Struggling to figure out how to prepare for your next audition? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

Our experienced Acting staff have shared their top tips and expert advice to help you approach auditions with confidence and ease. From preparation strategies to what you can expect during the process, these insights will set you up for success.

Advice and tips from; Sam Gibbs, Foundation Acting Course Leader, Marnie Baxter, Head of Film & TV and Joint Head of Third Year & George Richmond-Scott, MA Acting Course Leader.

How to pick an audition piece?

• Preparation is key. Do the work!
• Read and / or watch some plays, try to pick character’s that are around the same age as you, think about what impression you want to make, if you love a speech – trust your gut and go for it.
• Look for a speech you connect with or that sparks your imagination, find contrasting speeches that both have a journey. Avoid changing your accent, we want to hear YOU.
• It is not about making an ‘alternative’ or ‘interesting’ choice, it’s about finding something you connect with, you can relate or connect to.

What to Expect?

• Take direction. Be ready to listen to the panel and make quick changes to your performance in the room, based on the notes given.
• This is YOUR moment, so be brave enough to find your centre before you begin the scene. Take your time, remember to breathe.

Self-Tape Tips

• Shoot in landscape, have a plain background.
• Consider a three takes and done mantra, don’t get into your head, if you shoot three takes it is highly unlikely any extra takes will get what you feel you are missing.
• Find the journey of the scene, find the shift, how is your character different from the start to finish? What is the environment of the scene? How does this effect the character?
• Look at speeches as thoughts rather than lines.

What should I wear?

• Wear clothing you are comfortable in and can move freely in. If you feel comfortable it will help you in your performance(s).
• It is helpful if there is no text or strong images on your clothing, mainly because this can draw focus away from you and your performance.

Remember

• Enjoy the process, this is an opportunity to show your work, allow it to be joyful.
• During all in person auditions, the panels will want you to do the best you can. They are not trying to trip you up, or catch you out, so head into those audition rooms knowing we are rooting for you!

Applications Open

Applications for our Acting courses are open! Find out more below and take the first step to your acting career with us.

Foundation Acting BA (Hons) Acting MA Acting

Exciting casting news for the UK & Ireland tour of Hamilton! ArtsEd alumnus Marley Fenton, School of Musical Theatre (BA) Graduate 2023, will step into the iconic role of Alexander Hamilton. This news shortly comes after Fenton winning the 2024 Black British Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his role of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.

We are all delighted for Marley and his new role as Alexander Hamilton in the UK tour of Hamilton. He will become the youngest person to play Hamilton which is a testament to him and his outstanding talent and ability, and his work ethic. Marley graduated from the School of Musical Theatre in 2023 and since then has already begun to forge an exciting career. We wish him all the very best with this new venture and we can’t wait to see him in the show!

Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre

Joining Fenton are some of our other talented ArtsEd graduates:

• Billy Luke Nevers as Aaron Burr
• Casey Al-Shaqsy as Eliza Hamilton (from 26 March 2025)
• Akmed Junior Khemalai as George Washington
• Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez as part of the ensemble and Standby/Alternate Hamilton, 1st Cover Lafayette/Jefferson & 3rd Cover King

As the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical continues to dominate the West End, booking through autumn 2025, the UK & Ireland tour adds fresh excitement to its legacy.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton brings the story of America’s founding fathers to life. The production is enhanced by stunning designs from David Korins (scenic), Paul Tazewell (costume), Howell Binkley (lighting), Nevin Steinberg (sound), and Charles G LaPointe (hair and wigs).

The Hamilton phenomenon continues to inspire audiences across the globe – and this new cast is set to dazzle on its journey!

Congratulations everyone, we are so proud of you all and can’t wait to see you take the stage!

Are you dreaming of a vibrant career in Musical Theatre? At ArtsEd, we’re excited to guide you through each step of your application process. Whether you’re considering the BA or the Foundation in Musical Theatre degree programme, this guide is designed to make your application journey informed and smooth sailing.

Applications are now open for 2026 entry.

