Auditioning for NYC Performing Arts High Schools 2022
Are you or your child looking to study at a performing arts high school in New York City? The audition process will be virtual this year, and you can learn more about the process by visiting the NYC DOE Auditions Page. The audition portal opens the week of January 24th and closes Tuesday, March 1st.
Here is a quick guide to submitting a great audition tape for Musical Theatre or Vocal Arts Auditions:
Assess the Requirements
For Musical Theatre auditions, you will need:
2 Contrasting Monologues (1 min each)
1 Musical Theatre Song (16 Bars or approx. 1 min) with or without accompaniment
For Vocal Arts auditions, you will need:
1 Solo Song Selection without accompaniment
Make sure to review all Audition requirements & High Schools included here.
Pick Your Repertoire
When picking repertoire, ask yourself:
What pieces do I already know that speak to me?
What songs or monologues do I feel most moved by & why?
If no songs or monologues come to mind, check out the Monologue Page & Musical Theatre Page for some ideas.
For monologues, contrasting can mean any 2 differing pieces: for example, dramatic & comedic; classical & contemporary; theatre & film. Try to pick something that shows your personality and range as a person and a performer.
For song choices, cut the song to 16 Bars (or 1 min): Include your favorite part of the song, and craft an arc to your cut: A beginning, middle and end. Include a strong finale. Time the pieces to see what cuts need to be made. If you need help creating a practice or optional backing track, fill out the form at the end of this post.
3. Practice
Once you have picked your pieces, make a practice schedule that flows with the current demands of your life. Pick a time in your day that you can visit your repertoire to explore these pieces and personalize your story.
Warm-up your body with gentle stretching & and sing across the range of your voice before jumping into your work
Read through the text out loud and sing through your pieces every day
Memorize
Practice speaking text (even for your songs) in monotone
Record the spoken text and listen back to it
If you’re unable to remember certain sections, ask yourself, “Why am I forgetting this part? What images do I see associated with these particular words?”
Daydream around the story
Who am I in these characters? What are some adjectives you would use to describe this character to another person?
What do I want?
What am I doing in this song or monologue to get what I want?
To whom am I speaking?
4. Record
Once you have memorized & embodied your repertoire, record your pieces. Check out the video: NYC Department of Education Home Recording Instructional Video for complete details on recording your piece.
Easily record using a phone in Landscape mode (horizontal orientation like a movie). Use a tripod or an egg carton to get your phone to stay put while you record. You can adjust the height by placing tripod or egg carton on tables/stacked books. Experiment with lighting so you can be seen clearly.
Watch the videos to see what’s working well & what ideas you’d like to explore more. Plan to record two weeks before the March 1st deadline so that you can re-record if needed.
Each monologue or song will be its own recording.
Recordings should start with a “Slate”, meaning you speak directly into the camera and state the following:
For Musical Theatre:
Your full name
Your OSIS student ID number
Why did you choose your monologue or song? (30 seconds or less)
Why do you want to study acting? (30 seconds or less)
For MONOLOGUES: State the name of the character portrayed and the full title of the playwright.
FOR SONGS: State the title of the song, the name of the character, full title of the musical, composer and lyricist.
For Vocal Arts Auditions:
Your full name
Your OSIS student ID number
The title of the song you will be singing.
Why did you choose this song? How does it speak to you as a musician?
Camera Tips:
Record yourself standing in front of a simple, neutral background.
Make sure you are framed so that you are in the center of the frame and at least an arm’s length away from the camera.
Test your outfit on camera - does the color compliment you and contrast with the background? Make sure to avoid any busy patterns - a singular tone works great.
Imagine the person you are speaking to is just to the side & just beyond the camera. You can have a friend, parent, or object stand in that location to help your eye line.
Once you have recorded, you can trim (cut) the video directly on the phone.
5. Ask for Support
Practice performing your pieces in front of trusted friends and family. Let them know that you are doing this for experience with sharing & performing. Be clear with them if you want feedback or not.
If you’d like professional support in any of the above steps such as picking your repertoire, making the necessary cuts, practicing, and creating the final recordings, you can book a lesson through Vocal Center via our Lessons page.
All voice lessons include acting and singing technique. I have helped many students prepare and place at performing arts high schools in NYC, and it would be my joy to support you in this process.
Best wishes for your journey ahead!
Warmly,
