There is no standard audition. Programs differ on how many pieces, how long, what period of text, whether you record or attend, and even how the camera should be placed. The only reliable rule is that the instructions on the school's own page for the year you are applying override anything else you have read, including this guide.
Below are real examples, drawn from pages we fetched, followed by a summary of what our own records show.
Examples from published requirements
| Program | Monologues | Format and rules |
|---|---|---|
| NIDA acting | Two contrasting, about 2 minutes each: one modern or contemporary (roughly early 1900s to the present), one heightened language or verse | One continuous video; contemporary piece as a medium shot (waist up), heightened piece as a long shot (full body). Pieces must be from published dramatic texts and performed for this audition: self-devised pieces, showreels and past performance clips are not accepted. Singing Actor stream adds a short unaccompanied song. |
| CalArts BFA Acting | Two contrasting, each under 2 minutes: one Shakespeare, one contemporary play | Each recorded as a separate unedited take, with a slate (name, character, play, playwright). One close-up or mid-close-up, one full body. Dubbing not allowed. A third piece should be ready if requested. Artist statement, headshot and resume also required. |
| UBC BFA Acting | One, maximum 2 minutes, from a contemporary published play (not from a film, not self-written) | One uninterrupted take, framed from the waist up, uploaded as a private link. Supplemental materials include a photo, resume, a one-minute introduction video, references and three short written responses. |
| Boston University BFA Acting | Two contrasting one-minute monologues | One is standard against a plain background; the other is filmed in one continuous shot with a secondary activity and the full body in frame. Verbal introduction does not count toward the minute. |
| TU Dublin Drama (Performance) | One, 2 to 3 minutes, from a full-length professional play, off-book | Part of a three-hour in-person audition; a self-tape is accepted for applicants who cannot attend because of distance or access needs. |
These pages also show the details that trip people up: whether the introduction counts toward the time, whether you may edit, how to label a file, whether a site-specific or movement element is required, and whether a third piece is needed later.
What our records show
As of 16 October 2026 we hold records for 198 providers and 317 programs. For the degree types most associated with auditions:
| Award | Programs | Publish monologue requirement | Describe a recorded option | Describe an in-person route | Mention an interview | Mention references |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFA | 57 | 39 | 29 | 28 | 12 | 5 |
| MFA | 24 | 11 | 5 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| BA | 35 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 2 | 1 |
"Publish monologue requirement" means the program page we fetched states the monologue count, length or text type. It does not mean the others have no requirement. They may use a prescreen link or a portal that we could not read. Of the 39 BFA programs that publish monologue wording, 24 begin with "two" (the most common pattern), 6 begin with "one", and 7 mention a song. Several specify a time limit per piece or in total. MFA programs lean more toward in-person routes: 12 describe one, against 5 that describe a recorded option.
Of all 317 programs, 162 state that an audition is required for admission, 14 use an interview only, 17 state open enrollment, 23 vary by pathway and 101 publish no admissions method. See the BFA and MFA collections for BFA acting and MFA acting.
Self-tape basics that schools often specify
These come directly from the pages above. Check each school's own wording before you act on them.
- Single take. CalArts, UBC and NIDA all describe a continuous or uninterrupted recording, and CalArts says dubbing is not allowed.
- Framing. Medium or waist-up shots are common; some schools specify a second full-body piece. UBC says a phone camera is fine and recommends horizontal framing, natural light and MP4 rather than 4K.
- Slate. CalArts requires name, character, play and playwright at the start. Boston University asks for a verbal introduction that does not count against the time limit.
- File handling. UBC wants a private, password-free link. CalArts wants clear file labels. Many schools use an application platform; follow its limits.
- Background and sound. Plain background, clear light on the face and eyes (Boston University), enough space to move (CalArts), and no distracting noise.
- Reader. If a piece addresses another character, you will need someone to read or you will address a fixed point. Some schools say how to do this; read the page.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a piece that is too old or too young for you, or one the school excludes, such as a film monologue or self-written text.
- Running over the time limit. Most of the pages above state one, per piece or in total.
- Heavy editing or effects when the instructions ask for a single take.
- Submitting after the deadline or in the wrong format. UBC's page notes that if you do not receive a confirmation message and email, the application was not received.
- Assuming last year's requirements apply. Several of the pages we read give dates for the 2026-27 or 2027 intake, and requirements change.
Fairness and access
If a recorded audition is a barrier because of cost, equipment or disability, ask. TU Dublin's page, for instance, describes a self-tape route for those who cannot attend because of distance or access needs. Not every school offers one, but many will discuss it.
For preparation advice and a timeline, see Preparing Drama-School Auditions.
Official sources
- NIDA - Course Specific Application Requirements: Acting · accessed 16 October 2026
- CalArts - BFA Acting: Admission Requirements (Theater) · accessed 16 October 2026
- UBC Theatre and Film - BFA Acting recorded audition · accessed 16 October 2026
- Boston University School of Theatre - Undergraduate Admissions, Performance · accessed 16 October 2026
- TU Dublin - BA (Hons) Drama (Performance) TU962 · accessed 16 October 2026