Audition Tips
Friday, Feb 21, 2020
Juilliard Journal
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We get it—auditions can be stressful, but there are ways to alleviate the anxiety. Here are some tips adapted from our student admissions blog.
10. Self-care might be the last thing on your mind, but you’ll be glad you took time for yourself before your audition. Meditate, stretch, take a bubble bath, call a family member, do something completely unrelated to your art—whatever makes you feel most grounded and confident.
9. Read your emails from Juilliard! They contain lots of valuable information.
8. Plan to arrive early. That will ensure you’ll have a chance to compose yourself—and build in a cushion in case you have transportation snafus.
7. Being prepared is one of the most vital assets you can bring to your audition. It buffers you from the unexpected and frees you to concentrate on your art. And knowing your material intimately will help your body perform competently even if your mind decides to freak.
6. Recognize that you’ve already done the work. Many of us stress about how technical or perfect we expect ourselves to be. Instead, try to think about it as a celebration of you. All of your practicing, lessons, rehearsals, recitals, and performances have led you to this moment.
5. Allow yourself to feel fear—the fact that you’re nervous means that you are passionate about your pursuit, and that’s a wonderful thing!
4. Think of it as a performance. If you feel like you’re sharing what you’re most passionate about, you’re likely to be less anxious.
3. Be yourself (really). Your audition committee is not looking for perfection; they are looking for genuine, hardworking, passionate, creative individuals. Trying to mold yourself into what you think the panel wants will only make your audition feel forced and inauthentic.
2. Ask questions. Before I had my first audition at Juilliard, I thought everyone would be prickly and the atmosphere cutthroat, but I was happily surprised by the warmth of students and faculty. The people here are very friendly—so don’t be shy about asking questions!
1. Plan something fun for after the audition, no matter how it goes. Treat yourself to a cookie or pastry. Get a banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery on 69th Street. Go to a museum. Do something you’ve never done before.