Unified Auditions.

College Majors Musical Theater Major
1

<p>I'm sure that this had been asked a million times, but never hurts to have this reposted, right? I am planning on going to the Unified next February to audition. But I am having some questions that I have not been able to find the answer for and I hope some of you will be able to.
<em>this if for the Unified Auditions ONLY</em>
1. Do I need to be accepted to the school before auditioning at it?
2. Will I need to bring papers/information, on whether or not I was accepted to the school.
3. At Unifieds do the schools want you to bring money for audition fees?
4. How does just a "walk-in" audition work.</p>

<p>*****Also anyone else's personal experience with this event who would like to share their experience would be terrific! Like which schools you auditioned for, how many, the average price it cost for the whole round trip, how you prepared, all that fun stuff.</p>

<p>Thank you so much!!</p>

2

<p>Hello, it might help to do a search of this forum on the Unifieds…you can find out a lot of good info! Like you, I haven’t auditioned yet, but I’ve been researching like crazy and I think I can help you out. However, people with actual unifieds experience- feel free to correct me since I’m probably not right on some things!
First, you do not need to be accepted to the school before auditioning. In many cases you schedule your audition after you complete the application for the school, but you may not hear of an academic acceptance until after your audition.
Unless you have been accepted prior to auditions, do not worry about bringing much other than audition materials (resume, headshot, audition info, dance clothes/shoes, etc) if you have been accepted by the time of auditions, I suppose it doesn’t hurt to bring acceptance letters but they are certainly not required.
I don’t believe you’ll have to bring audition fees as these are usually paid for prior to the audition (when it is scheduled)…the exception being walk-ins, where you will probably be asked for the fee at a later time.
As for walk-ins, I’m not too sure. I believe you simply ask at the front desk of the audition location if there are any auditions available, and they will give you the info for whatever schools can fit you in. Then you just give the auditors your audition materials and do the audition like you normally would, with perhaps some extra time for giving them your info to contact you. Again, I’m not entirely sure how these work, but I do know that you should try to schedule auditions as early as possible since walk-ins are not always available, and definitely not for every school. Good luck in your college search!</p>

3

<p>We have been thru this twice so can offer some help:

  1. You will not have yet been accepted to the schools before auditioning, however, you must have applied before you can set your audition appointments.
  2. No you do not need to bring anything showing you applied as long as you make sure to confirm all of your appointments. However, I do suggest that you bring extra copies of your resume/headshot, as some schools did not have copies of everything my D submitted in her applications.
  3. All of your money will have been paid up-front during the application process (with the exception of walk-ins)
  4. If you plan to try to do any walk-ins, I would advise you to get to that school’s check-in table as early as possible. Not all schools will do walk-ins, but for those that do, they often fill up very early. Bring extra head-shots and resumes for any walk-ins, as well as a check book. My D did a number of walk-ins and did not have to pay anything up-front, however, I believe that some schools do ask for the audition fees for walk-ups. </p>

<p>Be aware that audition times fill quickly, so in order to get the audition schedule you want, it is important to get your applications in early and then immediately schedule your auditions. The longer you wait, the less flexibility you will have. </p>

<p>My D has been thru the LA Unifieds twice; once in 2008, and then again when she decided to transfer in 2010. The first time, she did about 7 auditions I believe-4 Sat. and 3 on Sun. She did one walk-in for Point Park. The second time, she did 5, with one walk-in to Penn State, and one walk-in to Carnegie Melon. For the CM walk-in, she had to go back on Monday morn.- I believe the only reason she was able to get a walk-in with them is that they were delayed getting to LA because of weather, so allowed an extra day to re-schedule people. She did not have to pay anything for any of the walk-ins. As far as the cost, we live close enough that costs were minimal other than application fees. It all depends on where you are from and which Unifieds you are doing. </p>

<p>Miscellaneous stuff: If possible stay either at the site of the Unifieds or nearby. It will make it a lot less hectic. We took some little snacks to tide my D over and it was a life-saver- she was running from audition to audition and didn’t have time to grab anything. </p>

