Five Errors Students Make in College Auditions That Will Disqualify Them Immediately

by Chris Peterson

College acting auditions are high-stakes moments for aspiring actors, especially for students eager to land acceptance into competitive programs. While auditions are inherently subjective, certain errors can disqualify students outright, regardless of their talent. Here are five critical mistakes that I’ve seen during my time adjudicating college acting auditions to avoid.

Note: These pertain to acting programs as opposed to musical theatre auditions

Choosing an Inappropriate Monologue

Selecting the wrong material is one of the most common errors students make, and it can doom their audition before they even begin. Monologues that are overdone, age-inappropriate, or sexually inappropriate can make it difficult for the panel to envision the student in a role.

Choose a monologue that aligns with your age and emotional range. Research the audition requirements thoroughly and select pieces that showcase your versatility and fit the context of the role or program.

Failing to Prepare Properly

Lack of preparation is a surefire way to disqualify yourself in an audition. Whether it’s forgetting lines or struggling to convey emotions, a poorly prepared performance signals a lack of professionalism and commitment. Educators want to see that you’ve invested time and effort into understanding your material, as this reflects how you’ll approach rehearsals and performances.

Memorize your material well in advance and practice until you can perform it naturally and confidently. Work with a coach or trusted peer to refine your delivery, and rehearse in conditions similar to the audition environment to minimize nerves.

Ignoring the Given Instructions

Ignoring or misunderstanding audition instructions is a major red flag. Common examples include exceeding the time limit, bringing inappropriate materials, or failing to follow specific requests. Disregarding guidelines suggests a lack of attention to detail, which can frustrate educators.

Read all audition instructions carefully and double-check the requirements. If you have questions, ask them well ahead of time to avoid last-minute confusion. Show respect for the process by adhering strictly to what’s been asked.

Overacting or Underacting

Both overacting and underacting can disqualify students, as they disrupt the authenticity educators look for in a performance. Overacting—marked by exaggerated gestures, facial expressions, and melodramatic delivery—can make a performance feel artificial and forced. Conversely, underacting, where emotions are subdued or nonexistent, makes it hard for the panel to connect with the character.

Strike a balance by focusing on genuine emotional connection rather than theatricality for its own sake. Understand the stakes and objectives of your character within the monologue, and let your performance flow naturally from their motivations. Practicing with feedback from others can help you calibrate your intensity.

Displaying Unprofessional Behavior

Unprofessional behavior, whether before, during, or after the audition, can ruin an otherwise solid performance. Arriving late, being rude to staff, interrupting the panel, or making excuses for poor preparation are surefire ways to alienate the people who hold your fate in their hands. Even subtle actions, like appearing disinterested or dismissive, can create a negative impression.

Arrive early, dressed appropriately, and with all required materials in hand. Treat everyone involved in the audition process with respect, from the receptionist to the director. Maintain a positive and open attitude, even if the audition doesn’t go as planned. Gratitude and professionalism can leave a lasting impression.

Drama auditions are opportunities to showcase not only your talent but also your preparedness and professionalism. By avoiding these five critical errors—choosing inappropriate material, failing to prepare, ignoring instructions, overacting or underacting, and displaying unprofessional behavior—you’ll significantly increase your chances of success.

Remember, auditions aren’t just about performing well; they’re about demonstrating that you’re someone directors and casting agents will want to work with throughout the production process. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can make the most of every audition opportunity.