By Kevin Michael Cripps, GSA Head of Singing.
Every autumn, GSA opens its doors to welcome its new intake of musical theatre students, all looking to take their skills to the next level. They bring with them an exciting mix of hopes, dreams, experiences and goals, and are ready to begin a life-changing three-year journey of theatre exploration, skills development, and personal growth.
What unites them is a shared dedication to creativity, a respect for the performing arts, and a desire to explore musical theatre as an exciting career option.
But how did they get here? How did they decide that GSA was the right place to study?
My name is Kevin Michael Cripps, and as GSA Head of Singing, I meet all kinds of young people interested in studying musical theatre in higher education. Sometimes through outreach classes, other times through pre-audition courses, and my favourite of all, through our audition process.
So, if you're considering further studies in musical theatre, here are a few tips that might help you choose which schools to audition for, how to prepare for your auditions, and decide on your next steps.
Q: How do I know which school is right for me?
There are lots of great schools in the UK, so it’s worth taking the time to find the right fit for you. While programmes may look similar at first, they can differ quite a bit in how they teach, what they cover, and how students are assessed.
Explore school websites and module catalogues, attend open days to meet staff and students, and get a feel for the learning environment. If possible, see their productions. Connecting with current students and recent alumni through friends or social media can also offer valuable insight into the student experience.
Keep in mind that programmes change regularly, so older graduates may not have the most up-to-date perspective.
The most important thing is to consider if the school is offering you what you need.
☼ TIP Remember that you are auditioning the school just as much as the school is auditioning you. Your audition is another chance for you to see if it is the right place for you. |
Q: What do they need to know about me?
You’re a unique individual with your own experiences, interests and strengths, and these are just as important as your performance skills.
Most schools will ask for some kind of personal statement. While it’s important to mention your training and performance experience, don’t forget to include what you enjoy outside of musical theatre.
Talk about your hobbies, sports that you get involved with, volunteer experience, instruments you play, your job, other interests, or family, etc. These things can tell a bit about your character and show that there’s more to you than just musical theatre!
One common challenge for performers is: ‘What happens when your hobby becomes your career?’ Having other interests and activities in your life can make a real difference when you’re immersed in 30 - 40 hours of musical theatre training each week.
Q: What are these schools looking for?
Schools are looking for potential, not perfection. They certainly don’t expect you to arrive at auditions polished to a professional level. They want to see that you can build on your existing skills and grow through training. It’s absolutely fine to be stronger in one dance style than another, or to have more confidence in one particular singing style.
Drama schools want to see your natural ability, openness to learning, and trainability. Just as importantly, they want to get a sense of who you are and what makes you unique!
In face-to-face auditions, the audition team will watch how you interact with other applicants, how you manage yourself, and how you connect with the team.
Remember, they’re also building a cohort of students who will learn and grow together, support one another, and bring a diverse range of personalities and perspectives to the room. Be yourself, be generous, and show them what you might bring to the group.
Q: How do I choose audition material?
Read the information in your audition packs carefully. Audition requirements may look similar from school to school at first glance, but there will be differences in what they ask of you. Consider keeping an audition journal with a section for each school, where you can record notes and observations from open days, social media, and your auditions. Make sure that you read audition briefs carefully and follow all instructions. In particular, make note of monologue requirements and details around song styles: length, cuts, style, era, etc.
If you’re asked to prepare a song of your own choice, don’t get caught up in looking for the most impressive option. Your audition isn’t about showing off! Sometimes, simpler material is more effective and reliable, especially when nerves kick in.
Work on your choices with a singing teacher, vocal coach, drama teacher, or through an acting-through-song workshop. Get feedback, keep refining your material, and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Last-minute choices can be risky and inconsistent and might let you down.
Most importantly, choose material that represents you well. Don’t try to guess what the panel wants to hear. You won’t be able to predict things like that, and your audition is about you and not them. Make sure you know where your material comes from, who wrote it, and any interesting details that might inform your performance or come up in an interview.
Q: What will the recall audition be like?
Recall auditions will vary from school to school. If you’re auditioning for several schools, you’ll probably see familiar faces along the way. Think of the audition season as a circuit and an opportunity to make new friends and share experiences. You’re not in competition with one another. Drama school auditions are about finding the right fit for you and your learning journey.
At GSA, we spend the whole day with our applicants because we enjoy seeing everyone’s work and getting to know them as individuals. Our recalls are designed to feel more like workshops than auditions.
You’ll take a dance class together, present your song choices together, and work together in an acting class. Then, we spend time connecting with the group, talking about the programme and answering questions.
Many schools will also invite some applicants for an interview. Don’t worry, it’s not an interrogation! It’s simply another opportunity for the panel to get to know you better. Be yourself, and don’t feel you need to impress.
You may be asked why you’re interested in studying at that particular school. Be honest and show that you’ve done your research and understand what the programme offers.
☼ TIP If you don't get offered a place on a course, try again next year. In the meantime, work on strengthening skills or consider taking a Foundation course. |
Remember that the audition panel is quietly cheering you on! We want you to do well, and we want you to have a good time at your audition. You may have some nerves, but that’s ok. It’s normal. Nerves remind us that we care about what we are doing. The best way to feel confident is to be prepared. If you don’t have much experience with dance, find some classes, especially musical theatre jazz, to help build up stamina and skill and, of course, confidence. Don’t run away from your weaker skills. Meet them face on, with a proactive and curious mind!
Lastly, every applicant will have different goals. Take the time to recognise your own personal goals and then embrace them. They are important and worth working towards.
Best wishes for the journey ahead. Enjoy the ride and have lots of fun.
KMC