<p>Also, take sheet music as well as (if possible) some form of recorded music that you can use as a back-up. My D loaded everything on her IPOD and then took some (very) little speakers. Not only was she able to use her IPOD to run thru her music to practice in some back hall-way, but she ended up using it in one of her auditions when the accompanist couldn’t play her music. Also be sure to have prepared not only your main audition songs, but to have some alternate pieces - often an auditor may ask you “so, what else do you have that you can sing for me???” . In one of my D’s auditions, she was randomly asked if she had any classical pieces she could sing and, yes, she did. </p>

<p>Just prepare as much as you can ahead of time, and organize it all well, so that you are not stressing out the audition day. Above all, don’t let yourself be intimidated by all of the practicing that goes on in the hallways, or by the talk that goes on around you about all of the experience everyone has, as it means nothing. Relax, and really try to enjoy yourself. If you are having fun, it will show thru to the auditors and they will enjoy watching you. Best of luck!</p>

4

<p>Mynemezzo has done some good research.</p>

<p>Every school is different in their requirements regarding signing up for auditions. Some will allow you to sign up for an audition slot before your application is in, others require you to submit an application before you schedule an audition slot. But your application must at least be submitted before your audition date (other than for walkins). </p>

<p>You should read each schools audition sign up and application process in detail…they really are different from school to school! As soon as schools open up their sign ups, you should sign up for the dates you want at schools that allow you to schedule an audition prior to submitting your application. Don’t wait until you’ve submitted your application to schedule your audition at those schools … the audition slots will fill up and you may not get the date you want.</p>

<p>Being accepted is not usually a requirement to audition.</p>

<p>No need to bring “acceptance” papers.</p>

<p>Audition fees are paid in advance, usually when you submit your application or sign up for your audition date/time (it’s different for every school). Walkins are different (no experience with those…)</p>

<p>A common misperception for some just starting this is that you sign up for Unifieds auditions through the Unifieds organization and pay fees to them. You do not. Everything is done individually with each school you wish to audition for. The process for signing up for an audition for a particular school is the same for both on campus and Unifieds. Unifieds is just one of the dates in the list of available audition dates for each school.</p>

<p>It’s always best to submit your applications as early as possible and sign up for audition slots as soon as possible. Audition slots are not unlimited and have been known to fill up. Know the details of the process for each school.</p>

5

<p>takeitallin! We cross posted!</p>

6

<p>Just a note…there are some schools that allow you to sign up for an audition appointment before you’ve submitted your application. But you would have had to submit your application by their deadlines, which are before the audition day. Go through each school’s application/audition instructions with a fine tooth comb!</p>

7

<p>We looked at the process of a Unified audition location the same as if d had auditioned on campus – researched the school fully, completed the application, followed the school’s rules for an audition appointment. She had music on her ipod w/speakers, sheet music and a backup CD of her accompaniment. Checked the requirements (dance call? live accompaniest?) and hit the road. </p>

<p>She was logistically prepared for walkins, also carrying the above and some copies of her h.s. transcript and extra recommendation letters (sealed)…but ended up being in New York for that weekend recovering from the stomach flu from heck AND in a walking cast with a sprained ankle. She did the 2 auditions she had planned for…did end up getting accepted to one program, and on priority hold for the other…but I am so incredibly glad that she spread her auditions out over several weekends – and that would be my big takeaway from the audition year – it is convenient and less expensive to do most/all of your auditions at Unifieds…but – it can be rushed, crazy, stressful (kid called the hallways there the land of the “Stressed and Overdressed”). You do not always get a dance studio for a dance call (some schools are able to rent a nearby studio, some have you dance on a hotel carpet, several don’t assess dance at Unifieds, when they may on campus…another chance to distinguish yourself and stand out from the hundreds of auditionees!) You don’t get to see the campus ANNNNND (as my kid was proof) kids can get sick, hurt or both (been there!). Had she waited until Unifieds to do all her auditions, it would have been really scary. She did manage the 2 she’d planned, and obviously did fine (how I don’t know!) but if she’d had any more, it would have put her over the edge or into the hospital. And Unifieds are near the end of the audition season, so it would have been impossible to reschedule. Unifieds? Yes…but if possible, do some on-campus auditions, too.</p>

