Auditioning for Artemis College

Audition Requirements

  • For the Musical Theatre Course

    Singing – Prepare one minute of a musical theatre song that suits your casting and showcases your vocal ability.

    Acting – Perform a one-minute contemporary monologue from a published play.

    Workshops – On the day, you will also take part in a jazz dance workshop and an acting workshop.

  • For the Dance Course

    Solo Dance – Prepare a one-minute routine in your strongest dance style. Ideally, this should contrast with the musical theatre jazz routine you’ll learn on the day.

    Workshops – You will take part in a jazz dance workshop and a technical dance workshop as part of the audition process.

  • For the Acting Course

    Monologues – Prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues from a published play, film, or television programme. Choose pieces that showcase your versatility by highlighting different characters or emotions.

    Workshop – On the day, you will also take part in an acting workshop.

Audition Pieces: What We’re Looking For:

  • Song

    A song which showcases your acting through song, range and vocal ability.

    Please bring a one-minute cut, using a backing track. You can provide a YouTube or Spotify link or a recorded track (playable via Bluetooth speaker)

  • Monologue

    For Musical Theatre a contemporary monologue (written after 1980) from a published play, musical, or film/TV show.

    For Acting applicants bring two contrasting monologues that highlight different characters or emotions.

    It should suit your casting and allow you to showcase your strengths.

  • Dance

    A one-minute routine of your strongest style.

    Bring a backing track. You can provide a YouTube or Spotify link or a recorded track (playable via Bluetooth speaker)

On the day

The day begins with introductions and a quick game to help you settle in.

  • Musical Theatre & Dance Applicants

    • Take part in a musical theatre jazz workshop – bring your personality and performance energy!

    • Dance applicants stay for a technical workshop, followed by performing your solo dance.

    • Musical theatre applicants move to an acting workshop, then perform your monologue, followed by a singing workshop where you will showcase your solo audition song.

  • Acting Applicants

    • Take part in an acting workshop, then perform your two contrasting monologues.

The day concludes with an informal interview – no set questions, just a chance for us to learn about your experience and aspirations.

FAQs

  • 1. Look for Monologues in Published Plays

    • Visit libraries, bookstores, or online script databases (e.g. Samuel French, Nick Hern Books, or Concord Theatricals).

    • Avoid monologue books—these often lack context, making it harder to build a strong performance.

    2. Choose Something Age-Appropriate

    • Select a character you could realistically be cast as, avoiding roles too old or too young for you.

    • Consider the accent and language—choose something you can perform naturally.

    3. Find a Monologue That Suits Your Strengths

    • Look for a monologue that allows you to show a clear emotional journey (not just one note).

    • Avoid pieces that rely too much on shouting or crying—subtle, layered performances are more engaging.

    4. Read the Play for Context

    • Always read the full play (or script) to understand the monologue’s context, character motivations, and tone.

    • If you can’t access the whole play, at least find a detailed summary.

    5. Ask for recommendations

    • Your drama teacher or peers may suggest plays or roles that suit you.

    • Watching plays or performances can also help you discover great monologues.

  • 1. Choose a Musical Theatre Song

    • The song must be from a musical (not pop, rock, or film songs unless they are from a musical).

    • Avoid songs that are too spoken or recitative-heavy—you want to show off your singing ability.

    2. Pick a Song That Suits Your Vocal Range

    • Make sure the song sits comfortably in your range and allows you to sing with confidence.

    • Avoid songs that are too low or high, forcing you to strain.

    • Choose a song that allows you to show control, tone, and dynamics, not just big notes.

    3. Consider Your Casting

    • Select a song that fits your age and type—if you're young, avoid songs written for much older characters.

    • Choose a piece you could realistically be cast in.

    4. Find a Song That Tells a Story

    • We are looking for acting through song, so pick a piece with clear emotions and a journey.

    • Avoid songs that are repetitive or lack emotional variation.

    5. Don’t Pick an Overdone Song

    • Some songs are performed so often that it’s hard to stand out (Defying Gravity, On My Own, I Dreamed a Dream, There are Worse Things I Could Do, As Long As He Needs Me).

    • But we’d rather hear you confidently sing a song you love and perform well than choose something you’re unsure about.

    6. Make Sure There’s a Backing Track Available

    • You’ll need to bring a track, so check that an instrumental version exists on YouTube, Spotify, or backing track websites.

    • Avoid songs that rely on spoken dialogue breaks—these can feel awkward with a track.

  • No, you don’t have to choreograph your own routine. You are welcome to use:

    • Choreography you’ve learned in class

    • A piece set by a teacher or coach

    • A routine from a previous performance

    If you do choose to choreograph your own piece, make sure it plays to your strengths, showcases your best style, and allows for strong performance quality.

  • No, we do not accept sheet music for auditions. Our musical director will be watching your performance rather than accompanying on piano.

    Please bring a backing track instead, either as:

    • A YouTube or Spotify link

    • A recording that can be played via Bluetooth speaker

  • Wear comfortable, professional clothing that allows you to perform at your best.

    For dance and musical theatre applicants wear dance-appropriate clothing, e.g. leggings, joggers, leotard or fitted top. Jeans are not appropriate.

    Make sure you can move freely and feel comfortable and confident throughout the day.

  • Don’t worry—mistakes happen! If you lose your place or need a moment, you can stop and ask to start again.

    We’re looking at your potential, performance quality, and ability to adapt, not just perfection. If something goes wrong, take a deep breath, reset, and carry on.

  • Yes, we strongly encourage you to fully memorise your monologue. This shows preparedness and allows you to focus on performance, character, and connection, rather than reading.

    However, we understand that mistakes can happen. If needed, you may hold the script as a safety net, but we recommend being as off-book as possible for the best audition experience.

  • You will receive an email one week after your audition with one of three outcomes:

    • Conditional Offer – You have been offered a place on the course.

    • Recall – We would like to see more from you before making a final decision.

    • Unsuccessful Application – Unfortunately, we don’t feel we are the right place for you.

    We do not provide individual feedback on auditions. For full details, please see our audition policy here.

  • Our Gap Year Level 4 Programme is in musical theatre, so please follow the guidelines for the Musical Theatre course.

  • We do not provide feedback after auditions, unless in the case of a recall.

  • If you are not offered a place unfortunately you cannot re-apply for the same academic year. We encourage you to continue training and re-apply the following academic year.