College Auditions 101

So you want to be a BFA?


You've decided that you want to eat, breathe, sleep theatre for the next 4 years of your life, and honestly, I can't blame you. For those of you who truly love doing theatre - there is no better experience than actually going to school learning to do what you love all day.

College auditions are a big deal - and you are not alone for feeling crazy nervous. It's probably one of the biggest auditions you will have in your life, and preparation is key.

Through my BFA coaching program, I give high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to work one on one preparing for these auditions. For more information on BFA audition coaching, contact me via my website, AshleyBlakeFisher.com

Here are a few simple pointers to help get you started on this audition process...

1. Make a Timeline

Senior year gets so hectic with applications, social events, and now that you are at the top of your school - you are most likely cast in a large role in one of your school's plays. However, you cannot lose sight of the fact that this audition represents your future, and waiting until the last minute to prepare is not going to work out very well for you.

Make a timeline, month by month, listing what you have to do and what goals you need to meet before the end of the month.

For example:

AUGUST:
-Finalize list of schools I'm applying to
-Gather audition information for each school
-Ask for letters or recommendation
-Begin searching for songs and monologues

SEPTEMBER:
-Write personal statement
-Work on Resume
-Get new headshots
-Finalize audition song choices
-Prepare audition music binder

etc...

This checklist month by month will keep you on point so nothing gets left for the last minute.

2. Choose your Material Wisely

I cannot emphasize this enough. Your material is everything. The songs you select are a representation not just of your voice, but you as a performer. There is a psychology behind auditioning - and the more interesting your choices are, the more memorable you will be. The best material is obscure - often old. That doesn't mean you cannot sing a new song...but be aware that contrasting songs should REALLY contrast. Make sure that at least one of your songs is from a show written before 1970. If you need help finding these songs, work with your voice teacher or an audition coach. They can often times recommend pieces for your voice that are similar to songs that you love from more modern shows.

For monologues - the same thing applies. Read plays. Do not just go to Barnes and Noble and read those "Monologues for Teens" books. There are so many great plays out there. Once you find a playwright that you like - read all of his/her plays, chances are, you will find something that you love.

3. Love Your Material


There are so many songs and monologues out there - do not settle for anything that you are not completely in love with. Why should you? When you really love performing something, it shows. As long as you make it different and your own - it will work for you. The odds are in your favor if you select material that no one else will choose. Not only does it make you stand out - but shows that you have done your homework. The college setting is different from auditioning for a show. It's an educational setting and research and preparation is an important factor.

4. Keep an Open Mind

Perhaps this is the spot where we all fail. There was no bigger brat than myself when choosing where I wanted to go, and where I DIDN'T want to go. I only wanted to go to New York - and thought no where else would provide suitable training. Looking back, I was a hot mess. It was a terrible attitude to adopt. The truth is, each school will have its own vibe. You have to physically go and visit each school before you can make a decision on whether or not it's on the top of your list. Just because you have a friend in a certain program, or you know someone really talented that went there once, or your favorite Broadway star went there, doesn't mean it's the right fit for you.

A lot of programs offer very different tracks - some more focused on dance, some don't let freshman audition for shows, some have connections with regional theatres...all of these factors need to come into play. Make sure you really take a good look at the courses in each program and see what it is that you prefer as an individual. The school has to pick you - but you also have to pick the school. Don't give them all the power.

Make sure you visit each school you are serious about. Talk to the theatre faculty. Ask questions. See a play. Sit in on a class. Now is the time to start planning all of these trips - so make sure you are doing your homework to compare and contrast programs.


For more information on college auditions - post questions here. Visit www.AshleyBlakeFisher.com for information on private BFA college audition coaching.