#138: Dear Julie… NY Unifieds!
Wednesday 1/22/25
DEAR JULIE: I’m attending NY Unifieds at the end of January and have no idea of what to expect. I’m from a small town in Ohio and have never been to NY. Any advice?
WHAT ARE NATIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS?
National Unified Auditions, AKA "Unifieds", are a series of musical theater & acting auditions held annually in various cities. Representatives from multiple college, university, and conservatory theater programs gather in one location to hold auditions for incoming students. Prospective students can audition and interview for multiple programs over a period of two to four days.
Unifieds can be a cost-efficient and convenient way to audition for many schools at once. They can also be a great place to discover new schools and programs. Most schools require students to apply for slots ahead of time, or to submit pre-screens, but some also leave room for walk-in slots.
For NY Unifieds, there are a few main studios you’ll want to get familiar with:
Pearl Studios 500 8th Avenue, 3rd & 4th Floor (35th-36th on 8th ave)
Pearl Studios 519 8th Avenue, 12th Floor (35th-36th on 8th ave)
Ripley-Grier Studios 520 8th Ave, 16th/17th/10th Floors (36th-37th on 8th ave)
Ripley-Grier Studios 305 W. 38th St, 2nd & 3rd Floor (38th St between 8th ave and 9th ave)
These 4 main locations are all within a 3 blocks and leave time to anticipate long lines, packed elevators, and general confusion about finding studios once you get inside. Don’t be fooled that they look so nearby!
Bring ID always because you will definitely be asked for it at some of the locations and possibly others. You will need to present it each time you enter!
While most of your auditions will be scheduled, schools MAY reserve some time each day to accommodate students who did not prescreen or apply. Check in the AM or as the day goes on (they may have spots that open as the day progresses). GO FOR IT! NOT GUARANTEED! Do not bank on this. Bring cash/check/cards to pay any fees needed.
RANDOM TIPS:
Prioritize scheduling far away schools and NOT all day auditions
Stay flexible - you may not know your time til day-of
Do not overbook. It takes time to get from place to place, not for distance but for elevators and crowds. THERE WILL BE LINES AND CROWDS.
There will be early morning lines OUTSIDE buildings before they open.
Avoid auditioning for NYC schools “at” unifieds
STAY ORGANIZED - use SHORT CUTS when possible to make it easy.
Be ready to TALK!
Locations can change - stay on email, getacceptd, check digital boards for room assignments
Stay HOME - do not go out night before, take care of self
FAMILIES - limit being around! Be available but don’t take up precious space
AIRPLANE/SILENT/DND
You may be ask to “do a walk-in” for schools at Unifieds but where you have scheduled virtually or on campus for another day!
You may want to get a hotel even if you are nearby so you have somewhere to go and be away.
Food/coffee takes time. Do not “run out” on a break, you may not get back in time.
BRING ID ALWAYS - you will need to to get back in.
If you are able to get into NY the day before auditions, go over to each studio and walk around!
***When you show your ID at Ripley, they’ll ask what floor, just say “Ripley Grier 16/17/10” whichever you are going to. There is access via stairs from 16-17. When you show your ID at Pearl, they’ll ask what floor and you can just say Pearl.
WHAT TO BRING:
Bring cash, card, checks, ID
AUDITION BINDER, notes about each school/questions
USB and/or access to a digital drive with sheet music, headshot/resumes, transcripts, DOWNLOAD TRACKS to your phone
30 headshots/resumes stapled (8x10!) or 3x each audition
Bring speaker FULLY CHARGED, aux chord, dongle - no relying on bluetooth (TERRIBLE CONNECTIONS)
Always bring non-wrinkle backups.
All dance shoes and dance clothes (2 sets! sweat!)
Deodorant, mints, tissues, cough drops, dry shampoo
ETIQUETTE ADVICE
Be VERY careful in your volume & what you are saying when in shared spaces. You never know who works for the schools.
PARENTS- you TOO! No gossiping or sharing stories.
The NYC rule is 10 blocks away.
Stay silent when you can to preserve your voice.
HYDRATE.
Be aware of hygiene.
STAY FLEXIBLE.
PARENTS/CAREGIVERS - if you are in a holding room, please take space elsewhere if crowded so students auditioning can have space.
No screaming, warming up, laughing loudly in hallways.
You’ll be fine! It’ll be exciting. By the time you have your third audition on Saturday you’ll be an old pro!
Dreams Don’t Die
Julie