The Insider's Visit:

How to Impress at Your College On-Campus Audition

By VICTOR LOPEZ

This isn’t just another audition. It’s an invitation to step out of the hypothetical and into the possible. An on-campus audition is a chance to walk the very halls where you might one day create, learn, and grow. This is your opportunity to not only show them who you are, but to feel in your heart if this place is where you truly belong. Open your eyes, your ears, and your soul to the feeling of this campus—your future is waiting to be explored.

The On-Campus Audition: Your Invitation to a New Life

Of all the auditions, this one is the most personal. This isn't just about a performance—it’s about finding a home. As you walk onto this campus, I want you to open your eyes and your heart. Listen to the students, talk to the faculty, and ask yourself a simple question: 'Can I see myself here?'

Understanding the Requirements

While you'll be performing your material, the on-campus audition is far more than a simple showcase. It's a full-day experience designed for both you and the faculty to get a true feel for one another. You’ll be evaluated not just on your talent, but on your potential to be a collaborative and teachable student. The requirements typically include:

• The Audition: Your live performance is the centerpiece. This is your chance to show the faculty what you’ve worked so hard on.
• Campus Tours and Class Observations: You’ll get to see the facilities, sit in on a class, and see how the faculty and students interact.
• Interviews and Q&A Sessions: This is your moment to have one-on-one or small-group conversations with faculty and current students.

In-Depth Preparation

This audition requires a different kind of preparation. Your songs and monologues must be memorized to the highest level of progress, but you also have to prepare yourself to be a student of the school itself.

Specific Questions to Ask

Do not show up without a list of questions. I tell my students to prepare at least five questions that go beyond what they can find on the school's website. Your questions should show genuine interest and an understanding of the program.

• "What are the performance opportunities like for freshmen?"
• "Can you describe the relationship between the music department and the theater department?"
• "What do you feel is the most challenging part of the program, and how do students overcome it?"
• "Are there opportunities for students to create and produce their own work?"

Mastering the Interview

This is your moment to shine as a person, not just a performer. They want to get to know the artist behind the audition. I prepare my students by coaching them on how to talk about their performing journey—what their biggest challenge has been, what they’ve learned from a past failure, and why this specific program is the perfect next step for them. Your answers should show passion, self-awareness, and a hunger to learn.

Reading the Room

Beyond your performance and your questions, your job is to observe. I've coached students who got into a top program but were miserable because they ignored the signs. During your tour and class observation, pay attention to the energy of the room.

• Student-Faculty Interactions: Do the students seem comfortable and respected? Do they ask questions freely, or are they quiet and reserved?
• The Overall Vibe: Is the atmosphere collaborative or competitive? Does it feel like a supportive community, or a cutthroat environment?

These are subtle cues, but they are crucial for determining if a school is the right fit for your personality.

What to Expect

The on-campus audition is a holistic experience. They are evaluating not just the person on stage, but the person who will be in their classroom for the next four years. They want to see if your work ethic and your personality align with their program’s culture. You might feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, but remember to stay present and engaged in every interaction. You're a performer, but today, you’re also an investigator.

The audition is over, and now it's time to just be a person. Take it all in. Was it the right fit for you? The most important part of this whole day was that it was a two-way street. They got to see you, and you got to feel the energy of the place. So, as you head home, listen to your gut. You’ve done your part. Now it's time to trust your heart to tell you where to go next, because your next great chapter is waiting for you.

As you leave the campus, whether with a full heart or a sense of peace, remember this feeling. You have done more than just auditioned; you have experienced what could be your home for the next four years. Trust the gut feeling that came over you as you talked to the professors and walked the grounds. The final decision is theirs to make, but the choice of where your heart feels most at home is ultimately yours. You have the courage to pursue your passion, and now, you have the wisdom to find the place where that passion will truly thrive.  Contact us if you require assistance on your On-Campus Audition. We are here to help!

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