MA Musical Theatre Course
Audition Guidance
Once we have received your application we will write to you to
let you know the exact date and time of your audition. We
will usually give you at least two weeks' notice of your audition
date. Applicants who are short-listed at the first audition will be
invited to attend a second audition at a later date.
The audition process aims to assess your potential to undertake
professional training. Our course is extremely demanding, both
mentally and physically, and calls for substantial reserves of both
talent and stamina. It is our responsibility to select students who
we feel will be able to respond most effectively to these demands.
We aim to make the audition process as constructive and enjoyable
as possible.
Preparing for Your Audition
Please prepare three contrasting songs, which
demonstrate different vocal qualities. The songs should be related
to musical theatre. Please note that the panel may not choose to
hear all three pieces. You should bring sheet music to your
audition for the accompanist. The music should be in the correct
key and cuts should be clearly marked.
You will also need to prepare two contrasting speeches lasting
no longer than two minutes each. You should select one piece from
an Elizabethan or Jacobean play and another from a
modern/contemporary (20th/21st century) play. The audition panel
may interrupt a speech if it runs over two minutes.
The Audition Process
Your audition will take place at the college. On the day of your
audition, you will be welcomed by a member of the College's
Admission Team. This provides you with an opportunity to ask any
questions you may have about the College, the course, or the
audition and selection process.
You will then be taken, as part of a group of up to ten
candidates, to a rehearsal room where you will warm up as a group
and the audition panel will invite each candidate, in turn, to
perform the songs and speeches they have prepared. You will also
participate in a short, informal discussion with the panel about
yourself, your career aspirations and why you have chosen to apply
for the course.
Following the acting and singing auditions you will participate
in a Movement Workshop. You will not need to prepare for the
workshop but you should wear appropriate clothing for movement, and
bring a bottle of water.
The audition panel will be made up of members of RWCMD musical
theatre and acting staff as well as external, professional
practitioners.
We will inform you of our decision, usually within two weeks of
your audition.
General Advice to Candidates
The College places a high value on:
- The ability to 'inhabit' a character - to understand and reveal
their complex psychology
- The willingness to take risks, but to exercise some
sophistication in their execution
- Generosity in working with others
- Technical and expressive ability in voice, movement and
singing
- Musicality – you may be required to participate in a short
series of Aural and Rhythm Tests as part of your audition
- An active interest in, and knowledge of, musical theatre and
related performing arts
- Life experience - we encourage applicants of all ages from a
wide range of backgrounds
The College also makes the following specific
recommendations:
- Make sure that you are secure in remembering the pieces you
select
- Your chosen songs must have a genuine contrast in style and
demonstrate different voice qualities
- Avoid over-used pieces: if you have selected a piece from an
audition book, the chances are that the panel will have seen the
piece performed many times before
- Avoid pieces by characters much older than yourself, unless the
sentiments within it are universal
- Avoid using an accent other than your own, unless you are
absolutely secure in it
- Avoid telephone speeches
- Please do not use props
- Wear appropriate clothing which will allow you to move easily
and comfortably