#88: Dear Julie… interview prep?
Wednesday 10/30/24
DEAR JULIE: We are doing some early auditions for colleges because of family obligations in January and February. How can we prepare for the interviews that may come with live auditions?
Hi! Great question. Here’s what I think you should be prepared for:
The SECOND you finish your audition and and auditor says “so…” that should immediately trigger that you are NOW IN AN INTERVIEW even if there wasn’t one listed as part of the day.
Answer questions using a 4 part response for ANY question.
Repeat the question to buy time “sure i’d love to tell you why i’m interested in this program”
Share something technical or practical “i love that i can pick an additional focus in junior year - i’ve done some directing so that seems interesting”
Share something emotional “this school has been my top choice because i love how it’s musical theatre with a strong acting foundation. I believe our job is storytelling first and i’ve always been interested in how music amplifies acting.
Share something in “closing” like a short simple way to wrap up: “plus i’ve been in this city many times and love the location, food, and culture.”.
Practice STOP TALKING. Yes, in an interview, you need to self censor about when to STOP. Usually words like “and” make us feel like we need to add value to what was already shared and (see) then you feel like you need to keep talking. See how I just said the same thing twice? STOP TALKING lol.
Make yourself notes for each school for the following questions and review that day:
Tell us about yourself
Why this school?
Why do you want to study theatre here?
What do you know about our program?
How/why did you select your pieces?
Is there anything else we should know about you?
What questions do you have for us? (don’t ask easily google-able answers… perhaps think about non yes/no questions and ask about culture or what the program expects to change or improve over the next few years
What do you want to work on? Strengths/weaknesses?
Interests outside theatre?
5. SAY YOU WANT TO ATTEND. CLAIM WHAT YOU WANT. SAY THE SCHOOL IS YOUR TOP CHOICE. Adjudicators know you are applying to 20 schools. They want people who want to go there. SAY IT.
Breathe. Be yourself. Be honest!
Dreams Don’t Die
Julie