Auditions
Undergraduate auditions
Acting-based courses (BA Acting, BA Contemporary Theatre, FdA/BA Community Theatre, Certificate of Higher Education in Theatre Arts)
Auditions are required for all students undertaking courses that involve acting.
Applicants based in the UK are offered an audition, which is typically a full day event (commencing at 11am and completed by 6pm). Auditions and interviews generally take place at the campus where the
course is based, either the Loughton Campus or the Southend Campus. The auditions run from December through to June.
International applicants may submit a video audition if they can not attend an audition in the UK. Occasionally, depending on the availability of East 15 staff, they may be auditioned in their home country.
The audition consists of a series of workshops (movement and singing) as well as presentation of audition speeches and a prepared song. Applicants will generally receive feedback and suggestions during the audition. The East 15 audition process is very thorough and has been commended for the opportunity it provides for applicants to demonstrate their full potential. Many UK acting schools restrict applicants to a three minute audition; by comparison East 15 offers a period lasting up to six hours, including opportunities to ask questions and engage with staff.
For audition purposes each candidate must perform three contrasting short speeches:
- One speech from a Shakespearean or Jacobean play.
- One non-comedic speech from a twentieth century play
- One contrasting speech from a contemporary play (after 1980)
Speeches should not exceed two minutes each and applicants should also prepare a short song, as well as bring sheet music (in the correct key) for use by the accompanist.
International applicants who are submitting a video audition will need to read the notes for video auditions which are attached to the East 15 application form, which is also available on this website.
Physical-based courses (BA Acting and Stage Combat, BA Physical Theatre)
Applicants are required to attend a physical workshop, which will not only assess their acting ability but also their aptitude for the course and their athleticism.
Applicants will be required to prepare a two minute audition speech from any twentieth-century or contemporary play. Applicants for BA Acting and Stage Combat are also required to prepare one speech from Shakespeare of ten lines.
BA World Performance
Applicants will be required to attend a physical workshop and prepare a two minute audition speech from any twentieth-century or contemporary play.
Applicants will also have a short interview..
Technical courses (FdA/BA Technical Theatre)
Applicants must attend an interview and technical aptitude workshop with members of staff involved in technical theatre tuition at East 15.
Applicants will be asked about their interests in theatre, relevant experience and reasons for applying. Students should bring with them a portfolio of their work, demonstrating their experience in technical theatre, and will also have to prepare a task which will be discussed on the day of the interview.
Postgraduate auditions
Acting-based courses (MA Acting, MA/MFA in Acting (International), MA Acting for TV, Film and Radio)
Auditions are required for all students undertaking courses that involve acting.
Applicants based in the UK are offered an audition, which is typically a full day event (commencing at 11am and completed by 6pm). Auditions and interviews generally take place at the campus where the course is based, either the Loughton Campus or the Southend Campus. The auditions run from December through to June.
International applicants may submit a video audition if they can not attend an audition in the UK. Occasionally, depending on the availability of East 15 staff, they may be auditioned in their home country.
The audition consists of a series of workshops (movement and singing) as well as presentation of audition speeches and a prepared song. Applicants will generally receive feedback and suggestions during the audition.
The East 15 audition process is very thorough and has been commended for the opportunity it provides for applicants to demonstrate their full potential. Many UK acting schools restrict applicants to a three minute audition; by comparison East 15 offers a period lasting up to six hours, including opportunities to ask questions and engage with staff.
For audition purposes each candidate must perform three contrasting short speeches:
- One speech from a Shakespearean or Jacobean play, of ten lines only
- One "serious" speech from a twentieth century play
- One contrasting speech from a contemporary play (after 1980)
Speeches should not exceed two minutes each. Applicants should prepare a short song, as well as bring sheet music (in the correct key) for use by the accompanist.
International applicants who are submitting a video audition will need to read the notes for video auditions which are attached to the East 15 application form, which is also available on this website.
Courses not requiring an audition (MA in Filmmaking, MA/MFA Theatre Directing)
Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their written application, although they may occasionally be called for interview.
INTERNATIONAL AUDITIONS
Auditions in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Athens, Berlin and Oslo - as well as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, New Delhi and Dublin have already taken place but enquiries from prospective students from all these, and other international locations, continue to be welcomed.
In all instances, you should contact Margaret Taylor at East 15 Acting School to submit applications..
Telephone number +44(0)20 8508 5983 or e-mail; metayl@essex.ac.uk
