For September 2023 entry, we are currently planning for first round audition recordings followed by in-person recall auditions to take place at our Glasgow campus, as well as continuing to offer auditions in an online format for those who are not able to travel to an in-person audition. We have many years of experience of conducting online auditions and have a well-established format and process in place, so no applicant will be disadvantaged by auditioning in this manner. We will continue to respond to ongoing governmental guidance as to how we can hold in-person auditions in a way that is safe for our applicants as well as staff, and these will be subject to change dependent on alterations in governmental advice.
All BA Musical Theatre first round auditions will take place via audition recording. The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found below:
UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline: Wednesday 25 January 2023
Acceptd Recording Submission Deadline: Tuesday 31 January 2023
Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd: https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs Details on what to prepare for your recording can be found below:
Preparation for audition
The audition process considers the four key elements of our programme: exploring skills in acting, singing, dance and musicality. The panel will look for the ways in which creativity, connection, and authenticity inform all four disciplines. Please prepare the following portfolio of recordings for your BA Musical Theatre Audition.
We ask that you give your name and programme clearly to the camera before each section. After that, please don’t feel that you need to perform to the camera through any section of the recordings. The first recording should include a brief overview of your background and why you are interested in studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Please do not worry about the quality of the recording – recordings on a phone/iPad are absolutely acceptable. Please record each section separately and when uploading each section, please clearly title each section.
Please complete all sections – we cannot consider your audition portfolio if all sections are not uploaded and submitted.
Singing
You should prepare three songs for your audition portfolio. These should showcase your vocal range and your ability to use your skills to explore different styles common to Musical Theatre repertoire. You should include two contrasting MT songs, and one song not from a musical (this may be pop, rock, blues, gospel, jazz, folk etc.) We understand that working with an accompanist may be challenging and therefore we ask that, if possible, you look to use a piano/backing track for one song (YouTube is a great source for this), and the other two songs can be a cappella. Each song should be approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes long.
Within this material the panel will look for:
- Evidence of vocal technique including flexibility, intonation, pitch and musicality
- The ability to communicate intention, emotion, and character through song
- The ability to make stylistic choices appropriate to Musical Theatre repertoire
Acting
You should prepare and film two pieces for your audition portfolio, each no longer than two minutes in length:
- 1 contemporary monologue
- 1 piece of heightened text (spoken word, poetry, Shakespeare, Greek, etc.) This piece may be in a language other than English
Please prepare and learn these carefully and make sure your work is supported by a good understanding of the entire play, not just your monologue. You may be asked to talk about your choices later in the process.
During this material the panel will look for:
- The ability to bring a character to life with believable thoughts, feelings and actions which are appropriate to the chosen text
- The ability to engage an audience through verbal and non-verbal communication
- The ability to work with both naturalistic and non-naturalistic styles
- The ability to work with heightened language and/or circumstances, as inspired by the text
Dance/Movement
Via the video below, you will be led through a set of tasks that comprise your dance audition, which includes elements of jazz style. We ask that, to the best of your ability, you learn and replicate the warm-up sequences and combination. We would recommend you use a safe space to work through this process and look to film the combination as clearly as possible. The short video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/uK4mo6-kuRo.
Within this material the panel will look for:
- The ability to use the body as a means of expression
- Evidence of technique, style, and the physical fitness to cope with the intensive demands of the programme
- The ability to synthesise and re-create choreography
Music
If you play an instrument, please prepare a short piece or section of music (no more than 2 mins) demonstrating your musicality. If you do not play an instrument, please tell us about any experiences you have had with music and how this influences your work as an actor, singer and dancer.
Within this material the panel will look for:
- Elements of potential in musicality, including the ability to communicate through music without voice
- Evidence of skill and level of accomplishment on your chosen instrument (or multiple instruments)
- If you do not currently play an instrument, we would encourage you to work towards demonstrating an attempt at a simple skill. For example, you could demonstrate: a basic melody/chord sequence on piano, guitar, or ukulele
Recall Audition
Applicants who proceed past the recorded portfolio stage will be invited to attend a further audition, either online or in-person in Glasgow, dependent on your location and preference. If you are successfully recalled, you will be emailed directly with what to prepare for the recall audition. We will not be able to adjust location preference after initial selection, so please ensure your choice is workable for you.