1. Choosing The Right Programme

• BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
• Certificate of Higher Education Musical Theatre (Foundation)

Assess each programme’s curriculum, duration, and prerequisites. This will help you align your choice with your career goals and educational background, setting the stage for a successful career in musical theatre.

• Read about our School of Acting here.

2. Think About How You’ll Finance Your Studies

Take a moment to ponder your financial planning for your studies at ArtsEd. This is an important step before you begin the application process. We have various scholarships and funding options available, so please investigate and consider what financial support you might need throughout your studies.

Read about funding and scholarships available for ArtsEd students here.

Remember, investing in your education is investing in your future, and ensuring your financial stability during your studies will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the ArtsEd experience without undue stress.

3. Apply Online Via Our Application Portal Before 1 April 2026

Apply via our user-friendly online application portal. The digital portal is designed to guide applicants through a step-by-step process, from account creation to document submission. Having a checklist of necessary documents and prerequisites readily available can be immensely helpful at this stage.

Please note that our application deadline is on 1 April 2026, make sure you finish your applications by then.

Apply Now

4. Pick Your Audition Date

Selecting your audition date is a crucial step in the application process. Consider your preparedness, availability, and any other commitments when choosing a date that allows you ample time for thorough preparation and relaxation before the audition. Mark the date in your calendar, set reminders, and organise your schedule to build towards this important day.

5. Get Audition Ready Using Our Useful Tips

Audition preparation is often marked by a blend of excitement and nervousness. Utilise our useful tips and guides to navigate your preparation phase seamlessly.

• Musical Theatre audition tips – Master your ArtsEd audition! Hear from ArtsEd’s Director of Musical Theatre Jonathan O’Boyle as he shares his tips and tricks to help you prepare for a Musical Theatre audition day that includes singing, acting, and dancing.

Ensure you adhere to the guidelines provided and engage in rigorous practice. Seeking feedback from mentors or peers during this phase can also provide valuable insights into your preparation.

6. Audition Day: Relax and Enjoy

The audition day is your moment to shine and showcase your talent and dedication to the craft. Approach the day with a calm, positive mindset and remember to enjoy the process. Whether you’re auditioning in person or virtually, ensure that you are present in the moment, and convey not just your skills, but also your passion and personality. Your authenticity and enjoyment of the craft will undoubtedly shine through when you’re genuinely engaged.

7. Wait for the Results

After auditioning, patience is your ally. Regardless of the outcome, the experience you gain is a stepping stone in your musical theatre journey.

Apply Now

8. If You Didn’t Get the Result You Were Hoping For, Don’t Worry

If you didn’t get the outcome you were hoping for, or you feel you’re not ready for the BA programme yet, have you considered our foundation programme.

Step into the spotlight with ArtsEd’s Full-Time Foundation Course in Musical Theatre! Led by Barney McElholm, this course is your perfect launchpad into the exhilarating world of musical theatre, focusing on nurturing your skills and confidence in singing, dancing, and acting. You’ll receive intensive one-to-one singing tuition, ensemble dance training in jazz and ballet, and tailor-made audition preparation, all delivered by our BA course tutors. With our experienced ArtsEd team guiding you, you’ll gain invaluable insights into what drama schools seek in auditions. Whether you’re aiming to progress to a full-time training course or just beginning your journey in musical theatre, our programme is designed to help you shine. Get ready to take the stage and embark on an unforgettable journey in musical theatre with ArtsEd!

Application deadline for our Foundation Programme is 1 April 2026.

Check out our foundation programme below.

Foundation in Musical Theatre

Each of these steps in the journey to applying for ArtsEd School of Acting unfolds a unique set of experiences and learnings. Embrace each stage with curiosity, dedication, and a love for the performing arts to pave your way into an exciting education in Acting or Musical Theatre. Remember, your journey in the performing arts is not just about perfecting the skill but also about enjoying the process and learning continually.

Interested in Acting?

