Performance Audition Tips
Guidelines for Creating a Performance-Based College Audition Video That Will Let You Shine
Performance Audition Requirements
Performance Audition Videos Must:
- Begin with an introductory slate that includes the auditionee's name and titles of the selections being performed.
- Be no longer than two minutes in total (including slate and transition between pieces).
- Contain two contrasting pieces:
- For students interested in pursuing an acting concentration: two monologues
- For students interested in pursuing a musical theatre concentration: one monologue and one song (a track must be used for the song – no a cappella submissions are permitted)
- Be solo presentations.
- Focus on the performance. You may utilize one straight-back chair and/or one small table in your video; additional set pieces are not allowed.
Helpful Tips
Choose Material That Highlights Your Abilities
- Avoid selections with dialects, accents, or any classical material if not trained in those areas.
- Show your range – choose selections that showcase different aspects of your skill set.
- Selections should demonstrate your best work.
- Highlight your ability to create a dynamic character.
- Choose a piece that allows you to tell a story – shape, subtext, resonance, and a clear beginning, middle, and end are important.
Preparation Tips
- Rehearse your full audition.
- Rehearse your slate. It's the adjudicator's first impression of you. Include your name and titles of your performance pieces. Don't include extranneous details.
- Remember to consider your blocking and physicality in addition to your text work.
- Don't forget facial expressions – on camera, they may read slightly differently than they do in a large auditorium.
- Rehearse your transition between pieces to enusre a seamless audition.
- Consider the frame of the camera. How much of your body do you want to show? At a minimum, make sure to stand far enough away from the lens so that your full head, shoulders, and chest are visible. If your piece requires more movement, consider backing up to include more of your body.
- If performing a song, make sure you have a high-quality track to use for your accompaniment.
- Pay an accompanist to record an MP3 for you. Try reaching out to your local college or university's music or theatre department for an accompanist. Student musicians may be happy to help for a small fee.
- Find an accompaniment or karaoke track online. Make sure there are no vocals on the track (including back-up vocals, which are not permitted).
- Consider where you're placing your off-camera "scene partner." You do not need to look straight into the camera. Usually, sightly above the camera lens and off to one side works well. Angle your shoulders to that spot rather than just turning your head.
- Before filming, conduct a full-volume test to make sure you and your track (if applicable) can be heard and that the track doesn't overpower your vocals.
- Ensure your blocking is effective and visible when filmed. If it is not, consider whether to decrease your movement or adjust your camera angle.
Filming Tips
- Find an effective filming location.
- The area should be quiet so we can hear both you and your track (if applicable).
- Film in front of a non-distracting background. If possible, choose a solid-color wall or consider hanging a sheet behind you.
- Make sure you are lit well enough to be clearly visible. Consider using natural light, if possible. Stand facing a window with the camera pointed at you or place a high-quality light source behind the camera.
- Dress neatly, and in a contrasting color from your background. No costumes are permitted.
- Shoot your video horizontally, not vertically.
- Try multiple takes and submit your strongest.
Uploading Your Video
- Upload your video to an online viewing platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- Use appropriate privacy settings so that the link will allow for open access to all representatives. (In YouTube, the Unlisted setting is recommended.) Try playing the video in an incognito window to test privacy settings.
- Watch your video both before and after uploading to ensure it's what you want to share. The beauty of a video audition is that you can always shoot another take before submitting! Don't waste that opportunity.
- Give your file a clear name. Consider something like FirstNameLastName_ITFAudition.
Additional Resources
Explore the additional resources for filming auditions available at Dramatics.org.