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"Backstage" featured Professors Grant Kretchik and JV Mercanti in "What You Need to Know About Auditioning for College"
"Backstage" featured Professors Grant Kretchik and JV Mercanti in "What You Need to Know About Auditioning for College"
If college acting programs are meant to prepare you for the real world of professional acting, then it only makes sense that they, too, require an audition process. And as any working actor will tell you, it’s best to accept the auditioning-as-way-of-life mentality sooner rather than later. Below, industry and Backstage Experts share their most useful audition tips as they pertain specifically to college.
Your monologue interpretation will be evaluated.
“I would be lying if I said there are not monologues that make me roll my eyes. There are also monologues that are difficult for me because I’ve been in, directed, or love the play—but that does not mean you should not do them. Honestly? Very often, I’m not only listening to the words, but also trying to deeply evaluate how aware you are of what you are doing with the material.” —Grant Kretchik, associate director of Pace University’s School of Performing Arts and Backstage Expert
The interview is as important as the audition.
“Schools can tell a lot about you from the interview. Work on your interview skills, be yourself and be ready to give thoughtful answers to questions asked. Research the school so you can speak about why you chose their program. Whether it’s the faculty, alumni, philosophy, or networking opportunities, have specifics.” —Denise Simon, New York-based acting coach and Backstage Expert
Do your very best to relax.
“[Students] need to relax and not let [nervousness] overwhelm them. Just come in and give us your best you. We’re looking for students to be themselves, show us who they are as performers. They don’t have to be perfect in their singing or acting because that’s why they’re going to school—to get that training!” —Ashley Avola, assistant director of fine and performing arts admission at Marymount Manhattan College
The audition should help answer your questions, too.
“FIRST: Make a list of questions.
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What do I want out of an arts training program?
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Do I want an urban or suburban campus?
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Do I want conservatory or liberal arts training? What’s the difference between the two?
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What are the top schools in my field? (i.e. acting, musical theater, playwriting, etc.)
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How many students does the program admit?
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Who’s teaching within the program?
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What industry connections do they have?
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Is there a New York showcase? A Los Angeles showcase?
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Am I guaranteed a place in the showcase or is it by admission?
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Does the program support internships, independent studies, etc.?
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Are there performance opportunities?
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When am I allowed to audition?
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Does the program have a “must-cast” policy or could I go through four years not guaranteed an opportunity?
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What theaters are around the school? Do I have the ability to see other shows while there?
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And any other question you may have.
“You don’t have to provide definitive answers to the more subjective questions but these are things you really should consider.” —Grant Kretchik and JV Mercanti, head of acting for the musical theater program at Pace University’s School of the Arts and Backstage Expert
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