On August 1st, many schools opened their applications thus marking the official beginning of the college audition process. With that in mind, I reached out to some of my former students from the class of 2020 to give some tips for your college audition journey.

Andrew Wicklum

Nazareth College BFA Musical Theatre ’24

My advice is some that may seem obvious but so many neglect to do this essential research. Going to college for theatre is great- and very helpful- but make more out of it than just voice lessons, dance lessons, and acting lessons. You are spending way too much money if that’s what college is to you- and if it is- go to get private lessons in the respective disciplines and pay way less. I encourage all students, both ones that are searching for the perfect program and current students, to branch out and try something new; something that could enhance their theatrical education. Make sure you are picking a school that is producing well rounded individuals, taught by professors that are still involved and connected to the field. You must be able to learn and grow from the faculty and artists at the school, not the school’s name. I suggest looking at programs that are always bringing in working professionals that further ready students for an ever changing and evolving industry. This could also mean making sure a college can connect you with summer stocks, professional works, and casting directors. And one last thing, you can’t teach art- you are uniquely you and that you is talented and must always know your self worth.

Dan Eggers

Baldwin Wallace University BM Musical Theatre ’24

This sounds incredibly cliché, but it is also incredibly true. Just. Be. Yourself. You might be able to kick your face or belt to the ceiling, great. But who are you as a person? What would you contribute to the environment of a program? What value do you add? Lead with a knowledge of who you are, not with attempts to become what you think they want you to be. 

When you pick your songs, don’t choose the song your voice teacher told you sounds great in your voice or the song that you chose only because you want to show off that you have a high C. Pick pieces that mean something to you. Pick something that, if you are asked you why you chose it, you light up in your response. Pick something that tells the people sitting behind the table who you are as a human being, because at the end of the day, this is not only an audition, but an interview. Are you someone they want to work with for the next four years?

Lastly, take the pressure off. If you are already perfect, why are you going to school? They aren’t looking for perfection, they are looking for passion and who you are as a person and an artist. So Just. Be. Yourself.

Diego Rodriguez

University of Michigan BFA Musical Theatre ’24

Auditioning season is absolutely hectic. Having to go back and forth between tons of different rooms that feel like they’re all looking for the next “Golden Boy” or “It Girl” can be beyond terrifying and so stressful you want to scream (which is acceptable as long as it is in tune lol). So, what I found to be the most helpful to me during my college audition journey was to stick with a mantra. When you get yourself down playing the comparison game or start thinking “what if I’m not good enough???”, take a deep breath and give yourself a couple of words of affirmation. My mantra was “You’ve got it. You’re more than enough”, and I’ll be the first to tell you repeating a few words to get your hopes up works like magic. So, take some breaths and remind yourself you know exactly what you’re doing this audition season. You’ve done the work, and now all you need to do is go into those rooms and just be you! Break legs!!

Camryn Davis

Nazareth College BFA Musical Theatre ’24

This is an incredibly stressful but rewarding time in your life. It is so easy to get lost in the process but one thing that really helped me through this was finding a hobby that I thoroughly enjoyed doing and finding a bit of time throughout the week to do it. I found that taking a small break from the craziness of applications every now and then really helped to reground and refocus myself. Enjoy the process and really try to be present during your auditions, instead of worrying about outcomes. You’re going to meet a ton of new people, some who might eventually become your classmates, and some that you’ll share audition stories with for months to come! It’s so exciting being in a place where everyone loves theatre as much as you do. Most importantly, be yourself. These college programs want to get to know you and these auditions are about showcasing yourself as a person just as much as your talent. Trust the process, and you will end up where you are supposed to be.

Bella Marcigliano

Wright State University- BFA Acting ’24

If I were to give any advice to current high school seniors going into this process it would be to trust yourself. No one knows you better than you do and at the end of the day, you want to be happy and in an environment that’s going to challenge you but a place you can call home. Working with Tim really help me be true and authentic to myself. He asked me the hard-hitting questions that really opened me up and made me face the things that scared me during this process and sometimes that meant putting my foot down for what I wanted but it also meant trusting the people who maybe knew more than I did. This experience is so fun and as stressful as it may seem when you look back you’ll want to remember the light that got you through it.

AJ Monroe

Roosevelt University/CCPA BFA Musical Theatre ’24

Be yourself! Show yourself! That’s what these schools want to see. One of the most stressful parts of this process is the audition (i mean of course it is), and it really is your only chance to stand out. Don’t stress about sounding amazing or hitting the high note or doing that hard run; put energy into being yourself and doing the kinds of things that make you happy. That’s what these colleges want to see! They don’t want to see the same song over and over again–no matter how well performed. They want to see you! Show them who you are with your material. They wont be engaged if you aren’t! Take time to make sure your book is full of material you love and truly connect with; don’t be scared of being judged for having an off-kilter or unexpected piece. If a school doesn’t want you for you and for what you love, then you shouldn’t want them either. You deserve a place where you can flourish as yourself!

Gina Incandela

Nazareth College BFA Musical Theatre ’24

My experience with Tim Evanicki and The College Audition has been so educational and a very rare yet incredible experience to be a part of! If I had to give advice to anyone who choose to go to this program, it would be to trust the process!! It’s okay to not know where you’re going or have everything figured out, that’s what Tim is there for!!  Because of him and his program, I found exactly where I belong and you will too!!