If you have a student who is interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts, then you may have heard of the National Unified Auditions. These auditions take place in three major cities in the United States: New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The National Unified Auditions (NUA) provide a unique opportunity for students to audition for multiple schools and programs all in one place. As a parent, it can be overwhelming to plan and prepare for these auditions, so here are some tips to help you navigate the process.
Do Your Research
Before you even consider attending the NUA, it’s important to do your research. Make sure that your student is interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts and that they are prepared for the audition process. Research the schools and programs that will be in attendance and make a list of those that your student is interested in. Most colleges will require a prescreen audition and your student will have to be invited to audition at NUA, however, several schools conduct walk-in auditions during NUA so there are opportunities without prescreens. Look into the audition requirements for each school and make sure that your student is prepared to meet those requirements.
Apply to the Colleges of Your Choice
The best way to land an audition at your chosen schools is to apply to each college individually, which most likely will require a prescreen video audition. The earlier a student applies, the earlier you will be invited to audition at NUA or onsite at the school. Read all prescreen information carefully and also review the particulars of the essays each college requires. Each school will notify the student if their prescreen is accepted and will invite them to audition at NUA, onsite at the school, or other opportunities.
Register for NUA Early
Once a student has been invited to audition at NUA, the earlier you register for your particular auditions, the more choices you have of dates and times. This is usually done through the Accptd clearing house website.NUA is one option for several of the schools at NUA or the schools are just in town at the same time. You’ll also want to make sure that you register for the correct city and date, as there are multiple options. Certain schools allow walk-in auditions and others don’t. If any schools you want to audition for have walk-ins available, make sure you get your name on their audition lists as soon as you arrive at NUA. If your preferred programs require all prospective students to schedule auditions, you’ll want to register and ask any questions you may have well in advance.
Prepare for the Audition
Once you’ve registered, it’s time to start preparing for the audition. Make sure that your student has a strong audition piece that showcases their talents. It’s also a good idea to have a backup piece just in case. Work with your student to rehearse their audition piece and make sure that they are comfortable with it. It’s also important to make sure that your student is physically and mentally prepared for the audition. Encourage them to get enough rest, eat well, and stay hydrated in the days leading up to the audition.
Plan Your Trip
Attending the NUA will likely require some travel, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance. Make sure that you have all the necessary travel documents and that your student has a valid ID. If you’re traveling to a city that you’re not familiar with, research the area and plan your accommodations accordingly. You’ll also want to make sure that you have transportation arranged to and from the audition venue if it is not within walking distance of your hotel.
Stay Positive
Finally, it’s important to stay positive throughout the audition process. Encourage your student to do their best, but also remind them that the audition is just one part of the process. It’s important to remember that there are many schools and programs out there, and even if your student doesn’t get into their top choice, there are other options available.
Attending the NUA can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be a rewarding one. As a parent, your role is to support and encourage your student throughout the process. By doing your research, preparing for the audition, planning your trip, and staying positive, you can help your student make the most of this opportunity.