Unit 10 - Preparing for Progression

• Performing Arts
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

UNIT 10 

Preparing For Progression

How to choose the best monologues for you?

• One that showcases your best skills
• Age appropriate
• Matches your casting type
• One that you know a lot about 
• One that you like and can relate to

Which career pathway do you want to pursue in performing arts? 

GROUP RESEARCH

DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

https://actinginlondon.co.uk/drama-school-vs-university-for-acting/

In the UK, accredited drama schools and universities both provide formal/academic education in the form of Bachelors of Arts degree.

However, some drama schools may not provide any recognized degrees.

DRAMA SCHOOL X UNIVERSITY

• Independent institution - means they may have their own buildings and operate on almost their own terms.
• Can be a part of a university.
• ALL drama schools must have their higher education validated by universities. 
• In an academic and higher education setting, drama schools are below universities. But when it comes to the actual value of a theater degree, it's the opposite.
• Drama schools have both graduate and undergraduate programs. 

DRAMA SCHOOLS

List Of Drama Schools

• https://actinginlondon.co.uk/best-drama-schools-in-uk/
• https://actinginlondon.co.uk/top-drama-schools-london/
• https://actinginlondon.co.uk/best-drama-schools-in-new-york/
• https://actinginlondon.co.uk/best-acting-schools-in-the-world/ 

• University (HE) provides students with all types of degrees that aren’t limited to theatre or arts.
• In the UK Performing Arts degrees are usually simply named BA Acting.
• Academic training (theory, playwrights, etc.)

UNIVERSITIES

Scratch Nights

Scratch Nights act as a sharing platform for artists to 'test' a current work on a live audience. 

Typically, artists will have an allocated time in which to present their work, which is followed up by a feedback session with the audience.

Can you find a Scratch Night event that’s available in London?

Amateur Theatre Companies 

An amateur theatre company is a collective of enthusiastic individuals who perform for the love of the craft, not for monetary gain. It’s a space where people of all abilities come together to explore creativity, produce theatre, and often build tight-knit communities around their passion for the arts.

CAN YOU FIND 1 AMATEUR THEATRE COMPANY IN LONDON?

IN PERSON AUDITION

AUDITIONING 

• Be prepared.
• Memorize your lines
• Be kind to everyone and smile.
• Your audition begins the moment you walk in the door. You may be perfect in the audition room, but rudeness or misbehavior in the lobby will be noticed! 
• Be on time!
• Arrive 15 minutes earlier -  paperwork, relax and focus  
• Network but also rehearse your lines
• Dress appropriately.

https://www.stagestheatre.org/audition-tips-and-faq/

Tips for Auditioning

Be prepared.

If you are asked to present a song or monologue, prepare your piece well. Memorize your selection and practice it many times.

Be kind to everyone and smile.

Remember that your audition for every show begins the moment you walk in the door. You may be perfect in the audition room, but rudeness or misbehavior in the lobby will be noticed.

Be on time for your appointment.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment so that all of your paperwork can be completed before you go in for your auditions. Arriving early also gives you time to relax and focus and not feel rushed.

Use your waiting time wisely.

It is great to see old friends and make new ones at an audition, but be sure to take some time to focus on your audition.

Dress appropriately.

At Stages theatre Company, we always ask that actors come dressed for movement. This means you should dress in clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement, but still be neat, clean and nice looking. (Please, no flip-flops, boots, high heels, wheeled shoes, etc. Sturdy shoes that stay on your feet are a must. Dance shoes are appropriate).

Introduce yourself.

When you walk into the audition room, tell us your name and the name of the piece you have prepared. This makes a good first impression.

Don’t watch the directors.

While doing your audition, do not look directly at the people you are auditioning for, unless specifically directed to do so.

Mistakes happen.

If you make a mistake, do not apologize. Remember that others may not even notice a mistake, but if you point it out to them, they will know for sure.

It’s OK to be nervous.

Don’t worry about being nervous. Just about everyone is nervous. Do your best to smile and have a good time.

• Be dressed for movement - clothes that are comfortable and will not impede your movement
• Introduce yourself. When you walk into the audition room, tell us your name and the name of the piece you have prepared. This makes a good first impression
• Don’t watch the directors. While doing your audition, do not look directly at the people you are auditioning for, unless specifically directed to do so.
• Mistakes happen .If you make a mistake, do not apologize. Remember that others may not even notice a mistake, but if you point it out to them, they will know for sure.
• It’s OK to be nervous. Don’t worry about being nervous. 
• Do your best to smile and have a good time.

PRO TIPS

QUESTIONS THE PANEL MAY ASK AUDITIONEES

6. What monologues are you performing?

• Briefly describe the monologue(s) you're performing for this audition.

7. Why did you choose these monologues?

• What drew you to these pieces?

8. Who is your character?

• Tell us about your character in the monologue.

9. What’s the story about?

• Briefly describe the situation or context of your monologue.

10. What is your character’s conflict?

• What does your character struggle with?

11. What does your character want?

• What is your character's objective or goal in the scene?

1. Tell me about yourself

• Name, age, where you're based. Share a funny or interesting story from your life.

2. What prompted you to become an actor?

• What inspired your passion for acting?

3. Which actors do you admire the most and why?

• Who influences you as an actor, and what qualities in their performances do you appreciate?

4. What is your ideal role?

• What kind of characters or genres excite you?

5. Do you prefer screen or stage acting? Why?

• Which medium do you feel most drawn to, and why?

