Auditions

Application Deadline: 1st March 2024
Video Submission Deadline: 8th March 2024

Overview
The 1^st round auditions for BA Acting will take place online. You will need to film yourself performing two audition speeches at home and as per the instructions below. You will then combine these two speeches into a single video, which you will upload for our audition panel to assess.

2nd round recalls will be in person at ArtsEd in Chiswick and will involve you spending a day working with course tutors and getting a real sense of life at drama school.

1^st Round Requirements:
Please prepare two speeches, each no more than two minutes long.

You can film your speeches on your phone or however, is most convenient for you. We are not looking for ‘production value’, we simply wish to see you perform to the best of your ability. Both speeches must be submitted together on one video, this can be edited together from two separate takes.

One speech should be from a modern play written after 1990, and the other from a classical play using heightened language.  This could be Shakespeare, but we also welcome classical pieces from across the globe.  Both pieces should be within your acting age and should be performed in English.  Ideally, you should choose contrasting speeches to demonstrate your ability to play different characters, though your choices to not have to be restricted by gender. We encourage you to use your natural or heritage voice.

For more information on how to prepare for the 1st Round visit Self-Tape Advice for Acting Auditionees.

Recalls:
The audition panel will review your video and, if successful, you will be recalled for a 2nd round recall audition.  These auditions will be in person at ArtsEd in Chiswick.

We aim to get back to you with the panel’s decision within four weeks of the deadline. Please be patient if you haven’t heard from us within this timeframe, we will have a lot of video submissions to assess and we want to make sure we give them the time they deserve.

Full details of the 2^nd Round audition format, and what you will need to prepare, will be provided in plenty of time for your chosen recall date.

All auditionees for our three-year degree course will also be considered for our 1 year, full-time Foundation Course. You can find out more about the course here.   

Application Deadline: 1st March 2024
Video Submission Deadline: 8th March 2024

Overview
The 1^st round auditions for Full-time Foundation – Acting will take place online. You will need to film yourself performing two audition speeches at home and as per the instructions below. You will then combine these two speeches into a single video, which you will upload for our audition panel to assess.

2nd round recalls will be in person at our Chiswick home and will involve you spending a day working with course tutors and getting a real sense of life at ArtsEd.

1^st Round Requirements:
Please prepare two speeches, each no more than two minutes long.

You can film your speeches on your phone or however is most convenient for you. We are not looking for ‘production value’, we simply wish to see you perform to the best of your ability.  Both speeches must be submitted together on one video, this can be edited together from two separate takes.

One speech should be from a modern play written after 1990, and the other from a classical play using heightened language.  This could be Shakespeare, but we also welcome classical pieces from across the globe.  Both pieces should be within your acting age and should be performed in English.  Ideally, you should choose contrasting speeches to demonstrate your ability to play different characters, though your choices to not have to be restricted by gender. We encourage you to use your natural or heritage voice.

For more information on how to prepare for the 1st Round visit Self-Tape Advice for Acting Auditionees.

Recalls:
The audition panel will review your video and, if successful, you will be recalled for a 2nd round recall audition.  These auditions will be in person in London.

We aim to get back to you with the panel’s decision within four weeks of the deadline. Please be patient if you haven’t heard from us within this timeframe, we will have a lot of video submissions to assess and we want to make sure we give them the time they deserve.

Full details of the 2^nd Round audition format, and what you will need to prepare, will be provided in plenty of time for your chosen recall date.

Application Deadline: 1st March 2024

Overview
All auditions for our BA Musical Theatre course will take place in person at our Chiswick home.  The 1^st and 2^nd rounds take place on the same day and will include a tour of the facilities and an opportunity to talk to staff and students.

Recalls are scheduled as necessary and will also take place at ArtsEd.

Once you have applied, we will send you full details of the format of the day as well as a full version of the audition requirements outlined below.

1^st Round Requirements
Singing:
You will need to prepare and perform two musical theatre songs. One should be a ‘legit’* ballad written no later than 1965 (e.g. ‘If I Loved You’ from Carousel, ‘Simple Little Things’ from 110 in the Shade or ‘On The Street Where You Live’ from My Fair Lady), and the other song should provide a contrast and be something you enjoy singing.

Please avoid songs which demand an extreme ‘character’ voice, such as ‘Adelaide’s Lament’ from Guys and Dolls or ‘My Girlfriend Who Lives in Canada’ from Avenue Q. We would like to hear YOUR natural voice.

*Our definition of a ‘legit’ song: a traditional musical theatre song from one of the classic musicals. These kinds of song are often described as ‘lyrical ballads’.

You should prepare and perform a section from each of the two songs, each lasting no longer than one minute.

Dance:
All auditionees will take part in a group jazz class led by a senior member of dance staff and overseen by the Head of Dance.

