Juilliard & RADA Audition Prep

Testimonial - By Kalynn Herrera

Last year, I auditioned for two of the world's top drama schools: Juilliard and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). To prepare, I needed two classical monologues, two contemporary monologues, and sixteen bars of a song. What I learned throughout the process changed the way I think about performance.

During the month and a half leading up to my auditions, I spent a lot of time rehearsing at JUMP. Having access to those spaces taught me the importance of practicing on my feet instead of staying stuck in my head. Performance is physical, much like dance, and the work doesn't fully come alive until you're moving through it.

On my first day in the Inspire Room, I was both excited and intimidated by the size of the space. To settle my nerves, I did what has always helped me feel grounded: I danced. After dancing for about thirty minutes, I felt more connected to my body and confident in the room. From there, I moved into vocal warmups, which helped me become aware of how I was using my voice and expressing myself.

The monologue work itself was challenging. With guidance from an acting coach, I learned how to structure my rehearsals and balance multiple pieces at once. I also worked with a singing coach whose training emphasized storytelling and acting through song, which proved invaluable.

Much of the process was emotional trial and error. I spent a lot of time discovering what each character needed from me and learning to embrace uncertainty. By the end of the month, I had developed a deeper understanding of my physical habits and how movement could help me shift into or out of emotional states.

The biggest lesson I took away was that the more physical I am in my work, the more freedom I find as a performer.

Through this process, I got inspired, connected, and am deeply grateful for everything I learned along the way.