Are you an aspiring actor considering the Arts Umbrella Pre-Professional Theatre Program? Our Troupes, designed for teens who are seriously considering theatre and the performing arts as a career path, require an audition as part of the admissions process.

Not sure where to start with audition prep? Here’s some advice from Paul Moniz de Sá, Artistic Director of Theatre & Music and Senior Theatre Troupe Director.

Share Your Personality with Confidence
It may sound simple, but being confident and allowing your personality to shine through will go a long way. The little things, such as shuffling your feet, can distract from your monologue. We want to get to know you, so don’t be afraid to make the audition yours. Start by choosing a monologue that interests you, one that you are excited to explore. The more invested you are in the script, the more you individuality can shine through in you monologue.

Create a Character
Read the full script! To get to know the character you’re portraying, you need to know the story, the world, and the context in which your character is saying the words of your monologue. Discover as much as you can about the character and what is happening in the monologue/scene such as:

• Who is the character?
• What do they say about themselves? What do others say about them?
• What does the playwright or screenwriter say about them?
• When does the scene take place? (Century, year, season, day, minute)
• Where they and what are they surrounded by? (Country, city, neighbourhood, objects, etc.)
• What are their circumstances? (Past, present, and/or future events in the play)
• What is the character’s purpose in the scene and story?
• What does the character want? (overall and immediate objectives)
• What is in the character’s way? (Obstacles)
• What will they do to get what they want? (The action: physical and verbal)
• How has your character changed by the end of the monologue, scene, and/or play?

Make Choices

Once you have learned more about your character you can make informed choices about how to portray them. Fill in any blanks and make the character yours. What can you share beyond the text? How does the character move? How do they sound? How do they talk? What kind of rhythm do they have in their speech? These are your artistic choices.

Memorize the Script and Discover the Dynamics

First and foremost, make sure you understand the script and know what you are saying. It’s not just about memorizing lines; it’s also about understanding the story and the imagery beneath a text. Find a connection to those images and discover how they make you feel. Find the emotional levels and dynamics in the monologue or scene and go beyond showing just one emotion. Allow for moments of vulnerability.

Learn more about our Pre-Professional Theatre Program.

Auditions

The next auditions are being held on September 20, via zoom. Limited spaces remain, so book your spot today.