prepare 2 audition monologues* each lasting no longer than 2 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’)
choose pieces that match your age & gender and do not require a change of accent
choose pieces that demonstrate communication with another character(s)
choose pieces that have an emotional journey
work without props or special costume
avoid eye contact with the audition panel during your monologues unless otherwise directed
wear close fitting stretch tops and trousers and soft shoes to 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.
* 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 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 use the voice and body freely and flexibly
ability to express thought and feeling through movement and voice
self-confidence
focus and concentration
spontaneity, immediacy, imagination and creativity
openness and responsiveness to others
evidence of stamina, rhythm and co-ordination
Weaim 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 9:00am to register as the audition process begins at 9:15am.
You will be welcomed by the Programme Director for Acting and your work will commence with a group vocal/physical warm-up. After this, you will present your Shakespeare speech to Panel 1 and your modern speech to Panel 2. On the basis of this work, the panels draw up a short-list for the second stage.
If you go through to stage two, you will partake in a movement workshop and an improvisation workshop. From this work the panel draws up a short-list for stage three.
Stage three candidates will have an individual session with the combined panels which may include working on one of your audition pieces, and discussing your performance experience and reasons for wishing to enter the profession. During the day you will be given the opportunity to ask questions.
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 and we aim to notify you in writing 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.
N.B. Due to the volume of applicants, we are not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful auditions.
