A drama school audition can feel both exciting and intimidating. You’re stepping into a room to show who you are, what you can do, and why you belong in a program designed to push you, challenge you, and help you grow as an actor. But here’s the truth: the best auditions don’t come from luck. They come from preparation, patience, and solid training. Acting is a competitive craft, and acting schools want to see potential, commitment, and readiness—things that only come from the right preparation.
If you’re dreaming of studying acting and wondering how to get ready, here’s a practical, friendly guide to preparing for your audition. Training with a Vancouver acting school can give you a strong foundation that helps you walk into the acting world with confidence.
Let’s break down the steps that really matter.
UNDERSTAND WHAT THE SCHOOL IS LOOKING FOR
Every acting school has its own personality. Some focus on classical theatre, some prioritize film and TV, and others emphasize movement, voice, or experimental styles. Before you prepare anything, take time to learn what the school values.
Look into:
- Their training style
- Their alumni
- The types of productions they put on
- Their mission or approach to acting
- What they emphasize in their audition requirements
The more you understand their perspective, the better you can show that you’re a great fit.
CHOOSE AUDITION PIECES THAT SHOW YOUR RANGE
Most acting schools ask for two contrasting pieces—usually one classical and one contemporary. They want to see your ability to shift between styles, emotions, and energy levels.
When choosing your monologues:
- Pick characters that feel natural to you
- Avoid overly famous speeches
- Choose pieces close to your age range
- Make sure the material excites you
- Select a piece with clear emotional stakes
- Avoid monologues meant for characters much older or younger
If a piece doesn’t feel honest or connected to who you are, keep searching.
KNOW YOUR MONOLOGUES INSIDE AND OUT
Memorizing lines isn’t enough. Acting school panels want depth, emotional truth, and real connection to your character. That means understanding the full context—not just your speech.
Do your homework:
- Read the full play or script
- Understand your character’s motivation
- Study the relationships in the story
- Identify emotional beats
- Clarify your character’s objective
The more you know, the more grounded your performance will feel.
PRACTICE WITH AN ACTING COACH OR TEACHER
A great acting teacher can help you fine-tune your choices, strengthen your presence, and avoid common beginner habits. Even a few sessions can make a huge difference.
Working with a coach helps you:
- Find clarity in your emotional beats
- Improve your physicality
- Learn how to use your voice effectively
- Avoid flat or generalized acting
- Build confidence before audition day
WORK ON YOUR VOICE AND MOVEMENT
Acting school requires stamina. You’ll be moving, speaking, and performing daily. Panels want to see that you’re ready for the physical and vocal demands of their program.
Before the audition, practice:
- Breath control
- Clear articulation
- Vocal warmups
- Emotional flexibility
- Physical grounding
- Movement warmups such as stretching or yoga
A strong voice and grounded body help you command the room.
PREPARE A SHORT INTRODUCTION ABOUT YOURSELF
Many auditions begin with something simple: “Tell us a little about yourself.”
It seems easy—but nerves can make your mind go blank.
Prepare a quick, natural intro that includes:
- Your name
- Where you’re from
- How long you’ve been acting
- Why you want to train seriously
- What excites you about acting
You don’t need a dramatic story—just honesty.
PRACTICE PERFORMING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE
Many actors rehearse alone, but auditions require performing with eyes on you. Get comfortable sharing your work.
Practice in front of:
- Friends
- Family
- Coaches
This helps you break through nerves and get used to the feeling of being watched.
EXPECT ADJUSTMENTS FROM THE PANEL
Acting school panels often give direction to see how you respond to coaching. This isn’t a sign that you did something wrong—it’s a test of your flexibility.
They may ask you to:
- Try a different emotion
- Change your physicality
- Play the scene at a different pace
- Perform the piece with a new objective
Stay open, playful, and ready to explore. They want to see how well you take guidance.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR MINDSET
Auditions can be stressful, so mental preparation is just as important as practicing your pieces.
In the days leading up to your audition:
- Get good sleep
- Avoid over-rehearsing to the point of burnout
- Practice breathing exercises
- Stay hydrated
- Visualize feeling confident and grounded
A calm mind allows your training to shine.
DRESS COMFORTABLY AND NEUTRALLY
Acting school auditions aren’t about fashion. Wear something that makes you feel confident and allows you to move easily.
Tips:
- Avoid distracting patterns
- Stick to simple colours
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Keep hair out of your face
- Skip accessories that distract or clatter
You want the panel to notice you, not your outfit.
ARRIVE EARLY AND WARM UP
Give yourself time to settle into the space before your audition.
Do this before you walk in:
- Stretch
- Do vocal warmups
- Focus your breathing
- Go over your first line calmly
- Visualize success
Warming up keeps your energy focused and prevents shaky nerves.
REMEMBER THAT ACTING SCHOOLS WANT YOU TO SUCCEED
Panels aren’t there to judge you harshly—they want to discover passionate, committed students who are ready to learn. They’re rooting for you more than you think.
Remember:
- They don’t expect perfection
- They want authenticity
- They want potential and openness
- They want to see you take risks
Trust your preparation and training. You’ve put in the work.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Preparing for an acting school audition is really about showing potential—your willingness to learn, your curiosity, your clarity, and your emotional honesty. You don’t need to be fully trained yet. What matters is choosing monologues that feel authentic to you, taking time to understand the characters, and practicing enough that you feel grounded when you walk into the room. Acting schools want to see promise, not perfection.
Auditioning at a Vancouver acting school is one of the best ways to get started in acting. It gives you a clear entry point, a chance to show your potential, and an opportunity to begin your training in a supportive, professional environment. It’s the first real step toward learning the craft and building a foundation for everything that comes next.