How to Prepare for UNIFIED Auditions

Written by Michelle Evans

January 11, 2018

The college audition process is difficult to say the least. However, there is one option to help make your process a little easier — and that is UNIFIEDS. These are held in 3 major cities, New York (Jan 20-21), Chicago (February 5-8), and Los Angeles (February 10-11). This year, UNIFIEDS are hosting 26 universities, so it can be a great way to knock out several auditions and only pay for one plane ticket and hotel room. However, since you will be auditioning for multiple programs at once, it is even more important to be ready. Below you will find some great ways to help you prepare for your UNIFIED auditions!

Pack smart.

You will most likely be auditioning over a course of a few days, so make sure that you pack EVERYTHING you need. Make a checklist before you leave that includes not only your attire but also everything for your audition. Make sure to bring back-up audition clothes! Girls, bring comfortable shoes to walk in and slip on those killer heels before you walk into the audition room! Think about bringing things like lint rollers, strain remover pens, and safety pins. You never know when you might have to make a quick adjustment. Another item to consider bringing is a personal speaker, not only for practicing but I have had students in the past that need them for their actual audition. Better to be safe than sorry!

Don’t check that bag!

If you are flying, make sure that you bring a carry-on bag containing all your audition essentials: audition/repertoire book, headshots, music, phone charger, and audition outfit. All your audition materials should be in that bag as well as ANYTHING necessary that you can’t pick up at a local store. You don’t know how many horror stories there are of baggage getting lost and people not having their audition materials. Don’t let that be you!

Map and time it out.

Colleges and Universities have their audition rooms spread out over the expansive spaces that host UNIFEDS. To keep your nerves down, it is important to know exactly where you are going and how long it will take you to get there. Think about checking into your hotel a little early and walking the paths to your auditions before-hand so there are no surprises the day of your audition. If you are headed to NY UNIFIEDS, you need to know that you will be doing a lot more traveling because the locations are held at several different locations. Chicago UNIFIEDS are all housed at the Palmer House, so there is still walking but you don’t have to go outside. LA UNIFIEDS are held at the Westin, so even if you do have to travel outside you don’t have to worry about the cold! It is also a good idea to book auditions with other schools that might be in the same city as your UNIFIED destination, those schools usually do not attend UNIFIEDS but will have audition dates during those weekends to help out travelers.

Good health is #1.

If you are headed to UNIFIEDS soon, it is super important to make sure that you are taking the best care of yourself that you can. Get 8-10 hours of sleep, take your vitamins, cut out sugars and processed foods and keep your body in shape. Planes and hotels are notorious for being dry places because of their air filtration systems. Dry air is no friend to an actor. Make sure that you are staying hydrated and keeping those vocal cords healthy and hydrated as well. Many performers will aid the help of personal nebulizers, essential oils, and other items to help them adjust to the not so favorable environment.

Water is your best friend!

This may seem extreme, but other drinks like teas and coffee can dehydrate your body. Remember that your vocal cords need to stay hydrated. Water not only helps to hydrate but it also helps you to flush the rest of the toxins out of your body. It takes 10 oz. of water just to flush away the effects of 10 oz. of soda/tea. So, go ahead and bite the bullet and get yourself on a daily regimen of only water. Your body and vocal cords will thank you!

Added bonus!

Be on the lookout during UNIFIEDs for Walk-Up auditions. When a college or university has extra spots open, they will put out a walk-up list. You will not know before-hand who will or will not have walk-ups, but if you see one, sign up! The best part about these auditions is that you don’t have to worry about the application fees and audition fees until after you know if they want you!

Have fun.

The most important thing is to have fun! Remember that you LOVE this. Even though it can be a stressful couple of days, it shouldn’t steal your joy. So take a deep breath, relax, and try to enjoy every minute of the process!



Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Michelle J. Evans is a sought after private acting and college audition coach based out of the Atlanta area. She has had a long career as a performer, director and instructor and is currently on staff with The Performer’s Warehouse. Michelle spends most of her time to training high school and college aged performers on how to have successful careers in the performing arts. You can find out more about her and upcoming projects at www.michellejevans.com.