Musical Theatre Audition Guide
For entry in September 2026
This audition path is the audition process for our Musical Theatre programmes: BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and Foundation Musical Theatre.
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Musical Theatre guide
1. Audition process
There is a two-stage audition process for the IAB Foundation Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Musical Theatre programmes.
- The first stage is the submission of a video audition. Applicants who demonstrate an appropriate entry-level technique move forward to the second stage.
- The second stage is a live online or in-person audition, plus one-to-one interview.
First stage: Video submission
Following submission of the application form, you will be asked to submit the first stage video footage requirements within two weeks. You need to submit:
1. Singing videos
Present two contrasting songs from the musical theatre genre. Both songs are to be sung in English:
- One song should be a ballad and one song should be up-tempo.
- One of the songs should be written before 1965 and one song should be written after 1965 – it is your choice which is the ballad or up-tempo.
- You must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (meaning singing without music).
- Each song file should be 60-90 seconds. This time limit includes the introduction (slate) at the beginning of the piece and must be strictly adhered to; do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds.
- The proper slate for a song is to share your name, the song title, and the musical in which it appears.
- Songs should be filmed in a 3⁄4 shot, this means the top of the head to the knees should be visible in the frame.
2. Acting video
Present one contemporary monologue (written after 1900), in English.
- The monologue must be from a published play or musical; it cannot be taken from a television show or a movie.
- Each monologue file should be 60-90 seconds in length. This time limit includes the introduction (slate) at the beginning of the piece and must be strictly adhered to; do not upload media files longer than 90 seconds.
- The proper slate for a monologue is to share your name, the title of the play, the character’s name and the playwright.
- The monologue should be filmed in a “close-up” shot which means the top of the head to the chest should be visible in the frame.
3. Dance videos
Present a 60-second jazz dance combination.
- All dance footage should be filmed in a “full body” shot, taking care to keep your entire body in the frame at all times.
- You do not need to introduce (slate) the dance footage.
- The choreography and the movement should be story-driven and connected to the music where the applicant is dancing with a sense of purpose. Use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well.
- Dance footage can be self-choreographed, but must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
- All choreography must be performed to music; no “a cappella” dance footage.
4. Wild card video – optional
This media can be anything you want – a special skill, another dance style (i.e. tap, an instrument you play, etc.). “What do you want us to know about you?” and “What makes you unique?”
Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds. You do not need to introduce (slate) in any wild card media.
Video production and submission
Do not worry about technical production values. Simply ensure that:
- There is adequate light – always video with the principle light source behind the camera.
- There is no background noise, except for the music, as you record your footage.
- You are encouraged to use standard technology/recording devices (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.)
- Each piece should be filmed/uploaded as a separate piece of media. No continuous videos.
- Upload the videos to YouTube and create an unlisted YouTube playlist for the videos. Ensure the link can be viewed by anyone with the link (test in a private browser). One link to the YouTube playlist should be submitted to [email protected]
Second stage: Live online or in-person
After reviewing the first-stage videos, applicants who demonstrate an appropriate entry-level technique will be invited to move forward to the second stage.
At the start of the audition, the musical theatre team will introduce themselves and explain the audition process. The audition start time will be listed on the IAB website. You will be given a breakdown of timings and approximate end time in advance of the audition.
1. Dance
Participation in a short tutor-led ballet and jazz masterclass. Preparation of a solo is not required.
2. Individual presentation of material and interview
This may include:
- Individual presentation of two contrasting songs – see guidance above. You can present the same songs as the first stage audition.
- One monologue – see guidance above. You can present the same monologue as the first stage.
- Individual interview and discussion about your previous training and your personal aspirations as a musical theatre performer.
2. Audition type
You can choose between three types of audition types: On-Campus, In-Person or Live Online.
1. In-person or on-campus audition
Plan your travel in advance and stay overnight locally if you need to. Arrive early to warm up. You will receive location details in advance.
Bring your sheet music with you, in the correct key, sellotaped together or in a folder – no loose pages.
2. Live online audition
We recommend that you hire a dance studio for the dance part of the online audition.
However, you can do the audition from a safe and suitable space at home if you do not have access to a dance studio.
