- 15 Questions You May Be Asked In The College Audition Room. …
- Tell us about yourself! …
- Why are you considering our college theatre program? …
- What’s your background in theatre? …
- Why did you choose your audition song? …
- Why do you want to pursue theatre? …
- What is something other than theatre that you enjoy?
To emerge as the top candidate, you need to know the kind of questions your interviewer is likely to ask. Then, you need to practice those questions really well to guarantee victory. Below is a list of the top theatre director interview questions and their sample answers.
Artist Of The Year Musical Theatre Interview Questions
How did you discover theater and music? How old were you? How was your journey to becoming a working actor?
I discovered it as many of us do. Doing plays in elementary school and then getting serious about it in high school. My public high school had an amazing acting program. I had a professor who was trained in Stanislavski and we spent three years reading the books and doing exercises. We did eight shows a year, two major productions and six student directed productions. I was also playing football, which was my first passion, but got injured and could no longer play. I went to college for business, but couldn’t do that! I became a Theatre Major at a small university in Minnesota and then went into the real world. I then got accepted to Julliard and that’s where I feel I got my real training.
What excites you about storytelling through song?
I suppose by the nature of Musical Theatre, I am excited by the heightened experience, passion, vulnerability, and the danger. The scope, I don’t mean how big, I mean that it’s like Shakespeare. When prose isn’t enough, when speaking isn’t enough, trying to express something you can’t find the words to say, one must turn to song. Our everyday language is no longer sufficed to express something through words. A song can be quiet and also full throttle; it tasks the performer in a way that straight acting doesn’t. People who can act and sing have special skills. It’s not easy to do what we do.
Typically before you go into the room there is a monitor person. It’s a great time to collect business cards and ask who exactly is in the room before you go in (cards on table don’t always match up, so add any names onto your cheat sheet). It also helps set your mental expectations before entering. Also, often the monitor will let you know what to expect for number of songs, monologues, verify cut lengths, are they asking questions, if it’s tracks or accompaniment, etc…sometimes this eases your anxiety. You can walk over about 20 minutes before and verify and then come back and sit about 10 minutes before the audition time. That way if there is a no show or they are running early you are there.
It is also common for schools to ask about audition pieces, so be sure to have a full understanding of the material. Last year my D worked as an assistant during auditions at her school, (including spending part of the time in the audition room) and said it was shocking how many kids didn’t know much about where their pieces came from…
I agree that most of the questions will either be about your material, what’s on your resume, or the school so being prepared on those things is important. Another important thing is for the student to relax and be themselves. They just want to get to know the students. Some will spend very little time talking with your student- maybe no discussion at all beyond “Thank you”. Some will spend more time. Each program is different. Last year, and one auditor at unifieds had a 15 minute conversation with my son on what he liked and didn’t like about Hamilton. (The show was running at the theater right by Unifieds)
It’s also a good idea to research the program and be able to tell them why it’s a good fit for you and why you want to go there. With students applying to 20 or 30 schools, auditors like kids who actually WANT to go to their school. (Obviously there will be some schools that are your top choices and others that are lower on your list , but at every audition, you should be able to mention two or three things about the program that make it attractive to you.)
The atmosphere for all her auditions in the room (except those 4 of the on-campus) was conversational and inviting. The 4 of 5 on-campus actually felt more like cattle calls where they shuffled you in and out to keep on schedule, but they were friendly. Most of the day was general questions, dance call and tour stuff. I wish they had spent more time with each student.
Do You Have Any Experience with Directing?
The interviewer wants to know what level they should expect from you if hired as one of their employees. Share your work examples so far if applicable. Be prepared to talk about it – not just a list of accomplishments/experiences without description. Give some insight into the processes you use and how it helps to create your work.
Sample Answer
Yes, I have worked with many theatre companies and directors. One of the most recent projects I was involved in is a scene that performed very well. Everyone who participated enjoyed the show and the audience also loved it. I clearly understand every detail that goes into directing – from making sure I have everything covered to adjusting the rehearsal based on the actor’s performances or suggestions. I also ensure all the props, lighting, and designs are in excellent order not to cause any inconveniences.
FAQ
What are some questions about Theatre?
- Why do you want to be an actor?
- What do you already know about our company?
- What are your short-term career goals?
- Do you want to work in film, live theater or both?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses ?
What questions do they ask in an audition?
- Where did you hear about this audition?
- What made you decide to go into the acting profession?
- Why did you apply for this role?
- What do you know about our production company?
- What are your short-term goals for your acting career?
- What do you hope to achieve in the long term as an actor?
What questions do they ask at drama school interview?
- What Prompted you to become an Actor?
- Which Actor/s do you Admire the Most and Why?
- Describe your Monologue in Brief.
- What are your Strengths and Weaknesses when it Comes to Acting?
- What will you do if we don’t Select you for the Course?
