Audition requirements for MA Directing

Admission to the MA Directing programme requires passing our two stage process. Stage one requires one successful digital self-tape of a directed piece of performance that meet the specific conditions outlined below with an accompanying statement, in addition to your application form and transcripts. If you are successful at stage one, you will then be invited to return for stage two which is an online interview.

Stage one

You are required to sumbit one digital self-tape of a directed piece of performance and a supporting statement on your approach to direction. Please follow the below guidance when making your submission:

Self-taped directed performance

Spoken introduction to the self-tape of directed work

Please introduce your full name, the title of the chosen play/performance text, the characters, the names of any actors that may be working with you, and the writer - all in English.

Time length

The filmed scene must be a maximum of four minutes in duration.

Number of characters

This filmed scene can feature one or two actors.

Actors

You are very welcome to direct yourself in a solo performance, or to direct yourself with another actor. Alternatively, you can opt not feature in the film as a performer and simply direct one or two actors.

Choice of play/performance texts

You are required to work with a scene from a play/performance source from after 1920 for one to two actors.

The chosen play/performance text can come from any culture and be in any performance style/genre you wish, but must be performed in English.

Memorisation

The actors used need to act from memory.

Format

This short scene must not be edited. This needs to be footage of a continuous performance of a monologue or duologue.

Staging and shots

Please use a wide shot throughout.

Sound quality

The sound quality should aim to be as clear as possible, so check your distance from the recording device. Mobile phone footage can often produce quite good results, as do cameras and laptops.

Staging 

Please film the actors standing/sitting/moving, some distance from the camera, so it takes in their full bodies and allows the space to present the characters and staging. Your actors do not need to wear any special costumes.

Technical specifications 

Please upload the short digital film to an easy to access platform such as YouTube, or Vimeo, and provide the password needed for access, if relevant. These links should be provided in the accompanying statement.

Access issues

Please advise us if there is anything about your video audition format that requires adjustment, so we can consider you on equal grounds to all applicants.

Accompanying statement about your directorial process

You are required to write 1000 words about what interested you about your chosen play and characters, and how you approached the direction of the work in the development of the scene. This must be uploaded as either a word document or a PDF with your application.

Stage two

If you are successful at stage one, you will be invited to attend an online interview.

Thank you and we wish you all the best,

MA Directing Team, Goldsmiths College.