Don’t worry if you haven’t danced before, all movements will be explained and demonstrated on the day. We excel at training students with limited dance experience and are looking for candidates who have potential, not just experience. We encourage applicants from sports backgrounds.

2^nd Round Requirements
The 2^nd round auditions will take place on the same day as the 1^st round, in the afternoon.

Singing:
Candidates invited to the 2^nd round auditions in the afternoon will be asked to perform their two prepared songs in full and may be required to follow new or different direction from the panel.

Acting:
All 2^nd round candidates will participate in an Acting Workshop prior to auditioning individually.

You will need to prepare two monologues for this element of the audition, each no more than three minutes in length.

One should be from a modern play written after 1990, and the other from a classical play using heightened language.  This could be Shakespeare, but we also welcome classical pieces from across the globe and from writers from the global majority.  Both pieces should be within your acting age and should be performed in English.  Ideally, you should choose contrasting speeches to demonstrate your ability to play different characters (though choices do not have to be restricted by gender). Please use your natural voice – don’t affect an accent or do a ‘voice’ to fit the character. We want to hear YOU. You will be expected to have read each play fully and to perform the monologues in the context of the piece. Please choose the material you relate to personally and which you find exciting.

Interview
Second round auditionees may be asked to attend an interview with the Director of the School of Musical Theatre and/or a senior member of the teaching staff from the School of Musical Theatre

There may also be a physical well-being check with our Wellbeing Officer.

Recalls
Occasionally, there will be a further recall as required. This will potentially involve additional audition sessions in each of the three core skills. Full details of the format, and what you will need to prepare, will be provided in plenty of time for your recall date.

All auditionees for our three-year degree course will also be considered for our one-year, full-time Cert HE Foundation Course.  You can find out more about the course here.

Application Deadline: 1st March 2024
Auditions:  March/April/May 2024

Overview
The auditions for our Full-time Foundation in Musical Theatre will be in person and will take place at ArtsEd. You will spend your time working with course tutors and getting a real sense of life as an ArtsEd student.

This is a single round process, with offers made on the basis of day that you spend with us.

Once you have applied, we will send you full details of the format of the day as well as a full version of the audition requirements outlined below.

1^st Round Requirements

Singing:
You will need to prepare and perform two musical theatre songs. One should be a ‘legit’* ballad written no later than 1965 (e.g. ‘If I Loved You’ from Carousel, ‘Simple Little Things’ from 110 in the Shade or ‘On The Street Where You Live’ from My Fair Lady), and the other song should provide a contrast and be something you enjoy singing.

Please avoid songs which demand an extreme ‘character’ voice, such as ‘Adelaide’s Lament’ from Guys and Dolls or ‘My Girlfriend Who Lives in Canada’ from Avenue Q. We would like to hear YOUR natural voice.

*Our definition of a ‘legit’ song: a traditional musical theatre song from one of the classic musicals. These kinds of song are often described as ‘lyrical ballads’.

You should prepare and perform a section from each of the two songs, each lasting no longer than one minute.

2^nd Round Requirements
The 2^nd round auditions will take place on the same day as the 1^st round, in the afternoon.

Singing:
Candidates invited to the 2^nd round auditions in the afternoon will be asked to perform their two prepared songs in full and may be required to follow new or different direction from the panel.

Acting:
All 2^nd round candidates will participate in an Acting Workshop prior to auditioning individually.

You will need to prepare two monologues for this element of the audition, each no more than three minutes long.

One should be from a modern play written after 1990, and the other from a classical play using heightened language.  This could be Shakespeare, but we also welcome classical pieces from across the globe and from writers from the global majority.  Both pieces should be within your acting age and should be performed in English.  Ideally, you should choose contrasting speeches to demonstrate your ability to play different characters (though choices do not have to be restricted by gender). Please use your natural voice – don’t affect an accent or do a ‘voice’ to fit the character.  We want to hear YOU. You will be expected to have read each play fully and to perform the monologues in the context of the piece.  Please choose material you relate to personally and which you find exciting.

Interview
Second round auditionees may be asked to attend an interview with the Director of the School of Musical Theatre and/or a senior member of the teaching staff from the School of Musical Theatre.

There may also be a physical wellbeing check with our Wellbeing Officer.

Application Deadline: 1st March 2024
Video Submission Deadline: 8th March 2024

Overview
All first-round auditions will take place online. You will film yourself performing two audition speeches at home and as per the instructions below.  You will then combine these two speeches into a single video, which you will upload for our audition panel to assess.

Recalls will be in person at our Chiswick home and will involve you spending a day working with course tutors and getting a real sense of life at ArtsEd.

Speeches
Please prepare two speeches, each no more than two minutes long.

One classical speech (Shakespeare and his contemporaries) and one contemporary speech (from a play published in the last 10 years).

Please present both the speeches in your own voice, the voice you speak in every day. Keep the speech as age appropriate to you as possible. It can be free of gender. Use material that excites you, and that you are passionate about.

