Dear college programs without a virtual audition: How dare you

by Drew Boudreau, Guest Editorial

In the wake of the pandemic and the refocus on social injustice in 2020, the theatrical world took a look at itself to re-evaluate its practices. Awake, it seemed, at last, to the reality that people had to undergo tremendous hurdles simply to audition for shows and colleges, virtual interaction became mainstream.

In a moment of hope, professional theatre and the college world alike adjusted.

Now in 2023, professionals are still sending in self-tapes for the most part–not having to take off work, or travel for the day for their initial audition. 

Colleges have largely retained a virtual option for most auditioning high school seniors, increasing access for folks who don’t have the means or time to travel. 

But there are still some schools that demand only in-person auditions.

On campus.

I’m sorry, but who the hell do you think you are?

I can understand not attending one of the many audition events around the country: Drewnifieds, The Unifieds, Pittsburgh, etc. After all, university arts departments operate on a shoestring budget. I don’t begrudge them not traveling to see students. 

But virtual auditions are free for you. And free for the student. 

What the actual fuck. 

Who do you think you are, that there’s no way to evaluate a student’s potential except in person?

There’s one BFA Musical Theatre school I’m thinking of in particular that is in a far-flung corner of the country. 

The airport only has flights from two big cities. It’s not easy to get to. 

And being that flights are limited, a student and their family has to revolve their schedule and their budget around those scant options.

• A flight for two is maybe $900

• Hotel for two nights, $300

• Cabs or Rental Cars, $100

You’re saying, with a serious face, that a family has to shell out $1300 just for the opportunity to audition for you?

And then you have the gall to say you’re “inclusive.” And you care about “equity.”

There are kids who love your school, who simply can’t afford to drop that kind of money on a whim. 

The obvious answer is virtual auditions.

• It’s budget-friendly.

• It’s convenient. 

• It’s accessible. 

So in the spirit of inclusion and equity, you say…no?

You’re nothing but social justice charlatans. Theatre can be a rich kid’s sport–we all know this. 

So how dare you make it even moreso, by demanding only those with more money & more free time audition for you. 

If 100 other schools can do it, so can you.