Preparing for Auditions

All applicants applying for courses that require an audition will need to record a video and provide a URL link for this in their application. Applicants who pass the first round of auditions will then be recalled for a second audition that will take place on campus, at a UK regional or international venue, or online. Further instructions will be sent directly to applicants who have been successful in the first round. Your audition can be recorded using a smartphone camera (i.e. iPhone, Android etc.), you do not need a professional grade camera for this.

Introduction

At the beginning of your audition video, please take no more than 2 minutes to tell us the following:

• Your name, age, and where you are from (i.e. I live in Birmingham). 
• Looking directly into the camera and tell us why you want to study the course you have applied for and why at East 15.
• Tell us the basic information about your audition pieces - the name of the character you are playing, the play from which the speech comes and the author of the play.

Two Speeches

After your introduction, you will need to include the following:

A speech from a contemporary play or film/TV drama lasting no more than 90 seconds.

• Find a character-driven speech from writers working in the 20th or 21st century that gives you the opportunity to communicate thoughts and emotions to another person or group of people.

AND

A speech in Heightened Language lasting no more than 90 seconds.

• Choose a piece with an interesting rhythm, where the sounds and meaning overlap powerfully.  It can be lyrics, spoken word, poetry, drama or literature, from any period which rises beyond conversational speech - anyone from Shakespeare to Kae Tempest, or Soyinka to Stormzy.

We welcome published texts from all global traditions in English translation. 

Please refer to our 'video audition filming guidelines’ below for how to frame these pieces when videoing.

Additional Requirements

If you are recalled for a Round 2 audition, you may be asked to prepare an additional piece and will be given information on this in your invitation to audition.

• All video audition materials must be performed in English.
• Your video can be recorded using a smartphone camera (i.e. iPhone, Android etc.), you do not need a professional grade camera.
• Deliver your speech straight to the camera, addressing the lens as the person you are talking to (or the audience, if it is a soliloquy).
• We request that you frame yourself in a different way for the two speeches.
  • One: Set the camera up so that the image clearly shows your head, shoulders and the top half of your torso; the lower edge of the frame should sit at the bottom of the breastbone and the top of the frame should leave a little bit of space above the head.  
  • Two: Set the camera up so that the image clearly shows your head and full torso; the lower edge of the frame should sit at waist level and the top of the frame should leave a little bit of space above the head.  
• Embody the action but don’t get too busy within the frame. This is not a reading; we want to see how you can embody the role and make choices.
• Ensure that the main source of light is behind the camera, not behind you.
• Each speech should be recorded in one take - try a few takes (but only submit one) and enjoy the performance!
• You can either join your introduction, 2 speeches and extra piece (if applicable) together to make one video or submit individual links.

We recommend that you upload the video material referred to above to either YouTube, Vimeo or an alternative digital platform that is accessible without the need for East 15 to set up an account to view your audition. We do not accept file downloads via WeTransfer.

You will need to provide the web address (URL) for this material within the East 15 application form so should have this ready before submitting the form. Instructions for uploading your file to a digital platform can be viewed here (.pdf).

If you apply for any of the following courses, we will be in contact by email to arrange a date and time for interview.

BA Stage & Production Management

You will be asked to take part in an interview either in person or online where we will discuss your interests in the theatre, relevant experience, and reasons for applying. You should prepare (where possible and relevant) a portfolio of your work, demonstrating any previous experience in Technical Theatre. You must be successful at interview for your application to be progressed.

Students who are interested in BA Stage & Production Management and would like to find out more information before applying can email for further information regarding course-specific online Open Day opportunities.

BA Creative Producing (Theatre & Short Film)

You will be invited to take part in an interview either in person or online where we will ask about your interests in the Creative Industries, relevant experience, and reasons for applying. You must be successful at interview to gain entry onto the course.

MA and MFA Theatre Directing

You are assessed based on your written application, and you may also be called for an interview. If applicable, your interview will take place on campus, by telephone or online.

MA Advanced Professional Theatre Practice

Applicants to this course should have an established professional profile (including formal or informal training and with or without a relevant first degree) in live performance, i.e. actors and other performers, directors, designers, stage and production managers. The programme is particularly suitable for those with a combination of professional and teaching experience; and for practitioners holding a conservatoire diploma who seek to upgrade their academic qualifications.
You will be assessed based on your written application and should upload a copy of your professional CV/Resume with your application. You may also be invited to take part in an interview via telephone or Zoom.

Need a question answering about our audition process or preparation? Want to know the difference between some of our courses?

Find an answer on our FAQ page.