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AMDA Audition Information Dance Programs

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (LA), Associate Degree (LA), Conservatory Certificate (NY)

Audition Instructions: Please prepare 2 contrasting dance solos (each solo approx. 60 seconds in length). Styles may include: Contemporary, Jazz, Modern, Hip-hop, Theatre Dance, Ballet, Contemporary Ballet, Street Dance, Tap or Cultural Dance Styles. Applicants may be lead through additional movement phrases provided by the AMDA coach facilitating the audition.

ADDITIONAL AUDITION MATERIALS

AMDA’s programs are interdisciplinary. Dance applicants are encouraged to prepare a song or monologue in addition to their dance pieces. This will allow applicants to be considered for admission to other AMDA programs.

WE HIGHLY SUGGEST THAT ALL DANCE APPLICANTS PREPARE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

Before the Audition

  • Create your audition solo movement material based on your technical strengths
  • If using an existing piece of choreography, ask permission of the choreographer
  • Edit your music and load the MP3 onto your phone (or another handheld digital devise)
  • Rehearse. If possible, seek the support of dance teachers, choreographers or mentors
  • Memorize the material until you have full command of the movement
  • Develop the appropriate performance connection to your piece (i.e. emotion, story)
  • Prepare a song or monologue to accompany your dance solos (optional)

In The Audition Room

  • The AMDA audition representative sitting behind the table in the Audition Room is called the AMDA “audition coach”. They are there to support you through the audition process and make a recommendation regarding your AMDA program of study.
  • Your audition begins immediately upon your entrance to the audition room and continues until you exit.
  • Upon entering the audition room, greet your audition coach, proceed directly to the center of the audition room and await instructions.
  • Be prepared to introduce yourself with your name, age, city/country of residence, and the program and campus for which you are auditioning. Please also introduce the solos you will be presenting. Announce the style of the piece, the music selection, and who choreographed the movement.
  • After you finish, hold the last moment of your piece for a beat, then restore to neutral and wait for direction from your audition coach.
  • Present your prepared song or monologue (optional)
  • Be prepared to perform new movement phases provided by your audition coach.
  • Plan to articulate why you are auditioning for AMDA and why you want to pursue training in the performing arts. This is an opportunity to express your passion and your professional goals.
  • Thank your audition coach upon completion of your audition and check in with the AMDA representative running the audition to inquire on your next steps

Important Tips for a Successful Audition

  • Present strong, effective posture and vocal clarity
  • Enter and leave the audition room with confidence (i.e. keep your head up and avoid looking at the floor)
  • Maintain eye contact with your audition coach for the introduction/slate and feedback portions of your audition
  • For your solo performance, choose a specific “performance focus” above or slightly to the right or left of the audition table and audition coach
  • Do not use props or costumes
  • Be prepared to adjust the spacing of your solo to the performance space provided. You will have time in the audition room prior to the start of your audition to make any necessary adjustments.
  • If you are preparing a solo en pointe, please bring rosin and soft ballet shoes (as an alternative to your pointe shoes) in case the floor is not suitable to dancing en pointe.
  • Please bring all styles of dance shoes with you to the audition. Your audition coach may ask to see an additional style or movement phrase.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

Please dress in appropriate, form-fitting dance attire that shows the line of the body. Dance attire should allow for natural movement and not distract from your performance. Footies, soft jazz shoes, ballet shoes, character shoes, sneakers or bare feet are permitted for the performance of your solo. Please do not wear socks. Long hair or bangs should be pulled back and away from the face. Please remove all jewelry before auditioning.