GET READY... To Rock Your Pre-Screen Videos

Here we are in the midst of “pre-screen” season. With many schools opening their submissions the first of October I know this is a stressful and busy time!

I recently went through the process with a student of mine and I thought I would share a little about the journey from a teacher’s perspective.

BE PREPARED

In my opinion the number one priority is BEING PREPARED. There is a tremendous amount of information and preparation required before you even THINK about recording your pre-screen audition videos.

One of the most important things is to know what is required from each school you audition for. I suggest you make a document or spreadsheet and list the requirements from each program. Keep this handy when you are deciding on repertoire, cuts, etc. 

Here are the pre-screen requirements from two (very different) programs.

Program 1: Resumé Upload a pdf of your full resumé, which includes any training and experience you have had in music, theatre, and dance, as well as academic honors, work experience, and community service.

Photograph Upload a recent photograph of yourself, headshot preferred.

Acting–upload 2

Prepare two short, contrasting monologues from plays. The monologues must be memorized and should be performed in the context of the entire play. The monologues should be no longer than 90 seconds each.

Voice–upload 2

Prepare two musical theatre songs of at least 32-bars each with a 2-4-bar piano introduction. Both songs must be memorized, and one should be written before 1965. Sing with recorded or live accompaniment, not a cappella.

Dance–upload 1 or 2

The Department is committed to finding a diverse group of individuals. Some of you may be singer/actors who move well and some may be competitive dancers who sing and act well. The movement/dance portion of your audition should reflect who you are as a performer. We will accept a wide array of presentations that demonstrate your abilities.

1. Required for all applicants: present a 30-60 second clip of yourself moving/dancing. Your full body should be in view at all times. You may choose a cut from a musical or a dance performance in which you participated, or record something original. Any style is acceptable: musical theatre, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, etc.  Wear appropriate dance attire that will show clean line.

2. Optional, for applicants with dance training: execute a set of plies, tendues, grand battements, and pirouettes. Straightforward, simple exercises are preferred. (side view is best) Music may be live or recorded.

Program 2: Admission to the BFA in Music Theatre program is by audition only. The program requires prospective students to submit a pre-screen application in order to be considered for an audition appointment. For Music Theatre, the prescreen application consists of an unofficial transcript, SAT/ACT scores, a headshot, a theatrical resume, and videos of two contrasting musical selections: an uptempo and a ballad. 

So obviously, the pre-screen requirements are very different at different programs! So what does that mean to you? You are going to KNOW the requirements of each program and have different videos to send to different programs! Is your brain starting to hurt yet?

BE PROACTIVE

Before you are even ready to think about the actual videos, you have to know what each program is wanting for their pre-screens and/or auditions. So get out your colored pencils and sticky notes! And don’t forget to keep updating it as programs change their requirements throughout the year(s).

If you are a young performer who is serious about pursuing a career in the performing arts I would love to stay in touch with you! Join my VIP list to be the first to receive the tips and tools you need to reach your goals. You can also schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation by filling out the contact form on my home page. And please feel free to share this with a friend!