Musical Theatre Audition

AUDITION PROCESS

The panel consists of a member from each of the three key disciplines of Drama, Singing, and Dance and is chaired by the Artistic Director.

The audition is a two-stage process – initial and recall. This ensures that the panel of MTC staff has the best information on which to base its choice of candidates. They will see every candidate in a class/teaching environment as well as in a solo capacity.

Candidates will be notified of which date to attend by letter. Note: these are NOT open auditions. Candidates must have filled out an application form and received an invitation to attend.

 

Phase 1- Drama Class

A structured class moving from a series of drama games to situation improvisation.

Phase 2 – Dance/Movement Class

A structured dance class, building from warm up exercises to a short jazz routine. At the end of the class a series of stretching exercises will be given to check potential, limitations in flexibility and body alignment.

Phase 3 – Singing Class

A short vocal class consisting of technical exercises in preparation for the candidates solo singing performances.

Phase 4 – Solo Audition and Interview

Every candidate performs their own choice of prepared solo song. Every candidate performs their own choice of prepared solo speech/monologue. The Artistic Director leads the interview with the objective of checking the young person’s academic history and their motives for attending MTC.

Final Recall Audition

The format for the final audition is the same as the first audition, including a brief interview. The classes are slightly shorter, with more advanced tasks. A choice of songs will be offered and sent out with rehearsal tracks. The candidate must choose and learn one which is appropriate to vocal strengths. A choice of monologues will also be sent out and again, each candidate will be required to perform one of their choice. The young people will receive a medical and physiotherapy examination. Academic information will be sought, prior to audition from the young person’s school.

Audition Tips

Here are some suggestions to assist candidates in preparation for the solo presentation part of the Musical Theatre Course audition.

Monologue

Maximum of 3mins.
Choose a piece from a published play/musical, where possible, appropriate to gauge your range and experience (a monologue about yourself or written by yourself will not necessarily show you in the right way).

Please use your own accent, rather than the accent of the character.

Song

Ensure that you have sung/rehearsed the piece with the piano accompaniment and that it is in a suitable key. Choose a song which you are comfortable vocally with and which you can present with confidence. The panel would prefer minimal, effective movement in the song presentation. No dance.

You may not get to perform the whole piece.
You may be stopped at some juncture during speech/song and given direction.
You may be asked to sing some scales.

 

Preparatory Course Audition

AUDITION PROCESS

The panel consists of a member from each of the three key disciplines of Drama, Singing, and Dance and is chaired by the Artistic Director.

Note: this is NOT an open audition. Candidates must have filled out an application form and received an invitation to attend.

The Artistic Director and DHT meet with all parents/guardians prior to the start of the audition for an information session on Knightswood Secondary School and The Preparatory Theatre Course.

 

Phase 1 – Drama Class

Each candidate will be sent an audition information pack with a copy of a set text, which they are asked to prepare. The drama class, through a series of games and improvisations, is based on the set text.

Phase 2 – Dance/Movement Class

The candidates participate in a structured dance class, building from warm up exercises to a short, basic routine. A series of stretching exercises are given to check flexibility and body alignment.

Phase 3 – Singing Class

A series of technical exercises and vocal games are used. This is followed by the class being taught two, short contrasting songs. The candidates sing both as an ensemble and in a solo capacity.

Final Recall Audition

The format for the final audition is the same as the first audition including a brief interview. Each candidate will undergo a physiotherapy and medical check to assess suitability for the training programme. Academic information will be requested from the young person’s school.