School of Acting Application Guide

BA Acting        MA Acting       Certificate of Higher Education Acting (Foundation)

Welcome to ArtsEd, where your acting aspirations transform into reality! As you consider joining our esteemed School of Acting, we’re here to guide you through a smooth, informative application process. Whether you’re eyeing the BA, MA, or Foundation in Acting degree, this guide will help make your application journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Applications are now open for 2026 entry.

1. Choosing The Right Programme

• BA (Hons) Acting
• MA Acting
• Certificate of Higher Education Acting (Foundation)

Assess each programme’s curriculum, duration, and prerequisites. This will help you align your choice with your career goals and educational background, setting the stage for a successful career in acting.

• Read about our School of Musical Theatre here.

2. Think About How You’ll Finance Your Studies

Take a moment to ponder your financial planning for your studies at ArtsEd. It’s an important step before diving into the application process. We have various scholarships and funding options available to you; do please investigate and consider what financial support you might need throughout your studies.

Read about funding and scholarships available for ArtsEd students here.

Remember, investing in your education is investing in your future, and ensuring your financial stability during your studies will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the ArtsEd experience without undue stress.

3. Apply Online Via Our Application Portal Before 1 April 2026

Apply via our user-friendly online application portal. The digital portal is designed to guide applicants through a step-by-step process, from account creation to document submission. Having a checklist of necessary documents and prerequisites readily available can be immensely helpful at this stage.

Please note that our application deadline is on 1 April 2026, make sure you finish your applications by then.

Apply Now

4. Pick Your Audition Date

Selecting your audition date is a pivotal step in the application process. Considering your preparedness, availability, and any other engagements, choose a date that allows you enough time for thorough preparation and relaxation before the audition. Mark the date in your calendar, set reminders, and organise your schedule to build towards this important day.

5. Get Audition Ready Using Our Useful Tips

Audition preparation is often marked by a blend of excitement and nervousness. Utilise our useful tips and guides to navigate through your preparation phase seamlessly.

• How to Nail Your Drama School Audition article will walk you through the audition process for our Acting programmes with the Director of the School of Acting, Kim Vithana. It includes a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your self-tape, perform your monologues, and insights on what we’re looking for in the audition.

Ensure you adhere to the guidelines provided and engage in rigorous practice. Seeking feedback from mentors or peers can also be very beneficial in preparing for your audition day.

6. Audition Day: Relax and Enjoy

The audition day is your moment to shine and showcase your talent and dedication to the craft. Approach the day with a calm, positive mindset and remember to enjoy the process. Whether you’re auditioning in-person or virtually, ensure that you are present in the moment, and convey not just your skills, but also your passion and personality. Your authenticity and enjoyment of the craft will undoubtedly shine through when you’re genuinely engaged.

7. Wait for the Results

After your audition, patience is key as you await the results. Remember, the experience gained is invaluable for your future in acting.

Apply Now

8. If You Didn’t Get the Result You Were Hoping For, Don’t Worry

If you didn’t get the outcome you were hoping for, or you feel you’re not ready for the BA programme yet, have you considered our Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) programme.

Explore your passion for acting with ArtsEd’s Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) programme. Guided by Sam Gibbs at the Lyric Hammersmith, this course is your perfect stepping stone into the world of professional acting. With hands-on training, insights from industry giants like Mike Bartlett and Noma Dumezweni, and a nurturing environment, it’s not just about acting skills, but growing as a person too and preparing for further training. Also, with the perks of Young Lyric membership, this programme is an exciting adventure for all aspiring actors.

Application deadline for our Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) programme is 1 April 2026.

Check out our foundation programme below.

Foundation in Acting

Each of these steps in the journey to applying for ArtsEd School of Acting unfolds a unique set of experiences and learnings. Embrace each stage with curiosity, dedication, and a love for the performing arts to pave your way into an exiting education in Acting or Musical Theatre. Remember, your journey in the performing arts is not just about perfecting the skill but also about enjoying the process and learning continually.

Interested in Musical Theatre?

School of Musical Theatre Application Guide

BA Musical Theatre   Certificate in Higher Education (Foundation) Musical Theatre