Once contact has been made with a college that you are interested in. Pay close attention to the information that they provide to you and of any deadlines given at these early stages when applying, replying, attending open days and auditions etc. It would be a good idea to have a prepared list of questions ready to ask when you decide to make initial contact. As often auditions are held in-house and you may well need to travel some distance to attend an audition which logistically can be costly and timely. So you want to be sure that the college meets your needs and expectations when it comes to training you and developing your skill and technique which ultimately will propel you into the industry.
Some questions to consider;
1) When are the auditions?
2) What does the audition entail?
3) What is the audition process?
4) What courses do you offer?
5) Where do the students go on to secure contracts?
6) What qualifications and by whom is the school accredited and validated?
7) What information is available regarding pastoral care and accommodation?
Each college will have their own way of running an audition process, so it may be a good idea to create a spread sheet should you be intending on auditioning for 3 or more colleges. This meaning you will be able to keep a log of any information, deadline dates of applications, responses and your own comments for example.
Auditioning for colleges does come with a fee. Again this fee may vary from one college to another and also the cost of booking days off work, school, travel and overnight stays that may need to be booked in advance all come into play here. Often auditions begin early in the morning and can last the majority of the day depending on the number of audition candidates attending. It may also be that a second audition is offered to you, should your first audition be successful. This is known within the industry as a recall and therefore meaning you now need to repeat the process again at a later date.
Some things in life are nice and simple and when you know what feels right, you just know. However making such a big decision in not only where to further your training, but knowing where is going to be the right place for you to excel in. Choosing Somewhere you will feel happy and safe. All of these factors amount to you performing daily ‘at your best’ and enjoying being part of a college that can support you. There is some truth in the saying “blood, sweat and tears” and the “show must go on”