Filming
You can film your speeches on your phone, computer, iPad, or whatever is most convenient for you. We are not looking for production value, we simply wish to see you perform to the best of your ability.

Both speeches must be on one video, this can be edited together from two separate takes.

Here are some useful tips for self-taping:

• Make sure that the camera is as steady as possible. If you can, avoid holding it whilst you record.
• Try and find a neutral background for the taping and a space that is as private and quiet as possible.
• If you can, use a natural light source.
• Make sure that the light source is behind or to the side of the camera.
• You can be standing or sitting, but make sure you shoot from the mid-torso up.
• When delivering your speeches, shift your eye-line to just off camera, as though you’re speaking to someone sat next to it. At all other times look straight down the lens.
• Present your work as you would at in person audition, please don’t feel the need to turn in a “camera” audition.

At the end of your recording please tell us a little about why you chose the pieces that you did, and about your reasons for wanting to study MA Acting at ArtsEd.

The audition panel will review your video and, if successful, you will be invited to attend a 2nd Round audition at ArtsEd. We aim to get back to you with the panel’s decision within four weeks.

Application Deadline: July 2023
Auditions: 27^th May 2023 | 24^th June 2023 | 29^th July 2023
Audition Fee: £15

Overview
The auditions for our Part-time Foundation in Acting will be in person and will take place at our Chiswick home. You will spend your time working with course tutors and getting a real sense of life as an ArtsEd student.

This is a single round process, with offers made on the basis of the day that you spend with us.

Auditions take place in May and June, and you will be notified of the date once they are confirmed.

Once you have applied, we will send you full details of the format as well as a full version of the audition requirements outlined below.

Audition Requirements
Please prepare two speeches, each no more than two minutes long.

One speech should be from a modern play written after 1990, and the other from a classical play using heightened language.  This could be Shakespeare, but we also welcome classical pieces from across the globe. Both pieces should be within your acting age and should be performed in English. Ideally, you should choose contrasting speeches to demonstrate your ability to play different characters, though your choices do not have to be restricted by gender. We encourage you to use your natural or heritage voice.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the ArtsEd Extra team If you have any questions about the Part-time Foundation course or the audition process: extra@artsed.co.uk

Application Deadline: July 2023
Auditions: 27^th May 2023 | 24^th June 2023 | 29^th July 2023
Audition Fee: £15

Overview
The auditions for our Part-time Foundation in Musical Theatre will be in person and will take place at our Chiswick home. You will spend your time working with course tutors and getting a real sense of life as an ArtsEd student.

This is a single round process, with offers made on the basis of the day that you spend with us.

Auditions take place in May and June, and you will be notified of the date once they are confirmed.

Once you have applied, we will send you full details of the format as well as a full version of the audition requirements outlined below.

Audition Requirements

Singing:
You will need to prepare and perform two musical theatre songs. One should be a ‘legit’ ballad written no later than 1965 (e.g. ‘If I Loved You’ from Carousel), and the other should provide a contrast and be something you enjoy singing.

Please avoid songs which demand an extreme ‘character’ voice, such as ‘Adelaide’s Lament’ (Guys and Dolls) or ‘My Girlfriend Who Lives in Canada’ (Avenue Q). We need to hear YOUR voice. You should prepare and perform a section from each of the two songs, each lasting no longer than one minute.

Dance
All auditionees will take part in a group jazz class. Don’t worry if you haven’t danced before, all movements will be explained and demonstrated on the day. We are looking for candidates who have potential.

Acting
You will need to prepare two speeches for this element of the audition, each no more than three minutes long.

One should be from a modern play written after 1990, and the other from a classical play using heightened language. This could be Shakespeare, but we also welcome classical pieces from across the globe. Both pieces should be within your acting age and should be performed in English. Ideally, you should choose contrasting speeches to demonstrate your ability to play different characters (though choices do not have to be restricted by gender). We encourage you to use your natural or heritage voice.

The school welcomes eligible candidates from across the globe. The working language of the training is English, so you must be able to show evidence at the audition of an excellent command of spoken and written English.

PLEASE NOTE: all prospective students coming to study at ArtsEd from outside the UK will need to apply for a Student Visa (via the new points-based immigration system). Applications must be made online at GOV.UK and students can apply up to six months before their course starts. The cost of this Student Visa is £348, with an additional healthcare surcharge of £470 per year.  The visa will be valid for up to five years for students aged 18+. Further details can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/study-uk-student-visa

Although our building is fully accessible for public performances, at present many of the teaching areas are not easily accessible for disabled users. We are taking active steps to improve this with our new build, which you can learn more about here. If you are a disabled applicant and are successful at auditioning, we will do our best to meet your access requirements and, before offering you a place, we will discuss how we might best support you during your training. After discussion, if the school regretfully feels it cannot provide adequate support and therefore is unable to offer you a place, we will explain why and advise you on alternative opportunities.