<p>Since there are even more schools requiring a prescreen audition before being invited to audition in person, we're wondering how students are choosing their songs/monologues. Most people like to use their strongest pieces when actually in front of the school in person. But if a student uses their less than strongest options for the prescreen, someone could miss out on even passing the prescreen phase. Also, does anyone have any thoughts on using some of the same materials for the in person auditions as were used for the prescreen that eventually got them invited for the in person audition? We know this would be a bit unusual, but otherwise it means having at least 4 songs and 3 monologues in top form for the entire process at some schools. We'd love to hear from anyone who has gone through a prescreen audition successfully in the past or anyone going through this phase this year. Thanks!</p>
<p>I had this same question last year when we went through this. We used the same material for recorded and live auditions. It was the material my D had been working on for months and they were her strongest pieces. I am not sure - but I think that I emailed Texas State (Ms. Hopkins - the only pre-screen we had last year) and she was fine with that. My D also auditioned by DVD for a program she eventually selected.</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your input! Since I first posted, we’ve actually heard from a department head who addressed some of these concerns and basically said to go with your strongest/most comfortable piece even for the prescreen and they would not mind hearing the same options if the student is granted the in person audition. We’d still appreciate hearing even further on this, especially from someone who has gone on to an in person audition after a prescreen at more than one school. Were the philosophies the same? Right now our son is hoping to audition at two schools which require the prescreen. Thanks for the feedback!</p>
<p>Hi, my son auditioned this past season at two schools that required prescreens. He used his strongest material for the prescreens and subsequently used the same material for the in-person auditions for both schools. Neither of the schools had a problem with this. In fact, one of the schools required an on-campus callback audition after the initial in-person audition, for which my son again used the same material (3rd time!), along with other pieces they had requested during the final audition. He was admitted to their program, so I guess they didn’t have a problem with this…However, as we had read repeatedly in this forum, it’s a good idea to have excellent back-up pieces prepared for the live auditions, because often times the auditors will ask the student to perform additional material from their reperatoire. My son could perform (undoubtedly in his sleep, he rehearsed them soooo much!) one pre-1960 ballad; one pre-1960 uptempo; one contemporary ballad; two contemporary uptempos; one classical monologue; two contemporary humorous monologues; and one contemporary serious monologue.</p>
<p>I agree aout having backup material. If the schools are prescreening, hopefully they will be able to spend a little more time with those they invite to come, so having a few extra pieces is excellent advice.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you for the feedback. Yes, he’ll have his backup options well prepared also!</p>