Unifieds 2022
Regular Decision Audition Season is off and running! And that means Unifieds have arrived! After a year of fully virtual Unifieds, 2022 is rocking a decidedly hybrid vibe. It’s an ever-evolving landscape out there, but as always, we’re here to keep you prepped and informed on all the most important info.
What Should I Expect At Unifieds This Year?
This year (like every year), expect the unexpected! There’s a lot of last minute changes happening with live vs virtual audition schedules this year. Do your best to roll with the punches and take any hiccups in stride. Remember that you’re navigating uncharted waters here (schools and applicants alike), so you’re all in the same boat. Take things one step at a time, and remember it’s okay to ask for clarification or help. Oh, and most importantly - keep an eye on your email! Be diligent about checking for any updates as they can *truly* happen at any time.
What About Covid?
We’re still in a global pandemic, and safety is a top priority. If you are attending Unifieds in person, here are our top recs for a safe audition season:
1) Take Care of Yourself and Others: Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, mask up, and wash those hands! Always be mindful of personal space & be respectful of any rules, regulations, or stated boundaries.
2) Pack the Essentials: Be sure to pack your Vaccination Card (yours & your guardian’s), as well as some backup copies. Stash ‘em anywhere you might need ‘em and/or in multiple bags. Check guidelines ahead of time as some sites/programs have requested proof of negative tests. And don’t forget the hand sanitizer & extra masks! Stuff happens - straps break - be prepared!
3) Extra Early is On Time: Arrive extra early & be sure to review any policies for your audition sites. Especially in NYC, front lines at security desks may take longer than usual with Vaccination Card verification. Plan ahead & budget extra time so you’re not late or rushing to an audition!
4) Practice Pandemic Audition Room Etiquette: Unless you are specifically told otherwise, plan to wear a mask throughout your entire audition. Get comfy asking auditors if they have a mask/no-mask preference, whether you’re a comfortable distance away in the room, and ensuring that you are still loud and clear enough to be heard. Pro Tip: You can also check in with the monitor about any mask policies before heading in for your audition, but be aware, the policies may be dictated by the site hosting your audition!
5) Testing Positive: If you do test positive, do not attend your audition. Reach out to any remaining schools, explain your situation, and see what can be done in terms of switching to a virtual format. Schools will thank you for your honesty and safety!
Walk-In Auditions
But what about Walk-Ins?! Walk-Ins are a Unifieds rite of passage … right?! Not necessarily. Here at MCA, we are big believers that Walk-In auditions are not for everyone. “Walk-In” is not synonymous with “Warm-Up.” If you are a student who received an awesome acceptance to a school you LOVE during Early Audition season, odds are, you do not need to be doing Walk-Ins. Take a moment to be grateful, take yourself on an ice cream date, and leave those spots open for those who can truly benefit. It always pays to put good karma out into the Universe!
If you are still waiting for that first exciting “Yes!” however (it’s coming, we promise!), Walk-Ins might be a great opportunity for you. We encourage participating in Walk-In auditions if:
- You haven’t found your perfect fit yet and would like to expand your list.
- You got a late start and missed deadlines. Late starts happen for many reasons (illness, family, etc.) – so, no judgement! Now is the time to get to work.
- Your goals have shifted. Maybe you started as an MT candidate, but as you have navigated the process, you are feeling like you really want a BFA in Acting and want to make sure to support that new dream with the appropriate schools.
- You had no idea what this process entailed and now feel that your list is unbalanced.
“But Sarah,” you say, “how can I possibly do Walk-Ins at Unifieds when so many schools have switched to virtual auditions?”
An excellent question! The number of Walk-In opportunities at In-Person Unified auditions are likely to be more limited this year than in years past, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any. If you are in the market for some Walk-In auditions, just remember that the early bird gets the worm. Check in with schools first thing in the morning to see if slots are being offered, and be prepared that you will likely need to fill out a short application and pay a fee on the spot!
Virtual Walk-In Auditions
And finally, for those of you seeking a Virtual walk-in option, our awesome sister company Acceptd will once again be hosting Virtual Walk-In Weekend! You can find all the details here (including a growing list of participating programs), but the most important thing to know is that registration begins on February 2nd at 12pm EST! Slots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up!
You Got This!
However you’re tackling Regular Decision & Unified auditions this year - in person, fully virtual, or a combination of the two - we are in your corner cheering you on! We are inspired daily by your talent, passion, & resiliency, & we know you’re going to nail it!
And if the unexpected should occur, take a breath, keep your head up, and - as we like to say here at MCA - Kick-Ball-Change and carry on!
Break a leg!
Need help navigating the College Audition Process? Sign up for an Initial Consultation here. We’re always happy to help!
