Tips for Getting Into Drama School

1.on the character and the play. The panel will know
Pick Appropriate Audition Speechesmany of the plays very well. They will ask you
You will be required by most acting schools toquestions to make sure you are committed and
learn two audition speeches. One modern and oneto ensure you‘ve done your homework.
Shakespeare. Modern means any play written in4.
the last 100 years (roughly). An audition speech isTake Re-Direction
a monologue given by a character in a playIf they ask you to do your speech in a different
directed to another character or given by away, this is called re-direction. They are doing this
character speaking out their own internal thoughtsto see if you can do it differently when requested
to themselves. The latter, Shakespeare referredor if you keep repeating it the same way. You
to as soliloquies.MUST take the re-direction fully. However they
I would recommend finding speeches said byask for it to be redone, don’t question it, and
characters of a similar age and type to you. Iffulfill it as fully as possible.
you are 18, it‘s easier for you to relate to,If you fail to take the direction, it will be a mark
play, and be convincing to a panel, as an 18 yearagainst you.
old character from a play. Obviously, you can5.
widen the age range but I would veer away fromDon‘t Block In Improvisations
characters that are much older than you.If they ask you to improvise, just throw yourself
Also, find characters that you can relate to andin and don‘t block the other actors. Here is an
who are of a similar type. It‘s best to makeexample of ’blocking‘.
the process as simple and enjoyable as possible.Actor A: Hello, would you like to go for a walk?
Find characters you resonate with and enjoyActor B: No, I don‘t want to.
playing. If they are of a similar type to you, it willActor A: Oh, go on.
be easier to produce high quality acting for theActor B: No, I want to be left alone.
part.Actor B is blocking and that won‘t be liked by
2.a panel.
Get Professional CoachingThey are looking for people to join in,
Most Drama Students take professional actingcommunicate, and create.
lessons and acting classes run by professionalAlso, don‘t take yourself out of any group
coaches to practice and perfect their auditionsituation they put you in. If you don‘t join in
speeches. If you decide not to do this, rememberor are reticent, they will think you‘re not a
you may be up against students who have beenteam player.
perfecting speeches for years with professionalIt would be a wise move, in advance of your
coaches.acting training, to take acting courses in
3.improvisation so you are at home with this acting
Know the Character and Play Inside Outtechnique.
You MUST know the character and playFollowing these five points will help you gain entry
intimately. During your Drama School auditions,into Drama School.
you may be asked questions by the audition panel