Auditions - what to expect
The entrance audition for the Acting Course is in three stages, each of which must be passed before you can proceed to the next stage.
The Preliminary Audition
Please indicate if there are any times when you are NOT available to audition in the relevant space on the application form. We will try to accommodate you if it is at all possible.
Last year, the Selection Panel saw over 2000 candidates for the 26 places on the course, so you will realise that organising this many auditions makes it very difficult to change the day and time. If you cannot make the date and time given to you (or if you fall ill on the day or your travel arrangements fall though), please contact the Assistant Head of Drama Administration (Admissions) as soon as possible on +44 (0)20 7382 7149 or please email David.Cox@gsmd.ac.uk .
When You Arrive
If your audition is in the School, the Facilities staff at reception will direct you to a waiting room where someone (usually a student) will give you further information.
If your audition is at Sundial Court, there will be notices directing you to the waiting room. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of Part 1 (see below) to enable you to change into your movement clothes. Do NOT bring valuables as no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage to personal property.
Part 1: This consists of a 'warm up' movement and improvisation session. There is no preparation needed for this section, but you will need to wear clothes in which you can move freely. Loose fitting jeans and a T shirt are perfectly acceptable. You will be working barefoot and you should remove all jewellery and piercings.
Part 2: This is when the Selection Panel will see your pieces. Each candidate goes in turn, so you may have a long wait before you are seen. It is possible that you may also be asked to sing your unaccompanied song.
Finding Out The Result
At the end of each morning or afternoon session of preliminary auditions, you will be told if you have been recalled for the second stage.
If you do not wish to wait for the results, you may telephone the Drama Department on +44 (0)20 7382 7149 to find out the result at certain times only.
These are:
If you audition in the morning, you can telephone after 2.30 pm the same day.
If you audition in the afternoon or evening, you will have to wait until after 10.00 am the following day (or Monday if your audition is on a Friday).
IMPORTANT
Almost all candidates prefer to either wait for the result or to telephone the School, so the Drama Department no longer sends out letters notifying them if they have been successful or not. It is up to you to contact the Department to find out if you have passed the preliminary audition.
If you are not recalled for the second stage, you should understand that you will not be offered a place and no further communication will be sent to you. The decision of the Selection Panel must be regarded as final.
If you are not recalled for the second stage, you should understand that you will not be offered a place and no further communication will be sent to you. The decision of the Selection Panel must be regarded as final.
The Second Round Auditions
If you pass to the second round, you will need to spend either a morning or an afternoon at the School. The format of these will be similar to the preliminary auditions.
For candidates auditioning in the USA or in Newcastle or during the final preliminary auditions in May, second round auditions will be held on the same day as the preliminary stage auditions.
The Final or Recall Auditions
These will take place between Sunday 29 and Friday 3 June. You will be asked to attend for a maximum of two days within this period. If you cannot attend the recall auditions, you cannot be considered for a place on the Acting programme.
Further details will be sent to recalled candidates nearer the time.
Appeals Procedure
If you fail a preliminary or second round audition (i.e. you are not recalled), you are able to appeal against the decision of the Selection Panel on procedural grounds (i.e. how your application was dealt with and how the audition was conducted). You may not appeal against the Selection Panel’s judgement of your suitability for the training.
If you wish to appeal, further details are available from the Head of Drama Administration at the School.
