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BA Acting

For entry in September 2025, there are three stages of the audition for the BA (Hons) Acting. First round auditions will take place online via Self-Tape. Recall auditions will take place in person. 

Feedback

Due to the large numbers of candidates attending our acting auditions, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback. The decision of the panel is final.

Advice to candidates

Auditions are only scheduled on weekdays; we are not able to offer any appointments on weekends.

We send information regarding auditions – including Zoom links – via email. On occasion, emails can be sent to junk folders; please ensure you check your junk folders as well.

If you have not received your Zoom link by the day prior to your audition, please contact us. Please do not wait until your audition start time.

The College places a high value on:

  • The ability to ‘inhabit’ a character – to understand and reveal their complex psychology.
  • 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.
  • An active interest in, and knowledge of, theatre and related performing arts.
  • Life experience – we encourage applicants from a wide age range.

We also make the following specific recommendations:

  • Make sure that you are secure in remembering the pieces you select.
  • Avoid over-used speeches. If you have selected a piece from an audition book, the chances are that the panel may have seen the piece performed many times before.
  • Avoid speeches 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.
  • Wear appropriate clothing which will allow you to move easily and comfortably.
  • Do not use props.
  • Enjoy the experience!

Self-Tape Audition Tips

  • Please ensure you record your audition in a suitable space and try to make your background as plain as possible. You may like to create a little space in your set up, to allow you to move around without leaving the shot. 
  • Please avoid using overly resonant rooms, for example bathrooms. These can make it difficult for panels to hear you clearly.
  • Please be sure that you are lit well and that your recording device is placed on a tripod or flat surface at your eyeline.
  • Please set up your camera so that we can clearly see you from the waist up during your songs and speech.
  • You can submit your audition in one long recording or as separate files, but each component should be recorded in one take.
  • Don’t forget about the lighting: Where possible, please make sure that the light is directed from the front or the sides. For example, if you are sitting with a window behind you, you will disappear, and the video will appear dark and fuzzy. It is equally important that we see your performance as well as hear it.
  • Think about (and test) the sound: Test out a few distances (both of the accompaniment and any microphone you may use) to find out what works best for you. Start at five to six feet away and adjust from there. It will differ depending on location and the recording/playback devices being used. Recording equipment or external microphones for i-phone/Android can be used to help improve audio quality, however they are not necessary. Minimize the background noise. Think about the time of day and location when you can exert the most control over what’s happening in the background. Sound bounces off hard surfaces which can create an unwanted echo. Avoid large, empty rooms. At home, blankets, pillows, and curtains are all effective ways to absorb the sound.
  • Check your Battery & Storage: Before you commence recording, please check that you have sufficient memory and battery life. Nothing is more upsetting than losing the perfect take because the camera stops rolling.
  • We are aware of the challenges presented by recorded submissions and our panellists will be instructed to allow for issues beyond the control of the applicant when watching and assessing the video. The following list is not exclusive but indicates the type of area that might be affected through video submission, and thus will be taken into consideration:
  • Time delays between sound and image
  • Instrumental/vocal sound quality
  • A piano that is out of tune, or not of particularly good quality (including use of an electric keyboard)

In addition, if your best take includes a minor domestic interruption (e.g. siren in the background, someone passing through the shot), please know that the panel is able to disregard this, so don’t sacrifice that version.

If you have a disability and/or have particular needs, please contact us directly to ensure that we are able to make any necessary arrangements in time for your audition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit my first-round audition?

Auditions will be submitted using Acceptd [https://app.getacceptd.com/rwcmd ], information on how to access Acceptd will be sent out as soon as possible.

I’ve tried booking a date but there were no available dates / times.

We will continue to hold first-round auditions until early March and will keep releasing dates as the are confirmed. We recommend that you keep checking the booking link (bookmarking the page on your internet browser is an easy way to save to link). We will allow space for outstanding applications, but we cannot guarantee that the dates held will be able to accommodate individual availability.

How do I change the date for a First Round audition?

Acceptd allows you to cancel a booking for a date or you can contact admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk and ask us to cancel a booking for you. Please ensure you include your UCAS ID, full name, course and the date of your audition.

You can then use the booking link to book another available date. Please note that if you do not cancel your booking and do not turn up for your audition appointment your application may be withdrawn

How to find an audition speech?

The College does not provide a list of auditions speeches (or monologues) for candidates, and we are not able to make suggestions of suitable speeches for individual candidates. There are a vast number of speeches available, we recommend that you pick a speech that you like, enjoy and that you can relate to and that you follow the guidance provided in our audition guidance.

If you use a monologue book as a starting point for finding your speech, we recommend that you also read and understand the play. This so that you can understand the character, where they are at that moment in the play and the impact this point in their journey has on the rest of the play.

Can I perform a speech in Welsh at my audition?

Yes, you can choose to perform a speech in Welsh at any audition stage. We ask that you let us know that you wish to do so. This is in order for us to make sure you have the correct panel, as not all our panelists will be able to speak Welsh.

Can I perform a poem at my audition?

No, it is not possible to perform a poem at the audition.

How do I change the date for a recall audition?

You would need to send a request via email to admissions, changing dates for recalls is not possible over the phone. Your request should state your full name, the course you are auditioning for, the date you wish to change and any further dates you are not available to attend. Whilst we will do our best to assist all change of date requests, we cannot guarantee a suitable alternative will be available.

How long will it take to receive a decision from my audition?

We will communicate a decision following an audition as quickly as possible after we receive the confirmed decision. Decisions following first round auditions are usually communicated within one month of your submission deadline (not the date you submitted the audition), but during very busy times it can take longer.

Recall audition decisions are usually communicated within one month following the audition date.

If you are concerned about the amount time it has taken please contact admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk. Please ensure you include your UCAS ID, full name and the date you auditioned.

Can I attend a recall audition online?

Recall auditions are scheduled to take place in person. In exceptional circumstances we will be able to offer an online appointment. These include - being based 120 miles away from the audition location or based outside the UK; illness; an additional need that makes it difficult to travel.

If you have been invited to attend a recall audition and you wish to request a recall audition online, please contact admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk, please ensure you include your UCAS ID, full name and noting why you wish to audition online. Please note that final recalls that take place online will not include group work.

Please be assured that the method of your audition will not affect the panel’s assessment of your suitability.

How much does it cost to audition?

There is an audition fee of £35 to cover the cost of arranging and delivering auditions.

We are committed to providing access to training for the most talented students, regardless of background or financial means. Our fee waiver policy is designed to support applicants for whom their financial circumstances may be a barrier to auditioning.

If you think you are eligible for a free audition, please send any relevant documentation to admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk. Please ensure you include your, full name and course applying for and (if already applied) your UCAS ID.


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