Audition Process

Audition requirements vary by program, instrument, and degree. Pre-screen materials are required of undergraduate musical theater applicants and select music programs. Incomplete audition requirements may result in an incomplete application. Find the pre-screen and audition requirements for your program below.

Dance  |  Music  |  Theater

Applicants schedule auditions through the application portal under My Events. Instructions will be sent via email within 24 hours of application submission. If your major requires a pre-screen, you must first submit pre-screen materials in order to be considered for a live audition. Audition registrations are available on a first-come, first-served basis as applications are submitted.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to audition in person at the Conservatory whenever possible. The Conservatory recognizes, however, that travel can be costly and offers alternatives in the form of regional, online, and recorded auditions, as permitted. Regional auditions are conducted by faculty adjudicators and are considered equal to on-campus auditions. Please view the following audition dates for details.

Audition Dates and Locations

If you need to change or cancel your audition, simply log back in to your application portal, scroll down to My Events, and update your registration or sign up for a new event. Please note that audition dates and times are subject to change. You will be notified in the event that any changes to your audition are required. Contact the Auditions Office at auditions@berklee.edu if you have any questions.

Online auditions are completed from the comfort of your own space. We use Zoom to host our online auditions, so you’ll complete your audition through a live video chat with Conservatory faculty and staff members. When registering for your audition in the application portal, online auditions will be specified in the event name.

All online audition and interview dates and times are listed in eastern time (EST). Please be sure you convert the date and time you received to your local time zone.

Requirements for an Online Audition

There are a few technology and space requirements to complete your audition and interview online, which you can learn more about below.

Internet Speed and Set Up

To ensure an optimal audition experience, complete the following speed tests and set up your internet accordingly. When checking your internet speed, you should manually connect to a server in Boston—view video instructions on how to do so. The required minimum speeds to be considered for an online audition and interview are as follows:

Download: 0.5 mbps
Upload: 0.5 mbps

Test your internet connection

We also recommend using a direct ethernet connection as opposed to a wireless connection for optimal experience, if possible.

Test Zoom Meeting

Before the day of your audition, make sure to complete a Zoom test meeting to ensure your computer and internet work with this system. Please test your camera and microphone as well. You may need to download and run Zoom on your desktop in order to join. Please watch this Zoom how-to video for details on how to join a meeting.

Optimizing Your Sound

In advance of your online audition, we recommend that you download and review our guide for optimizing your audio below.

Optimize Your Audio

The optimal setup includes an audio interface or corded headphones with an external microphone. You may use wired headphones with a built-in microphone if this is the equipment available to you. Do not use bluetooth headphones.

We suggest using one microphone, as multiple microphones may overload the system and cause your audio to cut out. If you require multiple microphones, please make sure they're compatible with the Zoom platform and you know how to connect them as your main audio source prior to the beginning of your audition.

If you are accompanying yourself, make sure we can hear both you and the accompaniment.

On the Audition Day

On the day of your online audition, we recommend asking other users on your network to refrain from taking up bandwidth during your audition (e.g., downloading files or streaming video), as well as closing all other applications and windows on your computer. The week of your audition, you will receive an email with detailed instructions about logging in to the online audition lobby. Once you're logged in, use the chat feature to connect with an admissions staff member who will assign you to your audition breakout room at your scheduled time.

In addition, make sure that you have access to:

• a private room without interruption,
• a computer with an internet connection and audio/video capability (a laptop or desktop computer with built-in audio/video is preferred),
• headphones with a built-in microphone, and
• all instruments and accompaniment needed to participate

If you have questions regarding an online audition, please contact us at auditions@berklee.edu. If you are unable to conduct an online audition, please contact the Office of Admissions at bcb@berklee.edu and request to audition by recording (if permitted for your intended program).

WATCH: What to Expect for Your Online Audition

WATCH: How to Set Up Your Space for Your Online Audition

Students are encouraged to audition live, whether in person or online. If you are experiencing extenuating circumstances and are unable to participate in an in-person or online audition, please contact bcb@berklee.edu.

Berklee is committed to providing equitable access to our auditions and interviews. Please contact admissions@berklee.edu to inquire about any accommodation or accessibility needs.