11. What does your character want?

• What is your character's objective or goal in the scene?

12. Who is your character talking to, and what is their relationship?

• Describe the person your character is speaking to and the nature of their relationship.

13. What are your strengths and weaknesses as an actor?

• Reflect on what you do well and areas you feel you can improve.

14. How do you like to work? What techniques do you employ?

• Share your approach to acting—do you use any specific methods or techniques?

15. What kind of work are you generally drawn to as an actor?

• What kinds of roles, stories, or themes interest you the most?

16. What have you seen recently that you’ve enjoyed?

• Is there anything you’ve watched recently that inspired you or that you found especially engaging?

17. What training have you completed?

• Share any relevant acting training, workshops, or courses you’ve attended.

18. What are your career goals as an actor?

• Where do you see yourself in the next few years in your acting career?

QUESTIONS THE PANEL MAY ASK AUDITIONEES - 2

19. How do you handle rejection?

• How do you cope with setbacks or not getting a role?

20. What are your thoughts on the script?

• What is your overall impression of the material you've been given?

21. What are your thoughts on the character you are playing?

• How do you connect with or interpret the character in your monologue?

22. What kind of rehearsal process have you experienced?

• Share your experience with different rehearsal methods and processes.

QUESTIONS THE PANEL MAY ASK AUDITIONEES - 3

CASTING PLATFORMS 

MANDY 

BACKSTAGE

SELF-TAPE 

• poor quality, too large file size and frustatingly, multiple scenes are provided as separate files. 
• phones and Tablets 
•  We need to see your face. 
• lighting equipment.
•  principal light on you, also known as a key light, a fill light, and a back (hair) light to sculpt and separate you from your background 
•  It should look something like the sample picture below.
  
•  LANDSCAPE and not portrait,  
•  background
• limit unnecessary background. 
•  pick up your voice without unnecessary noise, like traffic and neighbours.
  
• reader at eye level and near to your camera. 
  
•  slate or ident, 
  
•  edit them all together into a single file.  
• submit: vimeo , dropbox, wetranfer,  
• lable

https://casting.mathewwaters.com/self-taping-advice/

Slate for self tape

It varies according to the type of casting medium (tv, film, commercial, theatre) 
ALWAYS follow the casting's guidance

What Should Your Slate Usually Include?

• Your name: State your full name clearly and slowly.
  
• Height: State your height in feet and inches.
  
• Location: where you live
• Agency: If you are represented by an agent, state their name and agency.
  
• Role: state the name of the role.

• Reflects what you look like.
  
• Appearance as neutral as possible.
• Avoid props, hats, distracting backgrounds and accessories.
• Eyes - they tell your story 
  
• No photoshop 
  
• Stand out and show your personality.
• Knowing what type of roles you would like to be cast 
  
• Colour photographs.
• Head and shoulder portrait. 
• Make-up styling - ‘you on a good day’ and not ‘you on a night out’ 
• Stick to neutral colours that complement you. Avoid wearing any distracting patterns or logos.
• Glasses and Beard

HEADSHOT TIPS 

BAD HEADSHOTS

GOOD HEADSHOTS

 CASTING CALL 

'Inherited' - Casting "Inherited," a short film.

Seeking talent from London, England, United Kingdom

Roles paying up to £100.00

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Logline:  The CEO of a Company discovers their intern is hiding something shady going on in their organisation which leads to getting caught up in a struggle that will change their life forever.

ROLE

Alex (male or female)

Lead.,  17-20

A young intern in a tech company and head of a mysterious organisation will go to any lengths to achieve their goals.

 JOB OPPORTUNITY

Job Opportunity: Theatre Usher - This is a great chance to gain experience, meet new people, and be part of live theatre events!

Job Description:

We are looking for friendly and reliable college students to join our team as Theatre Ushers. As an usher, you will:

- Welcome guests and help them find their seats

- Distribute programmes and provide basic information about the performance

- Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all audience members

- Assist with any questions or concerns during the event

Who can apply?

- Anyone 16+ who enjoy working with people

- Good communication skills and a friendly attitude

- Reliable and punctual

How to apply:

- Write a short email explaining why you would like to be a theatre usher (cover letter)

- Include your name, contact details, CV and availability

- Send your email to [XXXXX] by [XXXX]

Intimacy in stage productions

Consent

Consent is the right of all parties involved, and should be obtained at every stage of the process. You can retract your consent at any time.

Intimacy can include any physical contact onstage, or implied physical contact, such as coming within inches of another person

Communication

You can be part of the conversation with the creative team and fellow performers. You can speak openly and professionally about the content, using proper names for body parts and activities.

Contract

You should know your contract and discuss any intimacy or nudity requirements with your agent.

Saying no

You can say no to a job if the intimacy or nudity required doesn't sit well with you.

Boundaries

You can advocate for your physical boundaries and "no contact areas". You can also offer an alternative movement that feels right for you.

Intimacy director

You can ask for an intimacy director to be present to help create safe choreography and advocate for your safety. They can help you separate your character's intimacy from your relationship with your colleague.

Safe space

You can work in a safe space where everyone feels comfortable.

Personal vs professional

You don't have to share intimate personal experiences.

Front of House Usher

Location: The Royal Court Theatre, London

Contract: Part-time, Permanent

Salary: Usher – £46.53 per shift (3.5 hours) 

https://royalcourttheatre.com/usher-job-posting/ 

JOB APPLICATION 

Week 7 - Wednesday

Mock Audition day 

from 2:30pm in the top floor rehearsal studio - with panel