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Acting Practical Selection Day

Why do we ask you to participate in a Practical Selection Day?

Practical Selection Days are a key part of our selection process because Acting requires specific skills and qualities. We want to give you the opportunity to demonstrate a solid performing foundation so we can help you grow in the long term. Watching you perform and collaborate in a workshop allows us to assess your current skill level and whether studying Acting at DMU is the right fit for you. Just going through the audition process shows your commitment and passion for the subject, so remember—we're on your side and want you to have a positive experience!

What are we looking for?

We’re not expecting perfect, professional actors (you’re here to learn!). We’re looking for potential and evidence of key qualities, such as:

  • Focus and concentration in performance
  • Vocal and physical communication skills
  • Ability to understand and embody a theatre text
  • Openness to direction
  • Confidence with language, pace, and rhythm

In the group workshop, we’ll also look for:

  • Creative risk-taking
  • Openness to tasks and others
  • Active participation and interaction
  • Creative and imaginative responses to instruction
  • Listening and building on others’ ideas

How can you prepare?

Prepare two contrasting monologues - one from the 21st century and one from before the 21st century. Don’t worry about performing it perfectly as rehearsed. We’ll likely ask you to re-try parts of your piece with feedback from our tutors, which will allow you to develop your material and show how you respond creatively to direction.

  • Choose appropriate material: pick a character that suits you, and avoid texts with extreme emotions like anger or crying.
  • Prepare: learn your texts well in advance, give your performance physical life, and share your work with others to get comfortable. Understand the full play, not just the scene.
  • Perform in your own voice: avoid putting on an accent or character voice.
  • Warm-up: on the day, warm up both vocally and physically. Try to relax and be yourself—we’re excited to see your unique qualities.

A typical weekday Practical Selection Day schedule:

12:30pm Check-in

1–1:30pm Course welcome presentation

1:30–3pm Practical workshop

3:15-5:15pm Individual auditions (15 mins per slot)

3:15-5:15pm Facilities tours

Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon, and you'll have the chance to chat with our current Acting students during the event.

Relaxed Practical Selection Day

This day is all about experiencing what it’s like to study Acting at DMU in a supportive, relaxed environment. If you have any questions, concerns, or specific learning needs, please reach out to the Acting course team or Applicant Events Team. We’re here to help!

Next steps

UK applicants

Once you have applied, if you meet our minimum entry requirements, you will be invited to attend a Practical Selection Day.

International applicants

Once you have applied, if you meet our minimum entry requirements you will be asked to attend meeting via MS Teams and submit an audition video in advance.

  1. Audition video advice

    Make sure your work showcases your performance skills and potential. We understand that students come from various backgrounds, so we’re looking for work that demonstrates not only your performance skills but also your potential to grow and develop in your chosen subject area.

    What we want to see:

    • A two to five-minute video.
    • Start with a short personal introduction—tell us about yourself, your performance skills, and your interest in the course.
    • Share a brief insight into your understanding of the methods and styles of performance you've learned, showing your enthusiasm and experience.
    • Research the specific features of your chosen course, as each focuses on contemporary practice.
    • Include a performance piece that showcases your skills—this could be a solo dance, monologue, or group performance. If it’s a group piece, make sure it’s clear who you are.

    How can you prepare?

    • Ensure the video represents you, showcasing your skills, creativity, and passion for your chosen subject.
    • There’s no right or wrong way—just make sure it’s clear what you’re trying to communicate.
    • Follow the advice specific to your course.

    Format

    • You should be clearly seen, but don’t worry about the filming location or editing skills—this won’t be judged.
    • Submit your video in .mp4, .MOV, or .AVI format.
    • Name your file using your name, student reference number, and course title.
    • Compress or zip your file to ensure it’s under 1GB.
    • Submit via www.mailbigfile.com/dmuac.

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Applicant Events Team applicantevents@dmu.ac.uk — we're here to help!

 

Contact

If you have any specific requirements or need additional support, please reach out to our Applicant Events Team at applicantevents@dmu.ac.uk.