(Featured Image : Letitia Wright got into IDSA at age 16).
Hello Audition Hackers! Today I am going to introduce you to a part-time Drama School that has made a name of itself in a matter of years. It is Identity School of Acting. Founded in 2001 by Femi Oguns, that was giving out flyers in the streets of Brixton to start with, the School has now grown into the most famous part-time drama school in the UK. You will hear all sorts of things about the school on the internet, but if you are an aspiring actor wanting to try out what can be a good stepping stone into professional acting, Identity is the place to be! I will share here some drama school audition advice.
How does Identity School of Acting audition unfolds?
This audition lasts roughly 2 to 3 hours. You will have two people looking at you, one will probably be Ade, the Talent Scout, and the other is most likely a Teacher of the School. Don’t expect them to be nice to you. They won’t always be, but their remarks are always to help you showing the best in yourself.
Movement Workshop
So, the audition starts with a warm up. This warm up is an opportunity for you to relax and release any tension. Breathe, stretch, dance, do whatever feels good for you. Once you have done this, you will be asked to do movement exercises in the space.
It could include, for example, getting across the room as if the room was a busy city street. Be Bold. It’s okay if you accidentally bump into people, as long as you try hard and have a purpose. Also, acknowledge the other people in the room. If someone bumps into you, react to it, as you would if it happens in real life!
They can also ask you to move in the room as if it was a forest, an ocean… In that case, just let it go, enjoy the moment and play! There are infinite ways to approach these exercises. When you are done with those, they can ask you to connect with a partner. You don’t have to stay connected to that partner a long or a short time. It is totally up to you! In this kind of exercise, it is about listening to the other person, receiving their energy, and giving yours. You have a lot of time so don’t rush it.
The Duologues at Identity School of Acting
Finally, you will arrive at the last part of your audition : the duologues. I have a lot to say on that one because I really want you guys not be embarrassed. There are a few basics things you HAVE to know when stepping in to start your duologue, no matter what character you have to portray.
- What does he want? Making the other person stay? Alienate him or her? Make the other person leave?
- Why does he want it? Was he betrayed? Physically abused? Was he let down?
- What are the specifics of the above “why?” what did that person do to betray him or her? What led him or her to be do what he did?
If you got those key points straight, I can assure you that your performance will have the one thing that makes it so much better : Clarity. Because you will know what you want, and exactly why you want it.
The good thing about this audition is that they are not looking for an “amazing” performance, but rather aspiring actors who know why they are acting a certain character and give it their all. So be BOLD and don’t be afraid of doing something wrong.
Here are a few other things that I noticed, and it is about little things that you need to be aware of :
- When being asked to say your first and last name, say it loud and clear.
- Don’t gesticulate too much when talking. Your words are your most powerful tools.
- Connect to the other person. If they are getting angry at you, how does it make you feel? Whatever it is that you feel, give it back to them, feed yourself off the other person’s energy.
If you are aware of all of the above and apply it in your audition, you will certainly get a place at Identity. This is some of the best drama school audition advice I can share here.
What happens next ?
You will be put in a certain Level (there are several levels at Identity, from beginner to Professional via Intermediate), and you will be able to choose between the two or three day curriculum. Each day offers three hours, so you will essentially be choosing between a 6 hours per week class or 9 hours per week class.
That’s it! You know all about how to get into Identity !
AUDITIONHACK 