How to Stay Grounded And Rock Your Zoom College Auditions
Auditioning for BFA musical theatre and acting programs is hard enough on a normal year. You are constantly pushing yourself emotionally and physically, being vulnerable in front of strangers, and facing many rejections.
Now add in a global pandemic that forces all of your auditions onto the hottest app of 2020: Zoom.
It’s not easy.
Here are my helpful hints and tips on how to maximize this new virtual format, stay grounded, and rock your auditions!
1) Find a quiet space.
The first and most important thing you need to do is find a space where you can have uninterrupted silence. That might be a basement, a bedroom, or a living room. Having a quiet space to yourself will help you center yourself and not worry about anything other than doing your best work. I would also suggest kicking your parents/sibling out of the house (in the kindest way possible). My parents have been super supportive and when I’m about to audition they may take a walk with the dog, run an errand, or if they have nowhere to go, they will all go into the basement. This has helped me feel less self conscious.
2) Have a neutral background and good lighting.
Your backdrop and lighting are also very important. You want the faculty and adjudicators to see you clearly with minimal distractions. I would recommend getting a nice, solid colored backdrop. My preferred backdrop has three different sheets that I can utilize, depending on what I’m wearing, and a stand to hang them. If you can’t or don't want to buy a backdrop, try finding a solid color wall without pictures or posters. This way, the adjudicators are focused solely on you (and aren’t focused on your christmas tree, trust me… I learned from experience on this one).
Having a nice, consistent source of lighting is a must! You want your facial expressions and movements to be clear as can be. I have a ring light that I use, but a nice lamp or other source of light can work in a pinch!
3) Optimize your zoom settings.
Zoom is both a helpful tool and a nightmare for singing. Before you audition, you should make sure your zoom settings are optimized for singing. This means clicking the box that enables “original sound”, engaging the “high fidelity music mode,” and clicking to turn on “echo cancellation.” Purchasing an external microphone also helps improve the clarity and volume of your voice over zoom. On Amazon, you can find some for around $20-$30. I would also recommend getting an external webcam if your computer’s picture is super grainy.
4) Dress comfortably and confidently.
The best way to perform your best is to feel you best! Pick out an outfit that is stylish and professional, but allows for easy movement and makes you feel confident. Maybe put on a pair of heels or a boot if that gives you the boost you need to ground yourself and kill your audition. Or, if socks are your thing, put on your favorite pair and embrace the comfort. Afterall, they only see half of you on zoom. (Though, I do recommend wearing nice pants or a skirt in case they catch a glimpse of your legs!)
5) Be ready for awkward zoom glitches.
You probably know the feeling... you are at the high note or your song or the climax of a monologue and the adjudicator says those fateful words: “Oh no, it looks like your zoom glitched! Can you try again?” You may feel devastated that your wifi slowed or your computer paused, but remember that this happens to everyone. We are all getting used to the virtual format, even the faculty, and technological difficulties will occur. Just remember that you can't control it! Don’t beat yourself up! I was in an audition earlier in the year and my zoom froze in the middle of my monologue. I was devastated, convinced I wouldn’t get into that program, but they simply told me to try it again… and I got into that musical theatre program!
Final tips!
Auditioning for colleges is a long process and adding zoom onto it only complicates things more. For your own sanity, make sure you continue with hobbies that might be getting pushed aside. You also need to remember that every single person auditing for schools is in the same place as you. Take a breath, trust yourself, feel grounded, then go out and kill that audition! Break a leg!
Cooper Hoeksema is a performer based in Grand Rapids, MI. He is currently in the midst of auditing for various BFA Musical Theatre and Acting programs. While Cooper’s main passion is theatre, he also enjoys reading, writing, and sewing on the side. He’s very thankful for his awesome parents who have supported him throughout this arduous process. You can check out his website at http://cooperhoeksema.com or you can connect with him on instagram @cooper.hoeksema!
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