8

<p>mommafrog is reporting her own D’s reaction Unifieds, but each student is different. Over the 12 years I’ve had students go to Unifieds (mostly NY and Chicago, a few in LA), the overwhelming majority of students have loved the overall experience, enjoyed the opportunity to do walk-ins, and thrived on the energy. I recommend that each of my students think about his or her own individual tolerance level for energized crowds. One person’s chaos is another person’s fun. :slight_smile: I recommend that students see the campus once they’re accepted and of course do extensive research on program fit before choosing their school list. But mommafrog points out the undeniable risk of Uniifieds - if you get sick, that’s a lot of auditions affected.</p>

9

<p>Thank you so much for the help! I am doing on-campus related auditions AND Unified, so no worries on only relying on Unified. Also I need something cleared up for me, so you don’t sign of for Unified, you sign up for the schools, which happen to have all there auditions in one area(inna nutshell). Also I know that the Unified takes place in a hotel. Do you just walk into the room if you are scheduled for a specific, or will someone wave you down?</p>

<p>THANK YOU AGAIN!!!</p>

10

<p>The schools will provide you with information in advance as to where their audition will be located, what time your audition is scheduled, dance call info, etc. At the LA Unifieds, the schools were on various floors of the hotel. Each had some type of sign in/check in sheet in front of their room. Most had someone at the “desk” but a few just had an instruction sheet to tell you what to do. You should be at the audition room before your scheduled time warmed up and ready to go. (There were typically a couple of students on deck at each school.) A few schools were off site, but the one my D did that wasn’t at the Unifieds hotel was in walking distance.</p>

<p>For walk-ins, most had a sign or some notice that they were accepting walk-ins. Those usually had a sign up sheet so you just picked at time that worked for you and put your name on the sheet. Again there would be a person to tell you what you needed to do (pay a fee, fill out a form) or there was an instruction sheet there.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

11

<p>captainawesome - Just think of unifieds as a place/date to have auditions. The schools contract with the Unifieds organization to make space for them to have auditions rooms on that weekend. But each school has their own space/rooms at Unifieds. Everything YOU do is with the individual schools you’re auditioning for. For instance, audition information Penn State for the 2016 class can be found at [Penn</a> State School of Theatre ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE 2011/2012 | Penn State School Of Theatre](<a href=“http://theatre.psu.edu/admissions/programs]Penn”>http://theatre.psu.edu/admissions/programs). When you go to that page, you’ll see the instructions for scheduling an audition. If you want to audition for Penn State on the Saturday of unifieds in NYC, you just put “February 4” in response to the “Date you’d like to audition/interview” info prompt. The school then does the scheduling. They’ll get back to you with the time you’re scheduled for and the rest of the details you need. Then you complete the rest of the requirements and show up prepared and ready to rock your audition on February 4th! You as the auditionee only deal directly with the schools you’re applying to… the same as doing an on campus audition. </p>

<p>How the schools do auditions both on campus and at unifieds are different. If you’re auditioning for Webster at unifieds, you’ll get a specific time to show up for an individual audition. If you audition for a school that does morning and afternoon audition sessions, you might be told to show up at 9 for the morning auditions and 1 for the afternoon auditions. The “morning” group may starts together. Info session then dance, etc. Some schools specified the order of people for the monologues and songs or they just had you line up. (Some schools called out the order of how people would go into the room. I remember though that Emerson said … “OK, dance is done. Line up in the hallway for your monologues/songs.” And they just took you in the order that people lined up. When you’re done with your songs/monologues, you’re done. So if you were in the front of the line, you finished early. If you were at the end of the line, you waited longer and finished later. Which is good to know if you have another audition to be at. Make sure you ask the schools how they do their auditions and what the typical length of time is that you’ll be at that school’s audition. If you’re trying to fit a large number in one day, you’ll need to know that so you can finalize your schedule. </p>

<p>In any case, every school had a “check in” sheet at the door. Your name would be on the list and you just let them know that you are there. Then you wait for further instructions. There will be lots of people around doing the same thing as you.</p>

