2 answers
Kenady
Student
Worthington, Ohio
1
Question
Updated
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#Fall25 For any theatre majors out there, how different are college auditions compared to high school auditions?
Is it more intimidating? Do you have to prepare more material? I bet it feels more professional, right?
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2 answers
Alexis Camins
IT Manager at Los Angeles County - Professional Actor
42
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
There are a couple of things that will be quite different.
For one thing, there’s a greater chance that you will be auditioning for someone who doesn’t know you. So first impressions mean a lot. You have to be professional and confident, but also exude warmth and friendliness.
The expectations are also different. You have to come prepared: know what is asked for in the audition and have some other things prepared just in case. If they are asking for one monologue, have a contrasting monologue in the back pocket, maybe two. Same with songs. Come prepared and then some. Have a story or a joke ready so you don’t get caught searching. Have a couple of copies of your headshot and resume, even if you already sent them digital copies. People will expect you to know HOW to audition and will expect you to be prepared.
But in the most important ways, the goal is the same: show your unique self using the material provided. Display your skills AND your heart. Perform it, because it may be the only chance you’ll get. And even if you’re not perfect for the part, audition so they remember you.
Find two contrasting monologues: modern/classical, comic/serious
Practice 1-2 contrasting songs
Get your resume and headshots ready now
Watch shows on campus
Even if it seems like a long shot, AUDITION!
For one thing, there’s a greater chance that you will be auditioning for someone who doesn’t know you. So first impressions mean a lot. You have to be professional and confident, but also exude warmth and friendliness.
The expectations are also different. You have to come prepared: know what is asked for in the audition and have some other things prepared just in case. If they are asking for one monologue, have a contrasting monologue in the back pocket, maybe two. Same with songs. Come prepared and then some. Have a story or a joke ready so you don’t get caught searching. Have a couple of copies of your headshot and resume, even if you already sent them digital copies. People will expect you to know HOW to audition and will expect you to be prepared.
But in the most important ways, the goal is the same: show your unique self using the material provided. Display your skills AND your heart. Perform it, because it may be the only chance you’ll get. And even if you’re not perfect for the part, audition so they remember you.
Alexis recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kenady !
As a soon to be Theatre Major, or just considering it, it is great that you have already auditioned for shows in High School. That would be like a preview of what's to come !
To begin with, auditions are auditions no matter where someone participates. The best advice I received as a young actress was to give an opening night performance at every audition. For college, you will first need to be aware of the different types of auditions there are in college.
The first type is the audition to be accepted into the Theatre Department if the college you go to requires that. The second type of audition is the evaluation audition which is for the acting professor to get an idea of your skill level. These are sometimes done via video that you send in or are done during class time. The third type of audition is the ones that you audition for departmental productions that your theatre department will be doing. No matter what type of audition you'd prepare for, they will tell you exactly what to prepare - one or two monologues or a cold reading. It depends on the college or the venue.
Auditors in college are looking at the same things your high school auditors looked at. How do you look, sound and use your space. For monologues, it's not just talking but also expressing, projecting and using blocking and business where the lines call for it. You know the character and only you can do it the way you can. Many colleges are state of the art equipped with a huge main stage on which you may have to audition. In that circumstance, it will feel like the real thing - a huge house with only one or two people in the audience, house lights off and a spot on you. Experience should cause you not to feel intimidated. Remember - they are not evaluating you as a person, they are looking to be inspired by your portrayal and range as an actor. There's no reason to feel intimidated as you've mentioned. You get used to it the more you audition and a secret - the auditors want you to be good. Learning what casting is all about will further help you be comfortable at auditions.
So, first find out what type of audition it is - to be accepted into the Theatre Department, evaluation or for their first production they will do. Also remember that many colleges do not require an audition to be accepted into the theatre program, so you'll need to find that out. Any time you go on an audition, the notice will indicate what they want from you, whether it's in college or out in the community. Also remember that you are offering your talent to the auditor and many times the auditor does not have a concept of how they want to cast the role and you just may be the one they choose.
So, really, and you'll feel this in years to come, auditions are the same wherever they happen. Read up on technique and character development and it helps to read the whole script the monologue is from. Definitely return here for more advice about acting !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best for this exciting, fulfilling possible career !
As a soon to be Theatre Major, or just considering it, it is great that you have already auditioned for shows in High School. That would be like a preview of what's to come !
To begin with, auditions are auditions no matter where someone participates. The best advice I received as a young actress was to give an opening night performance at every audition. For college, you will first need to be aware of the different types of auditions there are in college.
The first type is the audition to be accepted into the Theatre Department if the college you go to requires that. The second type of audition is the evaluation audition which is for the acting professor to get an idea of your skill level. These are sometimes done via video that you send in or are done during class time. The third type of audition is the ones that you audition for departmental productions that your theatre department will be doing. No matter what type of audition you'd prepare for, they will tell you exactly what to prepare - one or two monologues or a cold reading. It depends on the college or the venue.
Auditors in college are looking at the same things your high school auditors looked at. How do you look, sound and use your space. For monologues, it's not just talking but also expressing, projecting and using blocking and business where the lines call for it. You know the character and only you can do it the way you can. Many colleges are state of the art equipped with a huge main stage on which you may have to audition. In that circumstance, it will feel like the real thing - a huge house with only one or two people in the audience, house lights off and a spot on you. Experience should cause you not to feel intimidated. Remember - they are not evaluating you as a person, they are looking to be inspired by your portrayal and range as an actor. There's no reason to feel intimidated as you've mentioned. You get used to it the more you audition and a secret - the auditors want you to be good. Learning what casting is all about will further help you be comfortable at auditions.
So, first find out what type of audition it is - to be accepted into the Theatre Department, evaluation or for their first production they will do. Also remember that many colleges do not require an audition to be accepted into the theatre program, so you'll need to find that out. Any time you go on an audition, the notice will indicate what they want from you, whether it's in college or out in the community. Also remember that you are offering your talent to the auditor and many times the auditor does not have a concept of how they want to cast the role and you just may be the one they choose.
So, really, and you'll feel this in years to come, auditions are the same wherever they happen. Read up on technique and character development and it helps to read the whole script the monologue is from. Definitely return here for more advice about acting !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best for this exciting, fulfilling possible career !