What are the National Unified Auditions?

National Unified Auditions (NUA), are annual events where colleges, universities, and performing arts conservatories audition prospective students. The auditions are held in several cities across the country and usually last two to three days. Most participating colleges require students to apply in advance or submit a pre-screen, while some may also accept walk-in auditions at the NUA event.

Pros and Cons of Attending Unified Auditions

Attending NUA is a personal decision and depends on individual factors. Here are some things to consider:

Pros:

  • Cost and Convenience: NUA provides a cost-effective and convenient way to audition for multiple schools in one place. This can save money compared to visiting individual schools across the country.
  • Discovery: With many schools in attendance, NUA offers the opportunity to discover programs that may not have been on your radar. 
  • Faculty Access: The faculty members who evaluate you at NUA are current faculty from their respective schools. They can answer questions about their programs and provide insights.

Cons:

  • High Energy Environment on Day 1: NUA can be crowded, high energy, and stressful on the first day, making it a challenging environment for some young performers. However, the subsequent days are much calmer.
  • Limited Campus Experience: You only audition in the hotel and don’t get to see the campus, which can impact your understanding of the school community and facilities.
  • All or Nothing: With a compressed time period, the pressure can be intense, and if you get sick, the whole week can be a bust. On the other hand, you can get multiple auditions over and done quickly.

How to Prepare for Unified Auditions

There is some variation in audition requirements among schools, so it’s essential to check each school’s website individually and carefully review the information sent to you by the school when you are invited to audition following prescreens. Here are some preparation tips:

  • Research each university for the program’s mission and become familiar with the program/course offerings. 
  • Be prepared to ask each program two questions to which the answers cannot be found on the college’s website.
  • Know the exact audition material you are supposed to provide (i.e. how many monologues and what types, how many songs, etc.)
  • Know the date, time, and location of each of your auditions before you arrive at NUA.
  • Your audition starts when you enter the airport – You never know if a college director is near you that is also going to Unifieds. 
  • Arrive and check into your audition at least 15 minutes early but recommend 30 minutes before.
  • Read the information sent to you from the colleges carefully. All schools are different and ask for different things in their auditions.
  • Organize and Prepare: Create a spreadsheet to keep track of audition requirements and to ensure you are well organized. Most musical theater programs require two songs and two monologues that contrast each other. Many will also require a dance audition.
  • Audition Playlist and Equipment: Most schools now require students to use their own phones and speakers to play accompaniment tracks. Ensure you have created a playlist and tested the equipment.
  • Have Extra Material Prepared: Some program directors will request an additional song or monologue during your audition. Be sure to have multiple tracks available on your phone.
  • Know Your Type: Choose material that fits your age, gender, race, and personal identity. Find songs and monologues that you can relate to and identify with.
  • Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your strengths, whether it’s a robust belt voice or comedic timing.
  • Avoid Offensive Material: Avoid material that contains foul language, racial slurs, or sexual content.
  • Choose a Song You Can Sing Sick: The height of cold and flu season is January, so choose at least one song that is less rangy in case you become vocally compromised.

What Happens During Unified Auditions?

During an NUA audition, you will be called into the room and greeted by faculty members. Generally, you will have three to five minutes to perform your songs and monologues. During the interview portion, maintain a calm attitude and listen carefully to questions. Make the most of your short time in the room by being confident, showing your best self, and being as effective as you can.

You may be asked to pair up with another student to do a brief scene or asked to sing an additional song or participate in a group exercise.  Some schools have callbacks during your audition time. Plan your audition carefully so you don’t miss an audition at one school because you are called back at another.

And remember, the audition panel understands that you are nervous and wants you to succeed!

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