Don’t Make Your College Audition Memorable for the Wrong Reasons
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
It’s BFA audition season. You’ve been rehearsing for months, perfecting your monologues, picking the right song, maybe even investing in some coaching. You step into that audition room ready to show these college faculty members exactly why you belong in their program. This is your moment.
And then—disaster.
Not because you forgot your lines. Not because your voice cracked. But because you chose entirely the wrong material.
The Audition Horror Story I’ll Never Forget
A few years ago, I sat in on a round of college auditions, watching student after student come in and do their best. Some nailed it, some struggled, but most understood the assignment: showcase your talent, pick material that serves you well, and keep it professional.
And then, there was Jake.
Jake walked in confidently, introduced himself, and launched into a monologue from The Motherf**er with the Hat* by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Now, if you’re unfamiliar with this play, let’s just say the title alone should be a red flag. But Jake wasn’t doing just any monologue—he had chosen a section where Jackie, the main character, delivers a very explicit, profanity-laden rant about his girlfriend’s infidelity.
Within seconds, the tension in the room was unbearable.
The language was harsh. The content was graphic. He was yelling about sex, betrayal, and using words that would make even the most seasoned faculty member wince. One professor subtly cleared their throat. Another shifted in their seat. The note-taker, who had been diligently scribbling down feedback all day, simply put down their pen.
Jake, unfortunately, was fully committed. He thought he was giving us a raw, fearless performance. What he actually gave us was two full minutes of discomfort, where everyone in the room wanted to teleport anywhere else.
When he finally—finally—finished, there was a long, painful silence. Then a polite “thank you.” And that was it. The moment he walked out, one faculty member exhaled and muttered, “Why do they keep doing this to us?”
What Went Wrong?
Jake wasn’t a bad actor. But he tanked his audition because he made the worst possible choice: he thought shock value would impress people.
It won’t.
When you’re auditioning for a BFA program, you’re performing for faculty who have seen everything. They don’t need to be shocked. They need to see your skills. They want to know that you understand text, can make strong choices, and—most importantly—have good instincts about what is and isn’t appropriate for this setting.
How to Avoid an Audition Disaster
Know Your Audience. A college audition is not the time to perform an experimental, boundary-pushing monologue full of R-rated content.
Avoid Explicit Material. If your piece includes graphic violence, excessive profanity, or anything sexual—cut it. Just don’t.
Do Your Research. Stick to plays that are respected and commonly used for auditions. If you have to ask, “Is this too much?” it probably is.
Get a Second Opinion. Run your monologue by a theatre teacher, coach, or someone who’s been through the process before.
Less Is More. You don’t need shock value to stand out. Pick something that highlights your talent, not something that makes the panel uncomfortable.
Your goal in that audition room is to be remembered for the right reasons. Don’t be the cautionary tale. Pick a strong, appropriate piece, bring your best performance, and leave knowing that you gave them exactly what they wanted to see—you.