Audition in North America
Applications will open for US-based applicants from 1 September 2023 for degree programmes starting in 2024.
Once you have submitted your application form, if you're successful you will be invited to an audition, further details about the process are outlined below.
The audition process in North America
We are returning to the United States to host in-person auditions for our BA (Hons) Professional Acting, MFA Professional Acting, MA/MFA Classical Acting and MA/MFA Musical Theatre courses.
If you live in the United States you are eligible for our US in-person auditions.
International applicants who wish to travel to and audition in North America should contact the admissions team for information on availability. The audition criteria and process in North America will be dependent on which course you have applied for.
If you live in the UK or outside of the US, applications will be accepted via UCAS and a different audition process will apply. View individual course pages for details, explore all courses here.
Audition fees
The audition fee for our North America Audition tour is £88. There is not an additional recall fee.
More information for specific courses
What to prepare for the in-person audition
You’ll need to prepare two monologues.*
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One must be from an Elizabethan or Jacobean text [no longer than three minutes in length]
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One must be from a contemporary text [no longer than three minutes in length]
The monologues can be written for any gender. Your audition will last approximately 15 minutes, during which time the panel may redirect you and ask you to try your piece in a different way. For guidance on how to choose an audition monologue please click here.
Successful applicants will be required to attend an in person recall in Los Angeles or New York following their first round audition. All information will be provided to you about the recall if you are successful at the first audition. There is no additional charge for the recall audition.
*If you are eligible to apply for a Postgraduate degree and also wish to be considered for the MA/MFA Musical Theatre course in this audition please also prepare an unaccompanied excerpt (16 bars) from a musical theatre song of your choice.
What to prepare for the in-person audition
You’ll need to prepare two monologues.
-
One must be from an Elizabethan or Jacobean text [no longer than three minutes in length]
-
One must be from a contemporary text [no longer than three minutes in length]*
The monologues can be written for any gender. Your audition will last approximately 15 minutes, during which time the panel may redirect you and ask you to try your piece in a different way.
For guidance on how to choose an audition monologue please click here.
Successful applicants will be required to attend an in person recall in Los Angeles or New York following their first round audition. All information will be provided to you about the recall if you are successful at the first audition. There is no additional charge for the recall audition.
*If you also wish to wish to be considered for the MA/MFA Musical Theatre course in this audition please also prepare an unaccompanied excerpt (16 bars) from a musical theatre song of your choice.
What to prepare for the in-person audition
You’ll need to prepare three monologues.
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These can be from any three different plays, although at least two must be from an Elizabethan or Jacobean text.
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They can be written for any gender and each one must last no longer than three minutes.*
Your monologues can be any pieces, but if you need some ideas, take a look here for a selection of classical monologues, as well as links to some more contemporary pieces.
*If you also wish to wish to be considered for the MA/MFA Musical Theatre course in this audition please also prepare an unaccompanied excerpt (16 bars) from a musical theatre song of your choice.
Applicants for the MA Classical Acting will not be required to attend a recall audition. Unless they are applying for multiple courses.
What to prepare for the in-person audition
You’ll need to prepare three monologues.
-
These can be from any three different plays, although at least two must be from an Elizabethan or Jacobean text.
-
They can be written for any gender and each one must last no longer than three minutes.*
Your monologues can be any pieces, but if you need some ideas, take a look here for a selection of classical monologues, as well as links to some more contemporary pieces.
*If you also wish to wish to be considered for the MA/MFA Musical Theatre course in this audition please also prepare an unaccompanied excerpt (16 bars) from a musical theatre song of your choice.
Applicants for the MA Classical Acting will not be required to attend a recall audition. Unless they are applying for multiple courses.
What to prepare for the in-person audition
You’ll need to prepare two songs and a monologue.
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These should be extracts from musical theatre songs, which will showcase your range as a singer. You will perform these unaccompanied. Each piece should last no longer than 1-2 minutes in length.
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One monologue from a play of your choice. They can be written for any gender and each one must last no longer than three minutes.
Alternatively you could prepare the following:
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Two songs
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A piece of choreography (lasting between 3-5 minutes).
Your audition will last approximately 15 minutes, during which time the panel may redirect you and ask you to try your piece in a different way.
Successful applicants will be required to attend an in person recall in New York only following their first-round audition. All information will be provided to you about the recall if you are successful at the first audition. There is no additional charge for the recall audition.
Venues and auditions dates for North American Audition Tour 2024
Auditions will take place across a number of cities in the United States, followed by callbacks in New York and Los Angeles.
First round Audition dates 2024
[In chronological order]
Dates may be subject to change. Venues to be shared with successful applicants.
Los Angeles 13 & 14 January 2024
Toronto 16 & 17 January 2024
New York 18 - 21 January 2024
Atlanta 23 January 2024
New York 27 & 28 2024
Chicago 29 & 30 January 2024
San Francisco 3 & 4 February 2024
Chicago 6 & 7 February 2024
Los Angeles 10 & 11 February 2024
Phoenix 14 February 2024
Seattle 17 February 2024
New York 21-25 February 2024
Recall dates
Locations and dates to be announced. In 2023 recalls took place in February and March in New York and Los Angeles.
Preparing your audition pieces
- Even though you have been asked to prepare a number of monologues the panel may decide that they only want to some of them and focus any re-direction on those.
- Be prepared to receive some direction from the panel on one or more of your pieces.
- You won’t be able to use any props, so don’t choose a monologue which is reliant on any. Under no circumstances should you bring imitation weapons to use as props.
- For Musical Theatre auditions you won't be able to have an accompaniment or pianist.
- You can edit your monologue and it can be written for any gender, but make sure it makes sense as a stand-alone speech. For example, if you are combining two short pieces to lengthen your monologue, make sure that it flows well.
- The audition panel want to see your own creativity and interpretation of the text, don’t rely on performances from other actors or films of the monologue to show you how to do it.
Extra information about the application process:
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We’ll let you know the date of your audition two-three weeks prior to the audition date, but it may be shorter notice, so make sure you’re prepared when you submit your application.
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If you’ve applied for more than one course, you’ll only have to do one audition process.
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Auditions in North America will take place from January 2024, a full list of locations and dates will be announced. Our team will be in touch to provide specific details of the audition venue, if you're successful and invited to audition. We recommend applying early to secure a slot at your chosen venue.
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Please arrive 15 minutes before your audition slot, as your audition will start on time. Your auditions should last approximately 15 minutes. Overall, the process should last no longer than 30 minutes.
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Dress comfortably. Wear clothes that you can move easily in.
