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Auditions

Audition advice from Gemma Arrowsmith, a comedy writer, performer and script editor who sits on audition panels for drama schools.
An audience of young people in theatre seats look towards the stage, some take notes.

Group auditions are quite common. Many drama schools run a group audition for their first round. Those which do one-to-one auditions for the first round often have a group audition in the second round.

My best advice for group auditions is to remember that it’s an audition. That means you are being considered at all times. Even when someone else is standing up and performing their monologue. The auditioners’ eyes might still be on you. They want to see that you’re a good team player and a supportive member of the company. So if you’re not paying attention during someone else’s monologue or song, they’ll notice.

When it comes to your moment to perform, treat the rest of the auditionees in the group exactly as you would any other audience. You have performed in front of groups of people before; this is no different. I have had students tell me it helps to think of group auditions more as a sharing of where you are in your training. You’re basically saying to the audition panel “this is where I am with my training; are you able to help me?” That takes some of the judgement out of the whole situation.

Listen to any instructions you’re given. (It’s easy to be distracted when it’s a nerve wracking day.) If the panel wishes to have the monologues delivered above their heads rather than directly into their eyes, make sure you respect that.

Finally, it might seem obvious, but make sure you sleep the night before, eat and drink water before you go in. I’ve seen students faint after going into a strenuous dance and acting workshop because they haven't eaten anything all day.