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Hi all,

My DD is in the beginning of her audition round this year (third year .... and she's pre-voc at Performers and her course leader has told the students it is a tough year this year with really strong auditionees being seen.

DD has told me she thinks she has made some mistakes previously, such as using fake tan, not wearing lipstick and other things such as confidence which until this year she didn't have any!

Does anyone else have any tips on what not to do or wear, or even say during your audition or interviews that could help anyone auditioning in future? We were SO GREEN when we started this journey 3 years ago !!

I don't have any tips katkit , other than to try to enjoy it, but wishing her very good luck.

katkit wrote:Hi all,

My DD is in the beginning of her audition round this year (third year .... and she's pre-voc at Performers and her course leader has told the students it is a tough year this year with really strong auditionees being seen.

DD has told me she thinks she has made some mistakes previously, such as using fake tan, not wearing lipstick and other things such as confidence which until this year she didn't have any!

Does anyone else have any tips on what not to do or wear, or even say during your audition or interviews that could help anyone auditioning in future? We were SO GREEN when we started this journey 3 years ago !!

If we knew what they wanted we probably wouldn't be on here sharing our worries It would help though to know what they want but more and more seem to do it every year and there are a lot of talented people out there. Unfortunately, its all down to what happens on the day and if they like you, how many spaces are left. It certainly is oversubscribed with so many auditioning and everyone wanting to go to the top places. Finances play a part as to whether you can afford to go the private drama schools or do a degree where funding is available. This can limit choices and may be why there are so many foundation courses offered. It probably is slightly easier if you are a boy as more chance getting in. At all my dd's auditions so far this year she says that for every 8 or so girls there are only 1 or 2 boys so maybe they get remembered more easily if good and of course there has to be a good mix of people on the various courses.

My dd says that she doesn't really like girls wearing lots of make up to auditions. A bit of mascara and foundation seems to be okay but she says some turn up with loads of make up on Not sure I think that is a good idea but I think our kids just need to be themselves enjoy the day and do whatever they feel comfortable with. I wish your dd all the best and hope all our kids get places where they want to be and enjoy what they do

Kitkat not sure where your dd is auditioning but if she is doing Laine, we were told when my dd went that it's best to go well groomed as it's what they expect. Good luck to your dd hope that she gets in where she wants to go.

Hi kitkat - wishing your dd loads of luck with her auditions hope she ends up at the college she wants
Like Megmar610 we were told that colleges like Laine Urdang and Bird do like a very polished look (full make up and red lippy!). My dd changed leotards between ballet and jazz and also changed into a dress and heels for song and monologue. I don't know where your dd is auditioning so not sure how much help that is
Just to add that dd attended pre audition workshops at both Laine and Urdang and it was the colleges themselves that said they like that look, they also like to see you "perform", try not to worry too much about the interviews they tend to be just an informal chat and try to look as though you're enjoying yourself ( even if inside you are a bag of nerves!)

Re: make-up/clothing

Really interesting to hear that Laine, Urdang and Bird like the polished look. Probably worth noting that this is not what drama/acting courses will be looking for or want.

For acting courses, in my opinion, they expect people to attend wearing things they can move in easily ( but not specifically dance gear) - and would generally prefer not too much make-up - most would be happy with none. There may not be time/opportunity to change between a movement workshop and song/speech.

At OSD you are expected to take your shoes off for most of it - including your speeches.

Must admit I am surprised at Bird, Laine and Urdang wanting you to be fully groomed, make up on etc, although dd has never applied for these places anyway. I know at GSA that at the recall you have to wear proper ballet stuff such as leotards have your hair in a bun wear ballet tights etc and clothes that show your body. Other than that dd has always worn clothes that she feels comfortable in. That's what we have always been told anyway as pg has said.

Thank you everybody for your kind words and offer of support and advice. She will be auditioning at Laine, Urdang and had Arts Ed (with a no) and Cambridge BodyWorks just this week (waiting for results) She did all of the correct things, regarding lipstick and being groomed. So much so that I was shocked when I saw her in her red lippy! Couldn't believe how beautiful of a young woman she has become. Wish wearing red lippy would transform me that much! lol

She really enjoyed both auditions so far and can see a huge difference in her confidence and ability this year. Yes, fingers crossed she gets a funded offer (or a Uni place with loans) that she wants to go.


Thanks again

Oh, also auditioning at Performers, Masters, The Centre and London Studio Centre and finally Millenium (giving herself as many possibilities this year as possible)

h

hi does anyone know how many dada scholarship are given out to each college for musical theatre courses each year thanks

Hi,
it isn't a set number of DaDAs per college anymore, it is a set total amount of funding per college. The auditionees are ranked in order of 'talent' and DaDAs are awarded to them in order, depending on their household income, until the pot is spent.
Before the system changed last year I think Laine's said they had 25 or 30 DaDAs that were allocated to the top students irrespective of household income.
The income bands can be seen here:
http://www.dadainfo.org.uk/income-bands/
Hope that helps,
C

Fab explanation carriecrafts - was trying to think how best to explain, but you've done a perfect job !

Thanks
I'm obsessing over it at the moment as DD has been offered the diploma at Laine! I just don't know whether we can afford the living costs even if she is lucky enough to get a DaDA...

thanks