Another Audition Advice Post- University
Fri, 18 Jan 2008, 10:48 pmpericleanmeehan16 posts in thread
Another Audition Advice Post- University
Fri, 18 Jan 2008, 10:48 pmHi all, after searching through existing posts I couldn't find specific advice I was after. I have an audition soon for Monash Uni's Bachelor of Performing Arts, which compromises of theatre games, improv and a 2 minute dramatic presentation of any variety. I have taken a gap year after year 12 and am feeling a little rusty with the theatre games, and am wondering of what nature they would be for the purpose of an audition process? I have always loved theatre games, and am used to participating in them in a creative, warm up etc atmosphere as opposed to a competitive one. Just thought there may be some advice out there for preparing for this situation? I have mixed feelings about the dramatic presentation, I know my strength is comedy, but am unsure whether to take a scene from my year 12 monologue which I loved and received an a for- i have kept my workbook where i have it mostly scripted, or to prepare scenes from musical theatre characters I've played- particularly Dolly from Annie Get Your Gun into a mini monologue, to create something new, or to workshop some comedic monologue I get my hands on. I am not familiar with auditioning for institutions as opposed to roles/musicals etc, the notice of audition letter tells me that they are not concerned with confirming that we are capable performers, but that we are in fact creative, imaginative, and to see how we participate and contribute in groups. I would feel most comfortable with my year 12 monologue character, however I don't know whether it is assumed we wouldn't do this, that they would want to see we have things prepared aside from vce purposes, the fact that it is only 2 minutes also makes me assume they just want a compete mini monologue rather than exerts of a large one, as 2 mins isn't enough time to make use of non-nat elements etc,so really they are looking at acting ability as opposed to creativity? This is a load of vague questions, however any advice, general opinions or audition information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Auditions
Sat, 19 Jan 2008, 10:48 amWalter Plinge
Hey there,
Ah, auditions. I doubt there are too many performers who wouldn't love to know in advance what the assessors are 'looking for'.
The purpose of any audition is to assess a person's suitability or potential for a role (their look, skills etc) and to get an idea of who they are as a person. 'Who you are' is often just as important and interesting to a director as 'who you could be'.
Universities construct their drama audition activities for a specific purpose and good reason.
Firstly, they are interested to find out a bit about you. Who you are and what your personality is. Often a person's choice of monologue can gives clues as to a person's interests, sense of humour and artistic inclinations.
Improvisational activites are standard fare for most drama school auditions. Free from the constraints and nerves of delivering your learnt text, it gives auditionees the chance to explore and demonstrate other levels and skills they may have. It also gives the assessors an idea of your 'style' of creativity and how well you can work with other people. Drama is a collaborative artistic experience and potential students do need to be able to demonstrate some willingness to allow others to creatively contribute and respect other's ideas. Impro games are a great ice breaker too and always a lot of fun. They generate energy and can really unite a room of nervous strangers.
They are not expecting perfection. It is expected that most people auditioning will be teenagers and nervous on the day. As Na pointed out, if you were already competent and skilled why would they need to train you?
Finally, if you are not a successful applicant this time around, there is always next year and next time.
Good luck!
Tulipa.