THE AUDITION

BEFORE THE AUDITION

Select and prepare material. Memorize your material. Mark the music and be sure its in your own key. Plan your wardrobe. Rehearse: try out your material on family, friends, and teachers. Rehearse you slate and make it part of your presentation. Tape your music accordion-style or place it in a binder if photocopied. Prepare an additional song and monologue; adjudicators may request a second piece. Be sure to find out whether an accompanist is provided or if you need to prepare a cassette/CD. It is never a good idea to sing a capella. Be prepared to explain why and how you chose your pieces.

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles

IN THE AUDITION ROOM

Energize: regardless of the time of day and your emotional or physical energy level, be sure to present a high energy audition from start to finish.

24 HOURS BEFORE THE AUDITION

Go to bed early and get a good nights sleep The morning before: do something physical. Warm up and wake up your body, your brain, and your voice. Eat breakfast with a good protein and carbohydrate balance. Bring water and a snack with you.

AT THE AUDITION SITE

Assume that everything you do is being watched and evaluated. Arrive early to warm up and prepare. Stay overnight if necessary. Find out who youll be auditioning for and remember their names. Ask for business cards from admissions staff member. Listen to instructions. Be courteous to everyone. Keep quiet in the halls Distance yourself from other auditioners who may be engaging in discussion- keep your focus.

The audition begins when you open the door for your entrance, and ends when you close it behind you after your exit. Keep your energy high and your focus strong throughout. Present good posture for your entrance to your exit. Let the adjudicator see you and make visual contact. Enter and leave with confidence- avoid looking at the floor. Take you time. Look around the space and adjust your focus. Communicate key changes, cuts, tempo, etc. clearly with the accompanist to start with a simple nod. Your song is not over until the pianist finishes. Stay in character; keep your focus and energy. Lead the pianist. Do what you rehearsed. Dont make last minute changes. Ending a monologue with the word scene is not professional and not necessary. Thank the pianist and panel for hearing you. Avoid excuses, apologies, or explanations. Be ready to shake hands if the adjudicator initiates it. Focus just over the heads of the adjudicators, however, internal focuses in your song or monologue are very important. Shift the focus periodically according to the work you have done in the lyric or text preparation. After you finish, wait for a response before you leave the room, even if it is just a thank you. Be prepared to articulate why you are auditioning for the school and why you want to pursue training in the performing arts. This is your opportunity express you passion and your professional goals.

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu

The Audition Contd

DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Clothing WOMEN: Skirt and blouse, dress slacks and blouse, or a dress. No denim, no shorts, no miniskirts. All clothing should be clean and pressed. Dress shoes: no sandals, no clogs, no flip-flops, no sneakers, no crocs, no boots. Character or jazz shoes are fine. Heels should be between 1 and 2 inches. MEN: Dress pants or khakis with dress shirt, tie if youre comfortable, sweater or jacket. No denim, no shorts. All clothing should be clean and pressed. Dress shoes: no sandals, no clogs, no flip-flops, no sneakers, no crocs, no boots. HAIR: Clean, in a natural hairstyle, with no shocking colors or extremes. Long hair should be pulled back and away from the face.

AFTER THE AUDITION

Its better not to discuss other auditioners, the pianist, the adjudicator, or what went on in the room. Wait and discuss it with your parents on the way home or with your teacher.

FOLLOW UP
Write or email a note to the admissions staff you met and interacted with at the audition. Remember, these are the people who will be making admissions decisions or recommendations to a committee. Thank them for the opportunity and remind them that you are very interested in their schools program. Tell them something new about yourself that didnt come up at the audition and tell them why you will be an asset to their school.

MAKEUP MEN: Never. WOMEN: Light base, natural lips, light eye makeup and simple blush. No heavy make up, false eyelashes, bright lipstick, or theatrical make up. JEWELRY: Minimal, except for simple, single pieced earrings. TATTOOS: If you have one, cover it if possible. BAGS, PURSES, FOLDERS: Leave just inside the door and remember to take them with you when you leave. NO PROPS, NO COSTUMES: This is an audition, no a performance.

REMEMBER Schools are searching for

talented young actors who will enroll, take advantage of every opportunity offered to them, graduate, and make their marks in the performing arts world. Schools want your audition to be successful! Give them every opportunity to say yes to you.

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu

HOW TO SELECT AUDITION MATERIAL

Always check with schools regarding their specific audition requirements and tailor your choices accordingly!

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles

MONOLOGUES
Choose Monologues from plays with roles that you could play today. Age/Type/Gender appropriate material. Contrasting styles: Classic/Contemporary (1950scurrent), Comedy/Drama. Material from published plays, screenplays, musicals, or novels; be sure to check with the school for specific instructions regarding material. Avoid Material that you do not fully understand emotionally or intellectually. Overt sexual references. Excessive profanity. Portraying victims or perpetrators of violence, addiction, or abuse. Props or costumes. Remember that it is very important to READ the play from which your monologue is taken. Be prepared to answer questions the adjudicator may have about the play, the scene or the character. While monologue collections and internet sites may be useful, they cannot substitute for a full comprehension of the play and the characters arc.

