How to prepare for your university Acting audition

When preparing for your university Acting audition, begin by carefully reading the audition requirements – there can be subtle (and some not so subtle) differences between various universities and drama schools. For example, our BA (Hons) Acting degree requires applicants to  prepare two monologues:

• The first should be from a 20th or 21st Century play and have a running time of 1:30-2 minutes maximum
• The second should be from an Elizabethan or Jacobean play and have a running time of 1-1:30 minutes maximum

Read more about UCA's Acting audition requirements

Consider how many monologues you might be required to learn and deliver, what can you use or not use as audition material, how long they should be, if they are self-tapes or performed in person, what you should wear, and if there are any other elements being asked for such as duologues, songs, workshops, or interviews.

Adhering to these requirements will be a good opportunity for you to demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.

Choosing a monologue for your audition

Choose monologues that you enjoy and are engaged with, considering roles that you might be cast in or that resonate with you as an aspiring creative.

You should select pieces from full length, published and/or produced playscripts unless explicitly asked to do otherwise.

Authenticity is a crucial element in this part of the audition, explore roles that might suit you in terms of character age or style. Make sure you have read the whole play in advance of your audition; you should be able to answer questions about the text and your choices should be well informed.

Rehearsing your monologue

Once you have your portfolio of audition monologues, including back-up monologues, learn your lines off book.

Make sure you take the time to rehearse aloud and in an appropriate space. By all means seek advice from those you trust but remember that ultimately you must believe in the decisions you make with the work you develop.

Be clear on your character’s intentions and think about why you have chosen the pieces you have for your audition. Think carefully about where a character might be in the space, what they see and who they are speaking to, be it another character or the audience.

What to expect from your university audition

Every part of an audition matters.

Remember that these processes may include group or ensemble work, so how you listen, collaborate and respond can make a big difference. After all, it's an important part of being a professional actor.

If you are given feedback or are redirected, remain open to these ideas – demonstrate adaptability and directability – these are key skills audition panels will be looking for.
 
No matter where you choose to audition, remember to be yourself. Audition panels will want to know who you are, what makes you unique, and what it might be like to work with you in future.

What to expect on the day

Experiencing nerves is natural, remember to harness that energy and to use it in your performance.

Think of the experience as sharing a scene from a public performance of a play rather than an audition. The panel want you to succeed, so take a breath and take your time. Project your voice into the space with confidence.

On the day of the audition itself make sure you leave plenty of time and arrive early, ensure you have warmed up your voice and body, stay hydrated, and give yourself space to centre and ground before entering the audition room.

Approach your time at the audition, however short or long, with respect, collaboration and curiosity – make sure you have a question or two about the course or the university ready to ask.
 
Remember that you are also auditioning the university or drama school. Does it feel like the right fit for you? Can you see yourself feeling a part of that community?

Whatever the outcome, celebrate your work, learn from your experience, and keep moving forwards to your next creative opportunity.