Just like to introduce myself! Im Lewis, 16 from england, and this year i have applied for college. I recently applied for a local college suitable for me, studying / learning Performance Arts ; acting.

I recieved a letter through the post knowing of my application, following the message;

Candidates must prepare

a) Two contrasting speeches from different plays, one of which must have been written in the last ten years.

b) Each selection should be no more than two minuted in length and suitable for the candidates gender, age and experience.

All speeches should be from published plays. Experpts from film, film script, television dramas and unpublished play are not acceptable.

You should have read the whole of the play from which a speech is taken and be able to provide the correct title, name of the author and translator. You may be asked questions about the plot or to describe the scenes immediatly before and after your speech or discuss the play's content, motives of characters etc.

It is important that the selection is suitable for your gender and age. It is also preferable that its content and nature are something you can relate to and understand. It is advisable to attempt an accent or dialogue only if u are entirely confident of its accuracy and if it is appropriate to the speech.

Any performance choices you make it should be justifiable within the text. The performance should reveal an understanding of the scene and character and an ability to create and share appropriate emotions and atmosphere.

Im asking for help / tips / helping with preparation for this interview / audition! It means so much to me :/
Thanks SO MUCH for reading, and thanks in advance for the help!!

Cheers, Lewis!

I don't even know where to begin. You need to provide us with more specific questions, otherwise, I don't know what to answer.

I will say this, that sounds pretty darn strict to me. It seems like they are leaving you very little "creative freedom" in your performance. Which might mean to me, "They don't want to teach you to act... they want to teach you to obey them."

Which school is this, and what's the attraction to it?

Basically PaulyWally, its my local college. All that i wrote is what they sent to me. They want me to go in, have an interview, and an audition (:

Not strict at all - it's a college audition! They have to create boundaries otherwise it becomes a free-for-all - 17 year olds doing Lear et al! They are trying to create the doing and thinking of a college audition. Not the same as a professional audition at all.

So Lewis - you have to find material you connect to - start reading!!!

Thanks Susan Eichhorn Young, where could i find some decent information on plays / etc i can audition with (: Cheers!

Start with your library - have you done any acting? Use the resources of directors you've worked with...they would know your ability and could suggest things for you to work on. Is there an acting coach or scene study class you could do to prepare for this audition? You should have a coach to work with during this important time for you! Google can be your friend!!! Best wishes!

quote:

Originally posted by Susan Eichhorn Young:
Not strict at all - it's a college audition! They have to create boundaries otherwise it becomes a free-for-all...

I can appreciate that. And a lot of the stuff I agree with. But there a few points that I think are out of line. The main one:

quote:

Any performance choices you make it should be justifiable within the text.

This is complete B.S. Firstly, it negates itself. Secondly, what one person thinks is "justifiable within the text", the next person may not.

I'm not trying to argue... my issue isn't with you. It's just... that kind of elitist attitude bothers the crap outta me. To me, the requirements that were listed make it sound like they can reserve the right to deny your acceptance even if you are the most talented and knowledgeable actor that auditioned. And that's why I said it seems they want to teach you to obey... not to act.

quote:

Originally posted by Lewis!:
Thanks Susan Eichhorn Young, where could i find some decent information on plays / etc i can audition with (: Cheers!

Everything Susan said is pretty much spot on.

Do you have any monologues prepared at this time? How many plays have you performed in? When will you be auditioning for this school?

quote:

Originally posted by PaulyWally:
Do you have any monologues prepared at this time? How many plays have you performed in? When will you be auditioning for this school?

I have no prepared monologues at this time cause i cant seem to find a decent play / character that suits me.
I have only ever performed in 2 plays in the past, 1 being Romeo and Juliet, the other being a scene from 'pulp fiction'
I will be auditioning for this place in the college Wednesday 15th!

Hope this answers your questions. Thanks, Lewis.

I think you should try Martin McDonagh. Some of his good plays are The Lieutenant of Inishmore and Beauty Queen. I recommend.

quote:

Originally posted by Lewis!:
I have no prepared monologues at this time cause i cant seem to find a decent play / character that suits me.
I have only ever performed in 2 plays in the past, 1 being Romeo and Juliet, the other being a scene from 'pulp fiction'
I will be auditioning for this place in the college Wednesday 15th!

2 weeks?!? Wow... ummm...

I would spend the next day or two in the bookstore or library. Sift through as many plays as you can. Pick two that have characters that fit your type (and have the right monologues within them). And get to work.

Two weeks is not enough time to prepare two monologues... but you should be able to memorize them and get a basic structure for them.

The best advice I can give you on such short notice... make bold and confident choices for the monologues.