For aspiring actors, drama school auditions are an essential step towards a professional career. Whether you’re auditioning to get into drama school or auditioning for your first part, standing out is key to success.

In this article, we’ll talk through drama school auditions, giving you practical tips for success.

What are Drama School Auditions?

Drama school auditions are a sample performance where students demonstrate their acting, singing, dancing and overall performance skills. Sometimes, the audition might be filmed and submitted digitally, or sometimes, the audition will be in person.

The audition could involve monologues, improvisation or workshopping. It will vary from drama school to drama school. Different schools have different audition formats, so always be sure to check the guidelines carefully.

Picking a Monologue

Most auditions will involve a monologue. Choosing the right monologue is incredibly important.

When choosing a monologue, pick one that suits your age, range and natural strengths. You should try to avoid super famous pieces, as casting directors have usually seen these hundreds of times.

If you have the option to do more than one monologue, it’s a good idea to pick contrasting pieces. For example, one classical and one that’s more modern. This can help demonstrate your versatility.

Getting Prepared

Your drama school audition is your chance to stand out and show what you are made of. So you need to be as prepared as possible.

Make sure you know your lines inside out. You don’t want to be stumbling over words in front of the casting team.
Understand your character, their motivation and their story, as this will help you deliver a compelling and convincing performance.
Work on your voice and movement and use this to improve your performance.
Practice, practice, practice. In front of friends, family, a mirror, a camera, however you like. This will help you build confidence, ready for audition day.

Making an Impression

Your audition starts the moment you walk into the room. Not just when your monologue starts. Remember to be professional, confident and engaged. Drama school panels are not only looking for great actors, but they’re also looking for potential. They want students who are open to learning, adaptable and passionate, so remember your soft skills whilst you’re in the audition space.

Being Interview Ready

Most auditions will also include an interview, panels use this to get to know you, your personality and your industry awareness. You should prepare for key questions like:

Why do you want to train at our drama school?

What or who inspires you as an actor?

Which performances have influenced you?

Be honest but also try to avoid cliches. Panels appreciate authenticity.

Staying Positive and Learning

Not every audition will result in an offer; that’s part of the process! Use each audition as a chance to learn, grow and improve. Take feedback constructively and use it to your advantage when it comes to the next audition.