NotaPushyMum.Com

I was wondering if you could help me out at all. Last year I auditioned for the MA Acting at ALRA and got a recall (and was given personal feedback at the end of it asking me to go away and improve on my self-confidence and apply to audition as soon as applications open in September (I auditioned on the very last day of auditions for this year in may), despite them earlier saying no personal feedback will be given). I applied and have my audition coming up later this month. I was just wondering- I had two contrasting monologues that went down well last year. I have obviously worked on them again and learnt a few more alternatives since then (and done professional acting work etc so have lots to chat about if I get to the interview stage) but I was still planning on doing the ones I did last year as I prefer them. However I am now worried that if I go into the audition doing the same speeches I did last year would the panel think I haven't bothered and am lazy? Should I change my speeches anyway or should I stick with my first choice ones even though I did them last year?

I think this is one for pg

My DD re-auditioned. She chose new monologues (as she wanted a change) but took the older ones as back up in case asked. I would think you should do the ones you do best - but as I said dont think I am the besto give advice on this.

I think I do the old ones the best- which is partly the dilemma! I've used them in pro auditions too and even if I haven't always got the job I have had recalls using them before or very positive feedback. That's interesting to hear about your daughter though. Its strange, considering how many books and websites say it is likely you will have to audition multiple times to get in (a fact that sadly we are all to aware of on here-though it does make you more determined the following year!) that there is no advice on this anywhere! Now where is the lovely pg when you need her?

Hello!

It is a dilemma and I can see why you are uncertain what to do for the best. I'm not sure I have the answer really.

I think it's worth examining whether you are hanging on to the safety of the ones you know well. It can feel very risky to try something new (as well as it being difficult to find good pieces) but I honestly think it can be beneficial to be brave and go for something new and different. I think there's often a tendency to use tried and trusted pieces which feel safe and comfortable and are sometimes, therefore, a bit stale.

I would suggest looking for new pieces, learning a couple of new ones and if you really don't feel they are as good as the old ones, then go with the ones you did last time. If you are challenged about it, you can explain your reasons and offer to do the new pieces. I do think they will have a note of what you did last time, so you are right to consider this as a potential drawback.

On balance, I do think new pieces would be better though. The extra adrenalin will certainly make you sparkle!