College Musical Theatre Audition Myths: What You Really Need to Know

“Don’t ever sing an overdone song!"

"You have to go to a top-ten school.” 

Overwhelmed by all of the advice about what you SHOULD and SHOULDN’T do for your college pre-screens and auditions?

Let’s bust through some common myths and misconceptions about auditioning for College Musical Theatre Programs!

Meet Your Guide

Hi, I'm Julie Kavanagh, Program Director for BVC Aspire. I’m an actor and arts educator who has spent the past 10 years guiding students and parents through the college audition process. My goal? To bring a little more ease—and even some joy—to this rollercoaster of a journey.

Let’s get into myth-busting, shall we? 

❌ Only audition for your “Top 3 schools” 

While it’s great to have your dream schools and programs, it is essential to remain open and flexible throughout the college audition process and create a diverse list of schools. Some programs have an acceptance rate of less than 1% (That’s less than HARVARD! 🤯) 

Begin with a list of at least 12-15 schools, ranging from highly competitive to non-audition-based. And make sure that each school on your list has at least ONE THING you love about it! Building a comprehensive "school list" early in the process gives you time to understand each program and make informed decisions.

❌ Show off as much as you can in each of your audition pieces 

While it is important to showcase your various skills within your material, it is more important that you showcase your strengths and what you do best RIGHT NOW! 

Don’t focus on things that aren’t in your wheelhouse because you think the faculty at the school NEEDS to see them. You are going to school to learn, and the faculty is looking for potential, NOT perfection! 

❌ Don’t ever choose an “OVERDONE” song or monologue

Good material will be done a lot because, guess what, it's good! 

When it comes to audition pieces, it’s easy to feel like your choices are limited. After all, we can’t go back to 1955 and write more songs for the pre-1970s musical theatre canon! Or request a few new monologues by Shakespeare. So it’s inevitable that some of the greatest songs and monologues will be performed a lot in auditions.

And just because a piece is frequently heard in auditions doesn’t mean it’s automatically off limits. Why? It all depends on how YOU perform it. If you can truly knock it out of the park, connect to it, and love the piece, KEEP IT! However, if you find that you are performing an iconic piece and you are struggling with the technical elements or you are finding a way to make it your own, it’s okay to go back to the drawing board and explore something else! 

Your goal: pick material that allows you to perform at your best, whether it’s a widely heard classic or something less common. 

❌ Your resume needs to be STACKED to be considered for a Musical Theatre Program

Let’s bust this one right now: you do not need a jam-packed resume to get into a college MT program.

Every student comes into the process with a different background—and that’s OK! I’ve worked with fellow performers who hadn’t even been in a musical before college, and they still found the right programs and have gone on to thriving careers. 

What matters most is that your resume honestly reflects your experience and training. Don’t feel like you need to rush out and audition for that production of Annie just to add another line to your resume. Faculty are interested in your potential, your passion, and your willingness to learn. 

If you have done a ton of shows—awesome! But if you haven’t—that’s totally fine too. Training comes in many forms: private lessons, dance classes, community involvement, choir, or even self-guided learning.

Remember: You’re going to college to learn. Your resume is just one piece of the puzzle—not the whole picture.

❌ You MUST hire a videographer or have expensive equipment to film your pre-screen. 

Nope. You need to be seen and be heard. Good lighting, clear sound, and a clean backdrop are the three most important things you need, and you can achieve those right at home with a few simple pieces of equipment. 

• Good Lighting – Your lighting should come from in front of you and not from the side or behind. This can be achieved with a ring light, soft box lighting, or by filming during a time when you have great natural light that will ensure your face is visible.
  
• Clear Sound – Utilize an external speaker to play your accompaniment tracks and ensure that you are in a quiet environment with minimal additional noises or distractions.
  
• Clean Backdrop – A neutral, uncluttered background using a backdrop or blank wall keeps the focus where it belongs—on you. 

Make a checklist of what you will need. Schedule a run-through day to test out your tech. And then trust in your prep!

❌ You have to go to a “TOP TEN SCHOOL” to have a successful career 

I’ve been working professionally in this industry for almost 20 years, and I’ve crossed paths with performers from all kinds of backgrounds:

➡️ People who went to "top ten schools"
➡️ People who didn’t go to school at all
➡️ People who studied journalism and then made a career shift into the arts

There is no one right path.

What is essential is finding strong training with faculty who are connected to the industry now and who can guide you as you build a strong toolbox of skills you’ll use both as a performer and beyond.

The college musical theatre audition process is a rollercoaster, with a lot of noise and opinions. Free yourself from the myths and misconceptions that bog you down and instead focus on finding the right fit for you.

How BVC Aspire Can Help

At Aspire, we’re dedicated to providing a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to college audition prep. Our live coaching sessions, personalized repertoire selection, and one-on-one support mean that you never have to navigate this process alone.

From the moment you sign up until your child receives their acceptance—and beyond—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply want expert advice tailored to your family’s needs, consider joining Aspire. Our unique support system has helped countless families turn audition stress into a confident, streamlined journey.

Ready to lighten your load and to have less stress during college audition season?

📢 Learn more about Aspire and book a free consultation today!

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. With the right team by your side, even the toughest process becomes manageable—and, dare we say, enjoyable.