Audition Tips for Applying to a UK Drama Institution

The below information was provided by The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London.

You’ve submitted your application and you’ve been offered an interview or audition. Here’s what you need to know! 

You shouldn’t need to take a plane to audition or interview for a place on a UK undergraduate course. Many institutions, including Central, offer the option of interviewing and auditioning via self-tape or over Zoom. 

Recording your self-tape 

If you’re recording a self-tape, there are plenty of basic tips to follow, such as not looking directly into the camera or doing too many takes. We have a handy list of shot options and a how-to video to help when it comes to filming yours.

Preparing for your audition 

For an audition, most institutions will ask you to prepare two monologues (one classical, one modern). You might perform them more than once, so choose pieces you love and won’t tire of. The pieces you choose should reveal something about the performer you are, the kinds of plays and writers that inspire and excite you, the parts you want to play and where you see yourself within the acting industry.  

You may also be asked to prepare a song. At Central, when it comes to singing, we are most interested in how you tell a story and your acting ability. For our bachelor’s programme we also ask to see a devised piece, however other institutions may ask specifically that you dance. The devised piece is your chance to show us your individual creative voice. 

You may be recalled for a second and third round, usually over Zoom for international applicants. Remember to show flexibility and a willingness to take risks. You may be expected to experiment with approaches and exercises you’ve never tried before! 

Preparing for your interview 

If you’ve been invited to interview for a course in theatre design, production, crafts, writing or applied theatre, you will normally need to submit a portfolio or pieces of writing before your interview. If you’re submitting a portfolio, be sure to include projects you can speak about. The process is just as interesting and important as the finished work. Use your portfolio to show the stages of your project and how it changed or evolved. 

Your interviewer will want to talk about your work, what inspires you and why you want to do the course you’re applying for. You don’t need to have all the experience already – that’s what the degree will help you with! Show your passion for the career you want to pursue and an enthusiasm for learning. 

Finding the right fit for you 

Lots of applicants get nervous about auditions and interviews but remember – this is not just about an institution seeing if you’re suitable for a course, it’s also your opportunity to see if both the institution and course are suitable for you! We always encourage applicants to use this process as a chance to get to know us, as much as the other way around. 

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is a leading UK performing arts institution, based in London. They offer bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees and short courses across the breadth of the performing and dramatic arts. Find out more at www.cssd.ac.uk