Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) creative application requirements

You must submit a video audition comprised of singing, acting, and dancing components.

Singing

• You must upload your performance of two songs, at least one in the Music Theatre genre, accompanied by a backing track. Ideally you should make an “audition cut” of your song between 1-2 minutes long, OR you can present a complete song (we recommend doing the option that is easiest for you). Please feel free to sing in the accent most appropriate for the song.
• The sourcing of all backing tracks is the responsibility of the applicant.
• For this round, sheet music is not required to be submitted.

Acting

• You must upload your performance of two monologues. This can include Shakespeare; however, it is not a requirement.
• Where possible, you should read the entire play from which your piece has been chosen in order to place the speech in context. You are strongly advised to select from plays rather than film or television scripts. Pieces must be a minimum of 1.5 minutes in length but no longer than 2 minutes.

Dancing

• You must upload your performance of one dance. Specific instructions are available in the Creative Application Platform. This component of the audition will focus on a jazz dance assessment.

Tips for recording

• The most important thing is that we can see and hear you. Make sure that you are well-lit and test the sound quality before recording your pieces.
• We are looking to see how you tell stories through your instrument, which is both your voice and your body. To this end, it is much easier for us to assess your performance if we can see more of you. We do note that it is not always possible to get a full shot, and if you decide for a mid-shot, we understand.
• Move as needed and face the direction that best supports the intentions of your work, but try to keep your body within shot at all times. Perform your monologues and song predominantly toward the camera, but you don't have to stand on the spot.
• Please announce your songs and the name of the character and play or your monologues.
• It is not an expectation that you access or purchase additional recording equipment beyond a basic smartphone, iPad, or laptop/desktop device. For smartphones, many recent models already have very good microphones built-in.

Shortlisted applicants from the recorded audition submissions will be invited to attend a callback audition/workshop in November. This will take place either in person in Melbourne or Sydney, or online via Zoom as per your preference.

You will be assessed on your singing, acting, and dancing capabilities. As such, you will be asked to:

• Sing either or both of your songs – this will be with a live accompanist, so please bring your sheet music appropriately marked with your audition cut (if you made one) or the song in full. Alternatively, if you would prefer to use the backing track you used in your initial audition tape, you can bring this on your own device, which can be synced to a Bluetooth speaker in the room.
• Perform either or both of your monologues.
• Learn and perform a dance routine taught live in the audition/workshop.
• Collaborate with other applicants.

You will sign up for an individual session to present your songs/monologues to a panel earlier in the day, and then you will participate in a group dance session at a designated time in the afternoon. Details about the callback will be provided in the callback notification email.

The audition will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Vocal skill and potential for development
• Imaginative or emotional interpretation of a song
• Embodiment of text and character
• Emotional and imaginative connection made with the text
• Ability to work in the moment with intention appropriate to the text
• Physical, technical, and embodied storytelling approach to dance and movement.

The callback audition will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Technical skills and potential for development
• Ability to listen and respond to direction imaginatively
• Training potential
• Ability to work with flexibility and openness