VIDEOS & PRE-SCREENS
You can find excellent resources on my helpful links page. Below is a list of top tips, and things we learned in the process.
You may find my November published 'Tis the Season for Prescreens blog post helpful.
In 2019, a Common Pre-Screen was developed and is being used by many schools. Click the button below to access the site with all the information on the Common Pre-Screen.

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Prepare and rehearse your material at a high level before you begin recording
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Make sure you know what you need to record. Make a list and look for any overlaps.
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IF you don't have a list, look at my "Where to start? Prepare..." box on the right.
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Wear a flattering color and outfit.
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Speak just to the left or right of the lens as your "scene partner".
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Find a neutral space to film in with no distractions in the background.
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If using a cell phone, ipad or tablet, place it horizontally.
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Use a tripod or something to keep the camera or phone steady.
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Don't include the accompanist in the shot (they're not auditioning!)
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Review the framing of the shot they'd like, if none is listed, waist up should suffice for monologues and songs, full body for Shakespeare and dance.
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Slate with your name and the name of your piece before each cut. Some colleges are specific about how they want your slate, but you can always edit it out.
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Check the sound after a short take:
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Does it sound like you're singing into a tin can?
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Is the piano/accomp louder than the voice?
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Are the high or low notes distorted?
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Review each take, make adjustments and re-record as needed
WHERE TO START?
PREPARE...
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60-90 second monologue
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60-90 second uptempo song
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60-90 second ballad
-- then add --
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60-90 second contrasting monologue
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60 second "wild-card" video