SONGS Choose Songs that show the most secure parts of your vocal range. Songs that reveal something about you. Songs that will help the adjudicator remember you. Songs with lyrics you understand.

Avoid Long narrative songs. Signature songs of star performers. Overexposed songs from very popular or current shows. Songs with difficult piano accompaniments or songs that take the focus off the singer and place it on the accompanist. Remember: Your personal favorites may not be the songs that best serve you as an auditioner.

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu

WHAT CAN I BE DOING NOW?

My audition is a whole year away! What can I be doing right now to prepare for next year? SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Participate in every production at your school as an actor or tech. Offer free performances as a community service to senior citizens centers or day care centers. Learn monologues. Learn songs. Take voice lessons. Play a musical instrument, especially piano. Play in band or orchestra. Sing in a choir at school or church. Participate in community theatre as an actor, tech, or volunteer. Gain experience by working backstage or front-ofhouse. Understand how a theatre works. Stage manage. Run the box office. Work costumes, props, lights, sound. Participate in Thespians or any high school drama club. GENERAL EXPERIENCES Develop your performing arts resume. Keep a journal. Work out: Be physically strong and in shape. Jog, run, row, swim, walk, bike, skate, dance. Exercise your body, or play a team sport. Take dance classes. Take yoga classes. Volunteer: Libraries, social services, charities, senior centers, retirement communities, and arts organizations. Be creative: Write short stories, write a screenplay, write a screenplay, write a play, draw, paint, take photographs, and compose music. Challenge yourself to do something outside the box. Try something new that you ordinarily wouldnt do.

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles

GENERAL EDUCATION Radio: Expand your horizons. Listen to news and all kinds of music. Read about current events. Investigate multiple sources of information: TV Internet Newspapers Magazines Radio Books Attend performing and visual arts events of all kinds Theatre Dance Concerts Recitals Film Galleries Listen to musical theatre soundtracks. Watch DVD recordings of theatre and musical theatre. Exercise your mind: Research plays and musicals. Read and study old and new materials. Organize play readings. Visit museums. Watch and read about vintage and classic films. Read! Study and understand the terminology and technical language of the performing arts. Investigate different post-secondary theatre programs. Visit the campuses of schools that you are considering. Attend college fairs to learn more about various conservatories and universities.

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu

Monologue Suggestions
BOYSCOMEDY A HATFUL OF RAIN- Michael Gazzo AH, WILDERNESSEugene ONeill THE BALTIMORE WALTZPaula Vogel BILOXI BLUESNeil Simon BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS- Neil Simon BROADWAY BOUNDNeil Simon BUS STOPWilliam Inge I HATE HAMLETPaul Rudnick GEMINIArthur Innaurato THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNESTOscar Wilde HOUSE OF BLUE LEAVESJohn Guare KEY EXCHANGEKevin Wade LAUGHING WILDChristopher Durang THE MATCHMAKERThornton Wilder MISTER ROBERTSThomas Heggen & Joshua Logan THE NERDLarry Shue THE ODD COUPLENeil Simon OH DAD POOR DAD MAMMAS HUNG YOU IN THE CLOSET & IM FEELING SO SADArthur Kopit PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLDSynge RUMORSNeil Simon SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGODavid Mamet THE TIME OF YOUR LIFEWilliam Saroyan

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles BOYSDRAMA A DOLLS HOUSEHenrick Ibsen A FEW GOOD MEN AMADEUSPeter Shaffer THE AMERICAN PLANRichard Greenberg ANGELS IN AMERICATony Kushner BOYS LIFEHoward Korder THE BOYS NEXT DOOR THE BROWNING VERSIONTerrence Raitgan CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOFTennessee Williams CHILDREN OF A LESSER GODMark Medoff COASTAL DISTURBANCESTina Howe DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STARSWilliam Inge DEATH OF A SALESMANArthur Miller DOES A TIGER WEAR A NECKTIE?Don Peterson THE ELEPHANT MANBernard Pomerance EQUUSPeter Shaffer FIFTH OF JULYLanford Wilson FOOL FOR LOVESam Shepard THE GOATEdward Albee THE GLASS MENAGERIETennessee Williams GOLDEN BOYClifford Odets I AM A CAMERAJohn Van Druten K-2Patrick Meyers THE LARAMIE PROJECT

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu

Monologue Suggestions
BOYSDRAMA CONTD LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHTEugene ONeill MASTER HAROLD & THE BOYSAthol Fugard MEDAL OF HONOR RAGTom Cole MISS LONELYHEARTSHoward Teichmann PHILADELPHIA HERE I COMEBrian Friel THE RAINMAKERN. Richard Nash ROSENCRANTZ Tom Stoppard & GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles ASIAN BOYS THE DANCE & THE RAILROADDavid Henry Hwang FOB- David Henry Hwang M. BUTTERFLYDavid Henry Hwang YANKEE DAWG YOU DIEPhilip Kan Gotanda

AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS THE AMEN CORNERJames Baldwin ANGELS IN AMERICATony Kushner BLUES FOR MR. CHARLIEJames Baldwin THE COLORED MUSEUMGeorge C. Wolfe THE DUTCHMANLeRoi Jones FENCESAugust Willson THE FIRST BREEZE OF SUMMERLeslie Lee THE GREAT WHITE HOPEHoward Sackler MEDAL OF HONOR RAGTom Cole PURLIE VICTORIOUSOssie Davis RAISIN IN THE SUNLorraine Hansberry THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEINSS WINDOW Lorriane Hansberry SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATIONJohn Guare

THE SEA GULLAnton Chekov THE SHADOW BOXMichael Cristofer SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATIONJohn Guare THE SUBSTANCE OF FIREJon Robin Baitz THE SUBJECT WAS ROSESFrank D. Gilroy SUDDENLY LAST SUMMERTennessee Williams TAKE ME OUTRichard Greenberg THE TRIP BACK DOWNJohn Bishop TRUE WESTSam Shepard VIEUX CARRETennessee Williams VISITING MR. GREEN WAITING FOR LEFTYClifford Odets THE WOOLGATHERERWilliam Mastrosimone THE ZOO STORYEdward Albee

STREAMERSDavid Rabe ZOOMAN & THE SIGNCharles Fuller

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu

Monologue Suggestions
HISPANIC BOYS A CHORUS LINEJames Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante ZOOT SUIT SHORT EYESMiguel Pinero ANNA IN THE TROPICSNilo Cruz GIRLSCOMEDY A DOLLS HOUSEIbsen AN IDEA HUSBANDOscar Wilde ASSASSINSSondheim ARMS & THE MANGeorge Bernard Shaw BILOXI BLUESNeil Simon BUS STOPWilliam Inge COASTAL DISTURBANCESTina Howe CRIMES OF THE HEARTBeth Henley DREAM GIRLElmer Rice EDUCATING RITAWill Russell FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESSAlan Ball IT HAD TO BE YOURenee Taylor & Joe Bologna KEY EXCHANGEKevin Wade LAUGHING WILDChristopher Durang LOST IN YONKERSNeil Simon THE MISS FIRE CRACKER CONTESTBeth Henley MRS. WARRENS PROFESSIONGeorge Bernard Shaw THE NATURE & PURPOSE OF THE UNIVERSE Christopher Durang

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles

GIRLSCOMEDY CONTD THE PRIMARY ENGLISH CLASSIsrael Horowitz PYGMALIANGeorge Bernard Shaw SHIVAREEWilliam Moastrosimone THE STAR SPANGLED GIRLNeil Simon (Bill Shills Fav) GIRLSDRAMA THE ABDICATIONRuth Wolf AFTER THE FALLArthur Miller AGNES OF GODJohn Pielmier ANNA CHRISTIEEugene ONeill ANGELS IN AMERICATony Kushner BLOOD WEDDINGGarcia Lorca CAMERASJohn Jory CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOFTennessee Williams THE CRUCIBLEArthur Miller DANCING AT LUGNASABrian Friel THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANKFrances Goodrich & Albert Hackett ECCENTRICITIES OF A NIGHTENGALE Tennessee Williams ELEEMOSYNARYLee Blessing EQUUSPeter Shaffer GETTING OUTMarsha Norman HOOTERSTed Tally HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVEPaula Vogel AMDA 211 West 61 Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu
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Monologue Suggestions
GIRLSDRAMA CONTD IN THE BOOM BOOM ROOMDavid Rabe THE LARKJean Anouilh LAST NIGHT AT BALLYHOOAlfred Uhry LOOK BACK IN ANGERJohn Osborne LOOK HOMEWARD ANGELKetti Frings LUDLOW FAIRLanford Wilson NUTSTom Topor OLEANNADavid Mamet OUR TOWNThornton Wilder PLAY MEMORYJoanna Glass BLOOD WEDDINGGarcia Lorca ST. JOANGeorge Bernard Shaw THE SEA GULLAnton Chekov THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTIENS WINDOW Lorriane Hansberry STEEL MAGNOLIASRobert Harling THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE SUMMER & SMOKETennessee Williams TALLYS FOLLYLanford Wilson THE TENTH MANPaddy Chayefsky THE THREE SISTERSAnton Chekov VANITIESJack Heifner THE WOODGATHERERWilliam Mastrosimone

AMDA The American Musical and Dramatic Academy New York / Los Angeles ASIAN GIRLS FOBDavid Henry Hwang M. BUTTERFLYDavid Henry Hwang REDWOOD CURTAINLanford Wilson

AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRLS BUCKRonald Ribman THE COLORED MUSEUMGeorge Wolfe FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO CONSIDERED SUICIDE Ntozake Shange THE GREAT WHITE HOPEHoward Sackler JOE TURNERS COME & GONEAugust Wilson RAISIN IN THE SUNLorraine Hansberry TO BE YOUNG GIFTED & BLACKLorriane Hansberry

HISPANIC GIRLS ANNA IN THE TROPICSNilo Cruz BLOOD WEDDINGGarcia Lorca DEATH & THE MAIDEN HOUSE OF BERNARD ALBAGarcia Lorca THE PROMISEJose Rivera THE RITZTerrence McNally

AMDA 211 West 61st Street New York, NY 10023 - 800-367-7908 - info@amda.edu