<p>Hi, Be-a-Star:</p>
<p>I used to serve on the faculty at the University of Arizona, and as such took part in the audition process.</p>
<p>UofA accepts videotapes, in part because they want to see all the interested students (even those who can't travel to the school to audition), and partly to remain as accessible as possible (seeing as they don't do the unified).</p>
<p>My experience with the taped auditions was that they were considered equally with those who attended the auditions personally. The mistake would be in "over producing" the video - it's not intended for broadcast, so keep it simple (no set, costumes, etc.). And make sure the camera is focused so that most of the body is visible (they need to see what the deportment of the FULL body is like when singing) - so no extreme close-ups of only the face, and likewise not too far away that the singer disappears in the background. Focus the camera so that the top of the head and the feet are both just visible in frame.</p>
<p>And on the topic of accompaniment, I suggest that you test the tape BEFORE leaving the session (meaning, plug it in to a machine and watch it on a tv screen). So many times, the tape submissions were poor sound quality/balance, and we couldn't hear the singer for the piano/CD or vice versa. A simple viewing of the tape will let you observe whether or not you need another "take" with sound adjustment before leaving the session (or mailing it).</p>
<p>Also, use good general lighting (so no weird/dramatic shadows occur, and they can see what you really look like), and wear clothing that won't blend into the background (if shooting in a studio with black-colored floors and drapes as most theatres have, you don't want to wear all black - otherwise you'll look like a "floating head with hands"). This is yet another reason to preview the tape before finishing the session (or mailing it); so that you can make any necessary adjustments.</p>
<p>Keep your movements simple and fluid (not acting for the stage here, but acting for the camera which is much more contained). If you suddenly move out of frame and the camera has to jerk to keep up with you, the auditors are not as impressed as they might otherwise be. </p>
<p>And DON'T FORGET YOUR ACTING VALUES. I suggest putting a "partner" (real or imagined) behind the camera, so that you are acting to/with someone (this is definitely a consideration in the singing audition). Also, don't look directly into the lens (unless this will not freak you out and cause you to impersonalize the piece). Personally, I can never manage to do that when faced with that little, reflective, unforgiving piece of glass called a lens; makes me stiff as a board!</p>
<p>Don't put on the tape more than what they are asking for. If we have to "fast forward" to get to the "goods," we may go too far and miss the best part of your audition or, worse yet, lose patience and just move on to the next auditioner.</p>
<p>Clearly mark your videotape with your name, address, phone, and "freshman application audition" (or whatever is appropriate). It is very sad when we like a student on tape, but it was somehow separated from the cover letter/application and so we are guessing as to who that student really is. And your introduction (you should give this on the tape, stating your name and the pieces you are doing) really can't be depended on stick in audition-numbed brains of the faculty...after viewing over 200 auditions, anything that isn't "spoon fed" to the poor auditors is too much work for them - and you don't want them to have to go out of their way just to adjudicate your talent and competitiveness in that pool of 200+. [BTW, if you want the tape or other materials returned, some schools may not do this - always best to send a disposable copy of everything. If you MUST have it back, and they will agree to do so, send a SASE that entirely covers the postage for return mail...otherwise it will end in the "circular file."]</p>
<p>Finally, SUBMIT A PLAIN OLD VHS TAPE! Many people sent in Hi-8 or DVD tapes, and we couldn't watch them unless we had the proper converter (which was always a hassle). If you have a digital or mini-cam, plug the camera into your VHS recorder at home, hit "play" on the camera and "record" on the VHS. This will simplify the process for the auditors, something you should strive to achieve.</p>
<p>Hope this helps,</p>
<p>eve</p>