College audition prescreens can be stressful, but they don't have to be. In fact, with a little preparation and the right tools, they can be a breeze. The key is to know what to expect, and to have everything you need to put your best foot forward.
So what are college audition prescreens?
Simply put, they are online auditions that colleges use to screen applicants before inviting them to in-person auditions. These prescreens can include recordings of monologues, songs, dance routines and a (often dreaded) “wildcard.” They are becoming increasingly common, as colleges look for ways to streamline their audition processes.
The reason these prescreens can be stressful is that they are often a student's first impression with a college. That means there's a lot on the line – a “bad prescreen” could mean missing out on an opportunity to attend a college that you love. But with the right tools, you can feel confident and prepared.
Here are some tips for successful college audition prescreens:
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Only invest in what you need
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need an expensive camera setup for a successful prescreen. In fact, most smartphones have great cameras that can do the job just fine. You'll want to invest in a good tripod and ring light, but these are long-term investments that can be used for any video project. If you are able to, it may also be a good idea to snag a photography lighting kit. These can be a bit priceier than ring lights, but they can help eliminate pesky shadows and provide more balanced lighting for your self-tapes.
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Have a clean backdrop
You want the focus to be on you, not your surroundings. Invest in a pop-up background that sits or hangs behind you. No green-screens though! This not only looks more professional, but it makes sure that the auditors are only paying attention to you. If you can’t get your hands on a pop-up background, you can DIY one by hanging up a wrinkle-free, solid-colored bedsheet. As long as you have a neutral background, you could even film against a plain wall or curtains. Just be sure to film horizontally and crop the frame centered around you!
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Find someone supportive to film your dance prescreens
Dance calls can be tricky to film yourself. If possible, recruit a friend or family member who can help you film them. Make sure you practice the choreography in front of them and let them know what you need so they can capture the best possible shot (ie. “Could you pan left after this kick so that I stay in frame for the leap?”). Be sure to have a phone separate from the one you’ll be filming with and a speaker to play your music on. Keep in mind that some local dance studios, gyms, and community centers may let you rent or borrow their spaces to film in— just ask.
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Pick material you love
Make sure you choose material that you genuinely enjoy performing. This will not only make it easier to prepare, but it will show in your prescreen. It will also make the filming process more fun for you! Remember that the auditors want to see who you are. Pick material that best shows what kind of person/performer they would be bringing into their program.
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Submit your material early
The earlier you begin to submit your prescreens, the more time you have to make any necessary adjustments. Don't wait until the last minute, as technical difficulties can arise. Stuff happens. If your internet goes out or you need to re-film something, you’ll be glad that you left yourself extra time. Plus, if you get your submission in well before the deadline, you’ll likely stand out from the flood of videos that come in last minute.
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Ask for fee waivers
Some prescreens (and supplementals) will have a submission or application fee. When you’re going through this process, all those little fees can start to add up quick. Many programs understand this and offer fee waivers to those who demonstrate need. Be sure to ask if this is something that is available to you. It’s always worth a try!
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Have patience and a positive attitude
There are no “bad prescreens.” If you did everything you could do to prepare, now all you can do is wait. (It’s the worst part, I know.) Just keep a positive attitude and trust the process!
Remember, prescreens are just a tool that colleges use to see if you and their specific program would be a good fit at this moment in time. Try not to stress over them too much. As with anything, if you have the right tools and mindset, you can feel confident and prepared. So take a deep breath, and show those colleges what you've got. Break a leg, superstar!
With love,
The TCAO Team