12

<p>Hi Stagedoor- great information. I guess it is hard to imagine what the Unifieds are like until you see the set-up. It is also hard to imagine the energy that is present. As mommafrog pointed out, there are advantages and disadvantages to the Unifieds and it probably depends somewhat on personal taste. Yes, it is a definite disadvantage if you happen to get sick that weekend! We were not in a position to fly to a large number of schools for auditions, so for my D it was a life-saver. She also loved doing the Unifieds because of the high energy level. She loved meeting so many people and then running into them again as they ran thru the hotel to their various auditions during the weekend. She has actually ended up seeing several of them again, even though they ended up at different schools, so she has very good memories of the Unifieds. This last time, she only did one on-campus audition as UCLA did not take part in the Unifieds and fortunately it is right near us. </p>

<p>Each school is very different in how they handle their auditions at the Unifieds, so be sure to read each website carefully to be sure you don’t miss anything. It might help to make a spreadsheet listing how each school schedules their auditions, as well as particulars for each; accompanist vs. recorded music, dance or no dance, how many songs and length allowed, etc. Also, each school handles the dance audition differently, and some are different than on campus auditions for the same school, so be aware. When my D did the LA Unifieds, Penn State had everyone sing first by appointment, and then told each person if they were invited to the group dance audition later in the day. If you were not invited to dance, then, as far as I know, your were basically being “cut”. As long as you are aware of that going in, it may not be so disappointing if you are cut. Some people are very upset at being cut, while others take the stance that at least you know where you stand. J</p>

<p>Just be sure to list all of the requirements for each school and organize your time carefully- it will keep the stress level down so that you can relax and enjoy yourself. Have fun!</p>

13

<p>Thank you all for a clearer picture of what auditions are like. :0)</p>

14

<p>Amazing amount of information, thanks. It sounds like scheduling is a key component of the process. Roughly speaking, if you are requesting dates at the unifieds for an audition, how many schools can a musical theatre candidate reasonably expect to see per day? A lot of the schools in which my daughter is interested come to the LA unifieds (where we live), but it looks like she should try to be somewhat limited in the number she tries to see over those two days?</p>

15

<p>Captainawsome, Just a quick note, I didn’t notice where you’re planning on doing Unifieds. Perhaps it’s somewhere , but I missed it. While Unifieds have usually taken place in hotels, this year the NY Unifieds will take place in Pearl Studios, typical audition space in the city. So, anyone thinking about an overnight will have to consider a separate hotel, b&b, etc and stay alert on getting that booked. Good luck to you in your coming year!</p>

16

<p>My D did 3 auditions in one day at Unifieds. The middle audition didn’t really have a dance call so it only took 15 minutes. The other auditions took either a big chunk of the morning or a big chunk of the afternoon (2+ hours each).<br>
I wonder now that the NYC auditions are at Pearl with proper dance floors, if those schools that didn’t do a dance call before now will go all out at the NY Unifieds?</p>

17

<p>Be careful. Not all auditions are held at Pearl Studios. Check with ALL the schools on your list.</p>

18

<p>stevcoy - My D auditioned at LA Unifieds 2 years ago. She auditioned for 5 schools (planned) and did a couple of walk ins with no problems. One of the schools was off site but was just a quick walk down from the Unifieds hotel. Not all of her schools had dance calls but some did. She didn’t have any problems fitting everything in. </p>

<p>Best of luck to your D!</p>

19

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<p>Not all of the Unified schools? Or are you referring to not all other schools that also offer auditions in a similar time frame as the Unifieds? If the latter, that is similar to how it’s always been re: location.</p>

20

<p>Alwaysamom, you and I are on the same page. If Captainawesome is referring to NY Unifieds, all of the Unified schools auditions are at Pearl. As usual, there are some schools who come to town individually that weekend and hold auditions elsewhere in the city. For instance, Syracuse will hold auditions the same weekend at Ripley Grier studios, not far from Pearl. Although this is our 3rd time through the process, it will be our first time experiencing Unifieds. Double, triple checking all plans, appointments, locations, hotels, etc will be critical. Good luck to all!</p>