Audition Guidelines

Multimedia

For hints and tips on how to audition for a Drama School, and what ALRA are looking for please watch the two interview videos:

Video 1

Video 2

Downloads:

Audition Guidelines [PDF]

Visitors Information: South [PDF]

Visitors Information: North [PDF]

You need to:

prepare two audition monologues* each lasting no longer than two minutes:

one from a contemporary play

(after 1950, but not any play by Stephen Berkoff, Sarah Kane or John Godber)

one from Shakespeare

(but not non-human characters like Puck from 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' or Ariel from 'The Tempest', or any Chorus)

* Monologues – please make sure you have read the plays your monologues come from.
Be sure your monologue works as a stand alone speech and does not require input from another character.

We want you to:

choose pieces that match your age and gender and do not require a change of accent.
choose pieces that demonstrate communication with (an)other character(s).
choose pieces that have an emotional journey.
choose pieces that have a significant moment of change.
work without props or special costume.
avoid using chairs. Although it is acceptable to sit down, to remain seated throughout the speech gives us less opportunity to assess your physical characterisation.
learn your pieces.
wear suitable clothes which enable you to move freely and to allow tutors to assess posture and movement. Female applicants should avoid skirts. All applicants should avoid low cut/hipster trousers cropped and low cut tops. For the movement session we advise you to bring movement clothes (leotard and tights). The movement session requires you to be bare-footed.

We are looking for these qualities:

thorough preparation
ability to create and sustain a character within an imagined world
evidence of thought and feeling behind the actions and words
ability to take direction (to hear an instruction and adapt own performance accordingly)
ability to communicate text
ability to express thought and feeling through movement and voice
self-confidence
focus and concentration
spontaneity and immediacy
openness and responsiveness to others
imagination and creativity
evidence of stamina, rhythm and co-ordination
an interest in the craft of acting and in the professional world of acting

We aim to ensure that you will enjoy all aspects of the auditioning process and feel stretched by it. You will be auditioned in depth and will have every opportunity to show your skills.

We advise you to arrive at 9am to register as the audition process begins at 9.15am.

Please note, there may be different start times for auditions that do not take place at ALRA South or ALRA North.

9.15am	Welcome	You will be welcomed by a senior member of staff and introduced to student helpers. The day’s events are explained.
9.30am	STAGE 1 Warm-up Games Modern speech	You will be put into a group of between 10-15 applicants to work with a senior member of staff and current ALRA students. After warming up you will play some simple games and/or undertake acting exercises. You will present your modern speech to with the rest of your group present
11am	Break
11.15am	Shakespeare speech	Your group will be taken by another member of staff and you will present your Shakespeare speech solo.
12.30pm	Break Panel review applicants’ work. Successful candidates will go to Stage 2	You will have a break and can view the college with the student helpers. You will be told whether you have progressed to Stage 2.
1.15pm	STAGE 2 Movement & Improvisation	If you reach Stage 2 you will take part in a movement workshop and an improvisation workshop.
2.30pm	Break Panel review applicants work. Successful candidates will go to Stage 3	You will be told whether you have progressed to Stage 3.
2.45pm	STAGE 3 Interview	If you reach stage 3 you will receive a 15 minute talk from the Registrar about funding, and be interviewed by the audition panel. The interview lasts between 5–10 minutes.
4pm	Finish	We aim to notify you of the outcome of your audition within one week.

In 2009/10, we auditioned more than 1200 applicants. Due to the large numbers of candidates applying, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback. The decision of the school is final.

ALRA operates an Equal Opportunities Policy: all candidates will be assessed on their potential to meet the demands of the course and considered entirely on the basis of merit. Those showing the most aptitude at audition will be considered for Dance and Drama Awards, taking into account their financial circumstances.

The audition panel makes the final decision regarding entry to ALRA. We aim to notify you of the outcome of your audition within one week. Successful applicants will have demonstrated a significant degree of talent, ability, preparation, aptitude and commitment as well as the ability to make a positive contribution to, and benefit from, the Acting Course.

Feedback from Auditionees

'Had a brilliant time at the audition, everyone was really down to earth and friendly, and made me feel comfortable. I wasn't nervous at all! As soon as I saw the school and its atmosphere I fell in love! Thank you!'

Harriet Emery [Auditionee 2011]

'Thank you for the opportunity, and for providing a thoroughly enjoyable experience... even if I don't get a place I have loved the experience.'

Natasha Davidson [Auditionee 2011]

'Thank you so much for the effort you made to get through the snow. I can't imagine many other people doing that - it really says a lot about ALRA and has put you apart from other schools for me.'

Stephanie Rutherford [Auditionee 2011]