Preparing For Your

Audition
Audition Requirements
The performance of two, two-minute contrasting monologues (contemporary or classical).

How To Select Your Solo Piece

Select:
• Characters from monologues that you could play today or five years from now.
• Contrasting styles: Classic or Contemporary (1950’s-current), Comedy or Drama.
• Material from published plays and musicals.
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.
• Costumes and Props.
Remember that it is very important to READ the play from which your monologue is taken and know
the full name of the playwright. 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 character’s arc.
Remember: Your personal favorites may not be the material that best serves you.

before the audition:

• Select and memorize the material.
• Rehearse: try out your material on family, friends, and teachers.

Dress And Appearance

Women: Dress Neutral – casual but nice: pants/skirt and blouse, or a simple dress.
No denim, shorts, or extreme miniskirts. All clothing should be clean and pressed. No
flip-flops, sneakers or Crocs. Character or jazz shoes are acceptable.
Makeup: Light base, natural lips, light eye makeup and simple blush. No heavy
Clothing make-up, false eyelashes, bright lipstick, or theatrical make up.
Men: Dress Neutral – casual but nice: pants/khakis, shirt and/or sweater; tie and
jacket if you’re comfortable but not required. No denim or shorts. All clothing
should be clean and pressed. No flip-flops, sneakers or Crocs.
Hair should be pulled back and away from the face. Natural hairstyle with no
Hair extreme color.
Jewelry None; please remove all jewelry before auditioning.

In The Audition Room

• Your audition begins immediately from your entrance and continues until you exit.
• Present strong, effective posture
• Enter and leave with confidence i.e. keep your head up, avoid looking at the floor.
• Keep your focus and energy.
• Do not use props or costumes. This is an audition, not a performance.
• After you finish, wait for a response from the adjudicator before you leave the room, even if it is
just a “thank you.”
• Thank all panelists (i.e. adjudicator, pianist etc.)
• Be prepared to articulate why you are auditioning for AMDA and why you want to pursue
training in the performing arts. This is your opportunity to express your passion and your
professional goals.
Preparing For
Your Audition
Audition Requirements
Applicants may be asked to present a solo piece (60-90 seconds in length)
in the style of their choice. Applicants may also be taught two contrasting
combinations that may include (but are not limited to): Classical Ballet,
Modern, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary or Broadway. Applicants must provide a CD
accompaniment or MP3 player for the solo piece. It is good practice to bring a
back-up copy of your accompaniment as well.

How To Select Your Solo Piece

Select:
• Solo choreography that best demonstrates your technical skill level.
Avoid:
• Freestyle or Improvised Dance (the solo piece should be choreographed
and rehearsed).
• Overt sexual movements.
• Costumes and props. This is an audition, not a performance.

Dress And Appearance

Women: Leotard and tights to show the natural line of the body.
Clothing Men: Leotard or White T-shirt and tights or jazz pants to show
the natural line of the body.

All types of dance shoes. Rubberized soles and braced heels

Shoes
(women) are recommended.

Hair should be pulled back and away from the face. Natural
Hair
hairstyle with no extreme color.

Jewelry None; please remove all jewelry before auditioning.

In The Audition Room

• Introduce yourself to the adjudicator.
• Enter and leave with confidence, i.e. keep your head up, avoid looking at
the floor.
• Keep your focus and energy.
• After you finish, wait for a response from the adjudicator before you leave the
room, even if it is just a “thank you.”
• Thank the adjudicator.
• Be prepared to articulate why you are auditioning for AMDA and why you
want to pursue training in the performing arts. This is your opportunity to
express your passion and your professional goals.
Preparing For Your
Audition
Audition Requirements
The performance of one, two-minute monologue (contemporary or classical) and two minutes or 32
bars of a song from the musical theatre or classical repertoire. Applicants are required to bring sheet
music in their key to the audition, and should be prepared to meet with an accompanist. Please indicate
where you start and end your song on your sheet music.

The audition performance should not exceed 4 minutes in total. Monologues should be from published
plays. Original materials may not be used. The use of props during your audition is not permitted.

How To Select Your Monologue And Song

Monologues
Select:
• Characters from monologues that you could play today or five years from now.
• Contrasting styles: Classic or Contemporary (1950’s-current), Comedy or Drama.
• Material from published plays and musicals.

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.
• Costumes and props.

Remember that it is very important to READ the play from which your monologue is taken and know
the full name of the playwright. 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 character’s arc.

Songs
Select:
• 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 that 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 material that best serves you.

continued »
Preparing For Your
Audition
(continued)

Before The Audition

• Select and memorize the material.
• Mark the music and be sure it’s in your own key.
• Tape your music accordion-style or place it in a binder if photocopied.
• Be prepared to communicate cuts and tempo to the accompanist.
• Rehearse: try out your material on family, friends, and teachers.
• Prepare an additional song and monologue; adjudicators may request a second
piece.

Dress And Appearance

Women: Dress Neutral – casual but nice: pants/skirt and blouse, or
a simple dress. No denim, shorts, or extreme miniskirts. All clothing
should be clean and pressed. No flip-flops, sneakers or crocs.
Character or jazz shoes are acceptable.
Makeup: Light base, natural lips, light eye makeup and simple blush.
Clothing No heavy make-up, false eyelashes, bright lipstick, or theatrical
make up.
Men: Dress Neutral – casual but nice: pants/khakis, shirt and/or
sweater; tie and jacket if you’re comfortable but not required. No
denim or shorts. All clothing should be clean and pressed. No flip-
flops, sneakers or crocs.
Hair should be pulled back and away from the face. Natural hairstyle
Hair with no extreme color.
Jewelry None – please remove all jewelry before auditioning

In The Audition Room

• Your audition begins immediately from your entrance and continues until you exit.
• Present strong, effective posture
• Enter and leave with confidence i.e. keep your head up, avoid looking at the floor.
• Keep your focus and energy.
• Do not use props or costumes. This is an audition, not a performance.
• After you finish, wait for a response from the adjudicator before you leave the room,
even if it is just a “thank you.”
• Thank all panelists (i.e. adjudicator, pianist etc.)
• Be prepared to articulate why you are auditioning for AMDA and why you want
to pursue training in the performing arts. This is your opportunity to express your
passion and your professional goals.