1. Choose a piece that you feel passionate about. There are hundreds of books of monologues, and thousands of plays that have monologues in them. Find something that speaks to you. Keep in mind that Emerson prefers to see a contemporary piece (written no earlier than 1950).
2. Choose something the judges haven't seen. Don't recite a piece from that play that everyone is talking about. While you may choose a popular piece, you will be less likely to duplicate another actor's choice if you look for a piece from a play that isn't done all the time.
3. Get feedback. Get an opinion--or several--before you perform for the judges. Perform for your family and friends, but make sure to show your piece to someone who will tell you the truth, rather than rave about your abilities. Remember, there is always room for improvement.
4. Learn your audition piece inside and out. Allow for the inevitable feelings of nervousness. Knowing your lines without hesitation will cut down your chance of being thrown off by outside elements.
1. Be on time. In fact, be early. Plan for an emergency to come up, just in case--you've put time and money into this audition, and being even a few moments late could hurt your chances of being accepted. If you're auditioning on campus, find out in advance where you are going and visit the site beforehand to avoid getting lost. If you're not auditioning on the Emerson campus, your audition will be located in a big city such as Los Angeles, Houston or New York. Leave time for traffic or the unexpected.
2. Take care of your body. Get enough sleep the night before your audition and eat a hearty breakfast. As an actor, your body is your instrument, so treat it well. It's literally all you have to work with.
3. Dress appropriately. Choose your outfit in advance--don't wake up the morning of your audition to find that your favorite dress or your lucky jeans are in the wash. Your outfit should be casual/upscale. Don't fuss as if you're going to your wedding, but it is important to look polished. Get your hair out of your eyes, keep your makeup natural, and remember to smile.
4. Eat sensibly. Skip foods that irritate your stomach, carbonated beverages that can make you burp, dairy products that will give you phlegm. Unless there's an appropriate spot in your monologue for a spontaneous burp, you'll want to keep your bodily functions from playing a role in your performance.
5. Follow directions about where to send your guests. At non-campus auditions, parents and guests will be provided with a waiting room, along with an Emerson admissions counselor. On campus, guests will be directed to a waiting room near the audition room.
1. Be calm. Stage fright is common, even for seasoned, professional actors. So if you're scared, acknowledge the feeling and move on. Pat yourself on the back--a lot of people don't have the guts to pursue a career as a performer.
2. Give 100 percent. Actors go on a lot of auditions, and there are certainly days where you might just "not feel it." But make it a point to "feel it" inside the audition room. The next two minutes could be the key to your future.
3. Follow directions. Study the audition guidelines beforehand--take note of what sort of piece is required, how long it must be and any restrictions on content.
4. Slate your name. Always slate your name before an audition, unless otherwise indicated: "Hello, my name is ___, and I will be performing ____." Show the Emerson College audition panel that you understand the basic art of the audition process.