If you are joining from your home, use the back of a sturdy chair to hold on to in ballet, instead of a barre. Avoid outdoor locations as it will be hard to see the screen and hear what is being said.
You will need a space in which you can move your limbs safely and freely, as well as be able to take a few steps in a given direction. We will suggest the use of alternative directions during the auditions should there be the need.
Checklist for before the audition
Before the audition:
- Check we can see your full body through the camera of your device, place it at a good distance and if needed lift it or lower it accordingly.
- Make sure the camera of your device is not facing a window, as the light will not allow us to see you properly.
- Do a test Zoom call with a friend or family on the device you will use for the audition.
- Make sure the device is not set to auto-zoom in on your face.
- You will need a computer or mobile device with a camera, and a good speed internet connection which will allow you to stay connected on Zoom throughout the audition.
- You will need another device for playing the backing music to your songs as it will interfere with the sound on Zoom if you try to play the music on the same device.
- Ensure your name displays in Zoom as your full name. If you are using someone else’s Zoom account, change the Zoom name via ‘Rename’.
- If you are in a different time zone to Spain, double check the audition start time for your time zone.
3. Frequently asked questions
1. What do I need to wear?
For the dance elements, wear appropriate dancewear that enables us to see clear lines, placement and technical and performance skills. For the acting and singing elements, wear clothes appropriate for a formal audition.
2. Will my audition be filmed?
Yes. We record our auditions to share with appropriate members of staff in order to assess your suitability for our programmes.
3. Will my audition take place with other people?
The dance elements will be led by one of our dance teachers with other applicants. The interview will be on a one-to-one basis.
4. Can I do the second audition via video?
In exceptional circumstances, upon application and at the discretion of the audition team, applicants can audition via video for the second audition. Details will be provided if the video audition application is approved. An online interview will still be required.
5. How can I prepare for my interview?
Think about your answers to possible questions such as:
- Why do you want to study this programme?
- Why do you want to come to the IAB?
- Who has influenced you from the world of musical theatre?
- What live performance/stage experience do you have?
- Which professional performances have you seen?
- What do you want to do after your time at the IAB?
6. What are you looking for in a successful applicant?
A successful applicant will evidence their skills, knowledge of the subject, enthusiasm and commitment for their chosen programme. Look below at the criteria section – this will explain exactly what we are looking for.
7. Can I use a language other than English in the audition pieces and interview?
No, all our programmes are fully taught and assessed in English therefore all spoken elements of the audition must be undertaken in English.
8. When will I know the outcome of my audition?
You will be informed of the outcome of your first stage process at least one week prior to the live audition date.
If you are invited to the second stage audition, we aim to inform you of the outcome within four weeks of your audition. You may be offered a place on the programme, placed on a reserve/waiting list, offered a place on an alternative programme or rejected from the programme.
9. What are the requirements if I am disabled?
If you are registered as disabled, contact the IAB. Please note, we do not vary the criteria we use but we do recognise that people with disabilities may demonstrate meeting those criteria in a different way.
10. Who do I contact if I still have a question?
Contact us through the contact form for any questions regarding the audition process.
4. Assessment Criteria
| Criteria | Evidenced by/in |
|---|---|
|
Dance Technique: Alignment, musicality and flexibility. |
Dance |
|
Singing: Clarity of tone, intonation, timing/rhythm, phrasing, vocal range, characterisation and embodiment of style. |
Songs |
|
Voice: How you use your voice, tone, variation, timing, rhythm and pause. |
Monologue |
|
Physicality: How you move, use your body to convey character and meaning. |
Songs, monologue and dance |
|
Presence: This is the life you instil in the songs, your acted character, your dance work and your responsiveness to given direction. |
Songs, monologue, dance and interview |
|
Engagement: Your interest in musical theatre and the programme. |
Application and interview |
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Your health and safety are of paramount importance to us. The staff members leading the audition are experienced professionals and will not ask you to do anything which will impact on your health and safety. If you feel unprepared for any specific exercise or activity or feel that it may cause you injury, let the member of staff know and you should refrain from undertaking it. Be sure to state any injuries on your application form.
