High school students who are hoping to get accepted by performing arts colleges will likely be asked to audition in front of a review panel as part of their college admissions application. These are generally short presentations that show not only that you're a comparable performer, but that you have the talent and capacity to learn what the department intends to teach you over the next four years.
What you'll be showcasing for the review panel varies based on which discipline you're auditioning for. More important than just having fast fingers, musicians will want to demonstrate steady tone quality, good intonation and excellent musical expression. Dancers should have good form, balance, and be able to offer a sense of individuality in their work. Actors will need to show that they can project their voices to the back of the room and have little trouble remembering their lines, among other qualities.
Prepping for a College Admissions Audition
- Know What Performing Arts Colleges Require for an Audition
Every school has different audition requirements. Finding out what's necessary for each college - and appropriately documenting and preparing for these requirements - can make or break your audition. Some schools offer you the choice of what you'd like to audition with. In this case, it's best to consult with a knowledgeable source on the piece you're planning to perform.
- Care for Your Instrument, Your Equipment and Yourself
The review panel doesn't want to see you show up with an instrument that's been neglected or misused. They want to know that you hold a certain level of respect for the equipment you'll be spending a lot of time with if you are accepted by the school. For actors especially, this means putting in the effort to make sure you show up in fine outward appearance and ready to perform .
Remember, this audition is not taking place in your living room. You'll likely be performing for the panel in the school's concert hall or theater, places that have seen a multitude of performers come and go. It's likely that none of those past performers have graced the stage wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and you shouldn't either.
Dress the part. Musicians should wear all black. Dancers should be comfortable and presentable. Actors are encouraged to avoid dressing like a Hollywood star. You're trying to impress the panel, both by showing that you have great talents, but also by demonstrating a sense of professionalism and humility. Wear something comfortable while still looking nice. Try to avoid black unless you're a musician, as you may be auditioning in front of a black curtain and don't want to look like a floating head.
- Understand What You're Being Judged On
Yes, the review board is interested in observing your talents, but they're also looking to see what kind of person you are. That's what best helps them deduce how coachable you'll be. In other words, how willing you'll be to learn from them.
Be respectful, direct, and friendly. Don't show signs of arrogance or over-confidence. Most importantly, try not to be intimidated. They're judging you, but they judge everybody who wants to be a performing arts student at their school. It's just as much of an opportunity as it is a constructive critique.
The Performance
Once you've taken that stage, it all just comes down to doing what you know how to do. Play. Dance. Act. Own the performance, and understand its magnitude. This will be one of the most definitive performances of your career, but you can only perform well if you stick to what got you there.
Upon the completion of your performance, thank the review panel for their time and consideration. It's also smart to send a thank you note to someone at the school the next day. Address it to the head of the department, your prospective advisor, or the individuals you auditioned for. What's important is that you show your gratitude and leave them with a positive impression of you as both a performer and person.