On the hunt for some audition tips? Applying to drama school is an exciting journey, and for many aspiring actors, securing a place at an accredited and respected Drama School is a dream come true. However, auditions can be challenging, even for the most experienced performers. To help you prepare, here are some practical tips and insights to keep you focused, confident, and ready to show your best self in the audition room.
Audition Tip 1: Understand the Requirements
Our first audition tip is to understand the requirements. Each drama school has unique audition requirements, so make sure you’ve thoroughly researched what’s expected. At the Oxford School of Drama, for example, we ask you to prepare two pieces, each no longer than 2 minutes in length. One piece must be a monologue from a contemporary play (meaning written in the 20th Century onwards). For your self-tape, the second piece should contrast with the emotional journey from your first piece, but it can be any of the following:
- A second contemporary monologue
- A classical monologue (meaning written in either the 16th or 17th Centuries)
- A self-written monologue
- A poem or performed song lyrics (though we recommend you choose something with an emotional journey rather than something more abstract)
If you are successfully invited to a Recall Audition at the school, you must bring one Contemporary and one Classical monologue to present to the audition panel.
If you’re applying for the Foundation Course in Acting with Musical Theatre, you will need to prepare a song no more than 2 minutes long. This can be musical theatre, pop, or folk.
Knowing exactly what you need to prepare will keep you focused and help with any nerves you may be feeling. The better prepared you are, the more you’ll be able to trust yourself to present your best work.
Audition Tip 2: Choose Pieces That Resonate with You
Our second audition tip is to select material that you connect with. When you feel a genuine connection to a piece, you’ll perform it with authenticity and depth—qualities that audition panels are always looking for.
Take time to read the entire play, not just your monologue, to understand your character’s motivations, circumstances, and emotional journey. The audition panel may well ask you questions about these things, but even if they don’t, the given circumstances for your character will impact how you perform your piece.
Don’t worry about picking something that you think the panel ‘want to see’. The panel have no preferences or expectations on which plays you choose pieces from; all they are interested in is how well you connect with the piece. There is no right or wrong play; if you feel passionate about your performance, the panel will, too.
Audition Tip 3: Get Familiar with the Text
Our third audition tip is to get familiar with your text. Once you’ve chosen your pieces, it’s time to dive deep. Understand every word and subtext in your monologue. But on a more basic level, memorise your pieces really really really well!
You can’t ever know how nerves may impact you in the moment, and as they say, the best offence is a good defence. The better you know your lines, the more confident you’ll be in your ability to recall them in any situation that may present itself.
Don’t rehearse the text in the same way every time. Be open to trying out new ideas and different patterns or rhythms. This will help you if you make it through to the in-person recall stage. The panel may offer you a new direction to take your speech, and if you’ve only ever done it one way, it can be challenging to maintain your ability to play.
Classical language can be difficult to decode, so be sure you understand every line and how it connects to your character’s desires and emotions. All writing is intentional, but this is particularly true with classical writing; words are chosen over others because they serve the larger journey of that character.
If you’re uncertain or struggling to make sense of classical texts, some fantastic recourses are available for free online. No Fear Shakespeare is a good option. This free online library translates every single line of text in each Shakespeare play into modern language, displayed alongside the original wording. Just be sure you don’t rely on modern translations too much – you need to understand the actual words used as well.
Audition Tip 4: Consider Physicality and Voice
For our fourth audition tip, don’t forget about your voice and your physicality! Your character probably doesn’t speak exactly as you would, nor will they move exactly as you do, and by that, we’re not asking you to put on an accent and fake a limp.
The character’s emotional status at this point in the play will be different from your own; this emotional difference might impact things like your tone, pitch, and volume. Play around with how the character’s emotions impact your vocal qualities.
Finally, warm up! You wouldn’t go for a run without stretching a little first, so allow yourself some time before your audition to warm up and prepare. Being physically and vocally prepared will also help with nerves, grounding you in your performance.
Audition Tip 5: Prepare for Direction in the Room
Audition tip five is to prepare for direction from the panel. Audition panels will often give you direction to see how adaptable and receptive you are. Be prepared to adjust your monologue on the spot, showing flexibility and a willingness to explore different interpretations. This shows your openness as a performer and your ability to take direction, an essential skill in actor training.
If you’re given feedback, embrace it enthusiastically. It’s a chance to demonstrate your readiness to listen and grow, which is vital for all students at OSD.
Audition Tip 6: Manage Your Nerves
Audition tip six is to try to manage your nerves. Feeling nervous before an audition is natural, especially for something as important as drama school. Try to focus on the excitement and opportunity rather than the outcome. Practising mindfulness or grounding before entering the room can help centre you. Take deep breaths, stay hydrated, and remember why you’re there: to share your passion for acting with us.
Visualise your success and remind yourself that the audition panel wants you to do well—they’re excited to see your potential!
Audition Tip 7: Be Yourself
Audition tip seven can feel like the hardest, but authenticity goes a long way. No one else has lived the same life as you, so be yourself in your performance and conversation with the panel.
Stay grounded in your own journey, and remember you don’t need to impress anyone. Just show your commitment to learning and growing as an actor.
Audition Tip 8: Reflect and Keep Going
Whether you’re accepted or not, each audition is a valuable experience. Reflect on what went well and what you’d like to improve. Many successful actors faced setbacks in auditions before they made it. Remember, resilience is a key part of this journey.
If you don’t succeed this time, don’t be discouraged. You can call OSD for feedback on your audition; instructions on what to do will be in the letter confirming the outcome of your audition. We’re here to help you be the best you can, not just on the day but also in the future.
Use the experience as fuel for growth and keep working towards your goals.
Final Thoughts
Auditioning for drama school can be intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity to share your passion with people who understand and appreciate it. By choosing pieces that resonate with you, preparing thoroughly, and staying true to yourself, you can give a powerful audition that reflects your unique potential.
We have a series of videos on our Apply page which can help you with your audition. There’s something for everyone, from technical tips to advice from the panel. You can check out the videos here.
Our applications are open now, so head to our apply page and start your application today! All of us here at OSD look forward to meeting you and seeing all your hard work.
