The Game is on!

Hello all, and hellloo 2016!
As it's a new year, I've been hit with the knowledge that my auditions for Drama School are just around the corner.
Now since this is going to be my third attempt at cracking this theatre nut; I think I'm in a good position to let you lot know some stuff that I've learnt along the way...
1. Learn your lines - And more importantly, learn the right lines! I am an example of one of those idiots who failed to prep properly last year which is why I'm back to square one. I also heard from one girl that at her recall for Central, one of the lads had failed to learn the correct speech so they sent him packing. infront of everyone! Also the fact remains that if you know your lines you are going to be more confident than the guy gibbering in the corner over his script.
2. Read the play- This is so you actually know what you are talking about in the audition. I suspect that panels can detect the bullshitters a mile off.
3. When waiting for the audition, don't listen to the person who apparently knows everything and everyone in the business - I swear they are put there to make you even more nervous than it is physically possible. So don't listen to them (refer back to the point about the bulshitters for these humans).
4. Be yourself. - This is definitely something to consider for The National Youth Theatre auditions, from what I understand that if you bring you to both the role and the interview, then you are bringing your own truth to the situation; which frankly is what acting is about.
5.Breathe - You'll be surprised how easy it is to forget that necessary bodily function.
6. Be an active participant- Watch theatre, watch good quality films, read lots (I'd recommend Andy Johnson's Audition guide for great tips) and just be passionate about the industry you want to enter because it's a brilliant creative circus to be a part of.
7. Know why you are doing this- And be able to express this in words. Yes I know it seems impossible but sit yourself down, get pen to paper and keep scribbling until you've figured it out.
8. Keep pushing - This is tough, physically, emotionally. Just prep, prep real hard and try your hardest. And if you don't get it the first time then keep pushing, consider different strategies and/or different routes into this mad world. Just always know that if you know that if this is what you really want then keep going dude!
9. Play to your strengths- When picking monologues, read the audition advice carefully and go for peices which show off your strengths as an actor. Drama school is the place to experiment, the audition is a sample of what you can do so just say away from the crazy, hair raising experimental stuff that "stretches you".
^ Also do not pick a peice which mentions genitals or you pulling your hair out (I have seen both- both made a little part of me die with embarrassment inside).
10. Enjoy it! - You've paid to be there, you're doing something that you love, just go for it and enjoy the ride!

If you are curious about anything above then feel free to ask me about it in the comments section below.

Adios, oh and happy new year!
Terri ;D

P.S yes the title is a reference to Sherlock. Wasn't the last episode fabulous!