or navy) are usually preferred over busy patterns or loud prints. They keep the focus on you. Avoid all black unless it's truly your signature color and you know how to make it pop.
Hair and Makeup: Keep hair neat and off your face so that your expressions are clearly visible. Natural, light makeup is usually best – enhance your features, don't transform them.
Minimal Jewelry: Avoid anything large, noisy, or distracting. Simple studs, a small necklace, or a watch are fine.
Practice in Your Outfit: Always rehearse your songs, monologues, and dance combinations in your chosen audition attire and shoes to ensure full mobility and comfort.
For the Acting & Singing Portion (often combined):
For Those Who Present as Female:
Dresses: A flattering, knee-length or midi-length wrap dress or A-line dress in a solid, vibrant color is a classic and excellent choice. Ensure it's not too tight or revealing, and allows for full breath support and movement.
Skirts and Blouses/Sweaters: A well-fitting skirt (pencil, A-line, or flowy) paired with a nice blouse or a fitted, breathable sweater.
Dress Pants/Jumpsuits: Nicely tailored dress pants with a flattering top or a well-fitted jumpsuit can also work.
Footwear: Low heels (block heels are more stable) or dressy flats are ideal. Character shoes can also be a good option as they're designed for movement. Avoid stilettos, flip-flops, or overly casual sneakers.
Hosiery: If wearing a skirt or dress, opaque tights can offer comfort and prevent wardrobe malfunctions when moving.
For Those Who Present as Male:
Slacks/Chinos: Well-fitting dress pants or clean, pressed chinos in a neutral color (navy, grey, tan, black).
Button-Down Shirt or Polo: A clean, pressed button-down shirt (long or short sleeve) in a solid color or a subtle pattern. A nice polo shirt can also work. Avoid t-shirts unless layering under something else.
Optional: A nice sweater or a sport coat/blazer can add a polished touch, but ensure it doesn't restrict movement or feel too formal. A tie is generally not necessary but can be worn if it suits your personal style.
Footwear: Clean, polished dress shoes or fashionable, clean sneakers. Avoid overly casual sneakers or athletic shoes.
What to Avoid for Acting/Singing:
Costumes or clothing that mimics a specific character too closely.
Anything overly trendy, flashy, or revealing.
Baggy or ill-fitting clothes that obscure your body or movement.
Heavy perfumes or colognes.
You'll need to change quickly into something that allows full range of motion and showcases your lines. Many programs will have you change after your song/monologue.
For All Dancers:
Form-Fitting: Wear clothes that are form-fitting enough for the faculty to see your body's alignment and musculature, but not so tight that they restrict movement.
Layers: Bring layers as studios can vary in temperature.
Hair: Securely tie back long hair, preferably in a bun or ponytail that won't interfere with turns or floor work.
Specific Items:
Bottoms: Black leggings, fitted dance pants, or athletic shorts (if appropriate for the program and your comfort level). Avoid baggy sweatpants or loose-fitting shorts that hide your lines.
Tops: A fitted t-shirt, tank top, camisole, or leotard. Solid colors are best.
Footwear:
Character shoes: Essential for many musical theater programs, especially for those who present as female.
Jazz shoes: Often required or highly recommended.
Ballet slippers: May be needed for ballet portions.
Sneakers/Tennis Shoes: Bring a clean pair of athletic sneakers for hip-hop or contemporary styles, especially if specific dance shoes aren't mandated.
Socks: Bring appropriate dance socks or socks that work well with your chosen shoes.
What to Avoid for Dance:
Baggy clothes that obscure your form.
Anything with excessive zippers, buttons, or embellishments that could catch or be uncomfortable during movement.
Street shoes (unless specified for a specific style).
Remember, your clothes are a frame for your talent. By choosing an outfit that is comfortable, professional, and thoughtfully prepared, you empower yourself to focus entirely on your performance and truly shine.