How to Audition for a Creative and Performing Arts Course

To get started, you'll need to apply for your chosen course:

• Diploma of Music (CC41)
• Diploma of Theatre (CL01)
• Bachelor of Music (CG51)
• Bachelor of Theatre (CG72)
• Master of Arts (CM63)

You'll find more information about the application process in the How To Apply section of our course pages.

Audition Guidelines

For each of the courses and their specialisations, there are varying audition requirements. Where applicable, these are outlined in the Audition Guidelines section below.

Audition Locations

You can attend a live audition in Mackay or Cairns or submit an online audition.

Register for an Audition

Register for an audition by completing the online audition form.

Ensure you complete all boxes marked with a red asterisk (*) as your application cannot be processed without providing this information.

Prior to your audition, you'll need to email the following supporting documentation to [email protected]: 

Artistic Resume

• Your artistic resume should include the following:
• performance history (including workshops and masterclasses)
• relevant awards, certificates, licenses or diplomas (e.g., AMEB, RAD)
• any evidence of community or volunteer work
• contact information
• headshot.

Doctor's Certificate

For those applying for music theatre or drama only you will also need to supply a doctor’s certificate. The doctor’s certificate should state you:

• are fit and healthy
• have no pre-existing conditions that may prevent you from doing any required medium to high aerobic dance and stage activities
• have no pre-existing conditions that may affect your ability to sing or use your voice.

In-person Auditions

If you’re auditioning in-person in Cairns or Mackay, ensure you attend at the confirmed time and campus location and follow the instructions of our staff.

Online Auditions

If you’re auditioning online, you must ensure:

• Your audition is filmed in an appropriate rehearsal or performance space so you get the best quality image and sound.
• You are fully visible in the camera frame and your hands (instrumentalists) and torso (singers) are clearly visible.
• You begin the audition by giving your name, age and state why you want to study with us.
• If you upload your audition to a YouTube channel, you must email the link to the Audition Administrator via [email protected]. All audition materials must meet the same requirements as in-person auditions.

For both in-person and online auditions, please ensure you bring or provide your supporting documentation as outlined in Step 3.

If you have any questions, or cannot attend at your scheduled time, contact the Audition Administrator on +61 7 4940 7801 or [email protected].

Instrumentalists (except drummers)

Instrumentalist will need to:

• perform two contrasting pieces in any style.
• each piece needs to be no longer than 5 minutes.

Drummers

Drummers will need to perform three contrasting grooves, in various tempos (slow, medium and fast), that must include at least one rock, jazz and Latin related style.

Examples include:

• rock
• rock ballad
• heavy metal
• shuffle
• funk
• R&B/Motown
• swing
• bossa nova
• samba
• performing one solo drum piece of your own choice.

Vocalists

Vocalists will need to:

• perform two contrasting songs in any style.
• each song needs to be no longer than 3 minutes.

What we are looking for is:

• the potential for you to develop all aspects of music practice, both practical and theoretical
• whether you have a passion, commitment and suitability for a career in music and allied creative arts areas.

Instrumentalists (Except Drummers)

Instrumentalists may include - trumpet, trombone, saxophone, flute, clarinet, piano, guitar and bass. You will need to perform two contrasting pieces.

1. one must be classical or popular music.
2. the other must be jazz-oriented and include some elements of improvisation.

The two pieces must be performed with a backing track or live accompaniment as appropriate.

Suitable jazz blues tunes include:

• Now's the Time (Blues)
• Blue Monk
• C Jam Blues

Suitable jazz standard tunes include:

• Blue Bossa
• Summertime
• Watermelon Man
• Cantaloupe Island

Drummers

Drummers will need to perform three contrasting grooves, in various tempos (slow, medium and fast), that must include at least one rock, jazz and Latin-related style.

Examples include:

• rock
• rock ballad
• heavy metal
• shuffle
• funk
• R&B/Motown
• swing
• bossa nova
• samba

You will also need to perform one solo drum piece of your own choice.

Vocalists

Vocalists will need to perform two contrasting songs.

• one must be classical, music theatre or popular music.
• the other must be jazz-oriented and include some elements of improvisation.

The two songs must be performed with a backing track or live accompaniment as appropriate.

Suitable vocal jazz tunes include:

• Don't Get Around Much Anymore
• That Old Feeling
• Almost Like Being in Love
• Summertime
• Night and Day

What we are looking for is:

• the potential for you to develop all aspects of acting and drama, and be a performer who displays overt traits of imagination and courage to take artistic risks
• whether you have a passion, commitment and suitability for a career in theatre and allied performing arts areas.

Monologues

You will need to prepare two monologues from memory and include:

• one classical monologue; and
• one contemporary monologue.

Classical monologue

You need to choose your monologue carefully and should discuss this with a teacher.

The classical monologue may be from a:

• Shakespearean play; or
• Greek play (in verse translation); or
• play by Marlowe, Sheridan or Kyd

You can find classical monologues in monologue books or on the Internet.

Contemporary monologue

You will also need to perform one contemporary monologue.

The contemporary monologue must be:

• a selection from a modern play (anything written from the 1950s to the present day)
• at least two minutes in length.

You can find contemporary monologues in monologue books and play scripts. Some may be available on the Internet.

What we are looking for is:

• The potential for you to develop all aspects of acting, singing and dance and be a performer who displays overt traits of imagination and courage to take artistic risks.
• Whether you have a passion, commitment and suitability for a career in music theatre and allied performing arts areas.

You will be required to perform three elements for your audition which are to:

Sing

You will need to perform two contrasting songs from musicals. You can:

• use your own accompanist, or
• use suitable backing tracks recorded on a CD or iPod. Please bring along your own playback device.

Act

You will need to perform from memory one contemporary monologue. The contemporary monologue must be:

• a selection from a modern play (anything written from the 1950s to the present day)
• no more than two minutes in length.

You can find contemporary monologues in monologue books and play scripts. Some may be available on the Internet.

Dance

You will need to perform a dance/movement routine. The dance routine must be:

• any dance style
• no more than 3 minutes long.

You must provide your own pre-recorded accompaniment for the dance/movement routine and bring along your own playback device.

You may be asked some follow-up questions during the interview that are based on the information you provide and your portfolio.

What we are looking for is:

• your commitment to becoming a professional theatre worker who can display commitment and imagination
• the extent to which training will reveal your full potential.