Our Auditions

THE AUDITION DAY

The audition lasts from 10.00am until approximately 4.00pm, depending on the number of applicants. For all applicants the day generally includes:

• Tour of ‘Our Facilities‘
• Introduction to ‘Our Courses‘ and a question and answer session
• Ballet and Jazz classes
• Physical examination by qualified physiotherapist
• Musical Theatre candidates must then provide a solo song from Musical Theatre or Pop repertoire
• Dance candidates must then provide a dance solo in the candidate’s chosen style (time limit of 1½ minutes), and either a song or monologue as described above
• Interview with the Principal or Course Leader.

All applicants will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire, which gives some indication of their goals and aspirations.

AUDITION CRITERIA

All applicants are seen by an audition panel consisting of the Principal, Course Leader, a Ballet tutor and a Jazz tutor. Stella Mann College looks for potential and raw talent as well as prior training. For Musical Theatre applicants the college looks for a key strength in singing; for Dance applicants the college expects capability or potential in two dance styles. Applicants are assessed according to the following criteria:

• Singing – pitch, range, clarity, technique and interpretation.
• Acting – diction, projection, characterisation, and stage presence.
• Dance – a lack of experience in a dance style does not preclude entry to the course.
  • Ballet: potential and/or good demonstration of placement, physicality, sense of performance and musicality, and co-ordination.
  • Jazz: performance, energy and musicality, facility, speed of learning, and physicality.

• Sense of Performance and Artistry – confident performance and artistic interpretation of different styles and genre are assessed throughout the audition. The college is always interested in ‘performers’ who show flair and individuality.

AUDITION FOR STUDENTS LIVING OUTSIDE OF THE UK

In the case of overseas applicants, an audition by DVD accompanied by a letter of recommendation from their dance teacher is acceptable.

Requirement:

• A 45-minute ballet class, demonstrating barre work, centre practice, port de bras and adage, pirouettes, allegro and pointe work if applicable.
• At the end of the class all candidates must demonstrate the following:
• Facing the camera –
  • Demi plié in 1^st position
  • Tendu to 2^nd from 1^st position with both feet

• Facing the side –
  • Lying on the back in frog position to demonstrate turnout, making sure that the hands are placed under the middle of the back to prevent arching of the spine
  • 1^st arabesque en l’air on both legs
  • Seated port de bras forward over the legs to demonstrate mobility of the spine

• Musical Theatre candidates must then provide a solo song from Musical Theatre or Pop repertoire and a monologue from a musical or a play (time limit of 2 minutes each)
• Dance candidates must then provide a dance solo in the candidate’s chosen style (time limit of 1½ minutes), and either a song or monologue as described above.

Any applicant who cannot attend an audition in person but wants to be considered for one of the external qualifications may also be required to have an interview over Skype and may be asked to submit examples of written work to assess suitability for these qualifications.

Accessibility

Stella Mann College will do whatever it can to accommodate the access arrangements and support needed by any disabled candidate who is accepted onto the courses on offer. The College is fully accessible on the ground floor, and houses adapted facilities. There are several studios in the remainder of the building that are not accessible to wheelchair/scooter users or those with Mobility impairments.

Recruitment to HE courses

A student wishing to undertake a Higher Education course whilst at the College (the HND/ BA (Hons) Degree) must demonstrate that they will have completed appropriate Level 3 qualifications by the time they begin the course at Stella Mann College, although in most cases no minimum grade levels will be set. As all courses within the College have a strong practical basis, ability and potential in dance, singing and acting will be the prime consideration for acceptance, although the College must be confident that the applicant will achieve suitable academic levels.

Registration

During the summer prior to beginning the course in September all new students receive an information pack and pay a registration fee. On the first day of term all first year students fill in an Enrolment Form and Learning Agreement in order to inform the College of any medical conditions, other conditions such as dyslexia and next of kin contact details.

Proof of Identity

If a student wishes to be entered for an external examination, such as Trinity College London Diplomas in Dance or Musical Theatre or the HND and BA (Hons) courses, the College takes proof of identity by verifying the student’s passport or driving licence.

Registration with External Bodies

The College complies with all requirements and deadlines for registration with external bodies, currently the Pearson UK, Bedford College, The University of Northampton and Trinity College London. The College communicates regularly with all its associated awarding bodies to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date. Whenever appropriate, the College will obtain Unique Learner Numbers for any student and communicate this with a relevant awarding body.