<p>How professional does the recording need to be for an audition dvd (for summer program)?
Do I need to hire someone and use a studio, or do I record DD myself at her voice teacher's house? Unsure about how to proceed!</p>
<p>My daughter didn’t do any DVD’s for summer or college auditions, but when she has done them for other things, we have found that when she did them herself, the video turned out fine, but the audio never turned out great. You need a separate mike to do the audio justice-otherwise it tends to sound tinny and muffled a bit. We found a small studio that has done some beautiful dvd’s for her for around $200. I know it sounds like a bit much, but if this is all the program has to judge her by, then it needs to be a good quality. Also , there are a lot of schools and even kids that have some pretty good equipment anymore- you might check around with friends or the school. Some high schools have film classes that also might be able to help. </p>
<p>I’m just not sure how good it has to be for a summer program- I know for a college audition it should be a very good quality dvd.</p>
<p>When D did an audition DVD for well known program we rented a rehearsal studio ($15), hired an accompanist ($65… her normal voice person) and husband videod songs and monologue using our cam corder on a tripod. Also took audio on two other devices. One near her (her IPOD with an external microphone) and a MAC set up across the room (using garage band). Husband edited the video into an audition DVD per the program’s instructions. Also added some footage from a dance show she did and a section from another show that made for a great shakespearean monologue. He ended up taking the audio from the MAC I think. If you do that (separate audio), start filming and then do some sort of loud/crisp sound a few seconds before they actually start the “audition”. That will give you good start and end marks so you can match up the audio and video. Made a DVD with “chapters” for songs, monologue, pics, extra media. She got in… but attended a different program. Used Nero for editing…but there are probably some better programs available now.</p>
<p>Perhaps we were just lucky, but we always did the audition videos for summer programs at home or school. We used a Mac, too. D was admitted to OCU, Broadway Theater Project and NYU. I think they can tell enough from listening to and watching an amateur dvd to make cuts for a summer program. In contrast, when preparing a prescreening dvd for voice for college, one should definitely go the professional route with a separate microphone.</p>
<p>University of the Arts seems to be asking for both a 10 minute video and an audition. What’s up with that? Does the video in this case need to be quality? I was just going to put together some footage from shows my son has been in. I am totally new to all this, so would love some advice.</p>
<p>^^^That doesn’t sound right to me about UArts. Can you provide a link where you see that? I have had many students apply as well as be admitted to UArts, and have students applying this year and have never had anyone do anything but a live audition for UArts for MT or Acting.</p>
<p>Since your post did not sound right about UArts, I just looked it up for you. If you go to this link, you will see that it is a LIVE audition EXCEPT they are willing to take DVD submissions for those who live outside a 500 mile radius of Philadelphia in lieu of a live audition. Nobody does both. </p>
<p>[Performing</a> Arts Audition Requirements](<a href=“http://admission.uarts.edu/undergraduate/portaudreqs/portaudreqs_cpa.aspx#musicaltheater]Performing”>http://admission.uarts.edu/undergraduate/portaudreqs/portaudreqs_cpa.aspx#musicaltheater)</p>
<p>PS, I highly recommend a live audition. If your child was to do a DVD audition instead of a live audition, it should NOT be excerpts from musical theater productions! The requirements are stated on the site. It should be exactly what would be in a live audition…songs, monologues, a prepared dance, etc.</p>
<p>RedlandsMom, I just saw your post #5. My daughter is a senior MT student at UArts and is a T/A for the head of the MT program. Soozie is absolutely correct. The DVD is an option in lieu of a live audition for those who live more than 500 from Philadelphia. However, for those for whom Philadelphia is not practical, auditions are also held in L.A. and Ft Lauderdale (Regionals) and NYC, Chicago and again L.A. (Unifieds).</p>
<p>I also would recommend a live audition if at all possible so that your son has the benefit of an interactive process. In addition, I would recommend auditioning in Philadelphia. Your son would get to meet and talk with current students, see the “campus” and get a better feel for the school. UArts is a city school, dorms are apartment style living and there is no meal plan. It is also located in the heart of Philadelphia’s theater district. In these respects, it is a very different living experience than many if not most colleges. The best way to get a feel for all of that and how it “fits” is to see the school in person. (For what it’s worth, my daughter loves the MT program, living in Philadelphia and is delighted that she chose UArts over her other options.)</p>
<p>If you have any questions about the school and its acting or MT programs, feel free to ask.</p>