LIPA scraps all audition fees

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is making all of its auditions free of charge.

The move is in recognition of the current cost of living crisis and is part of its ongoing effort to increase access and diversity.

The removal of the audition fees covers all Acting and Dance courses (Music auditions are already free) and includes the new BA (Hons) courses: Acting (Musical Theatre) and Acting (Musicianship). The scrapping of audition fees has come into immediate effect for students auditioning this year for September 2023 entry.

Principal and CEO, Sean McNamara says: “Withdrawing all audition fees demonstrates our commitment to increasing access to LIPA by removing financial barriers for students from low-income backgrounds.

“We want all aspiring performers and creative artists of the future to have the opportunity to undertake world leading professional vocational training so they can further their ambitions and fulfill their potential in pursuit of developing a career in the creative industries.”

Last year LIPA removed audition fees for first stage Acting auditions and reduced the fees for recall Acting and Dance auditions from £40 to £30.

Acting auditions will take place over two days, with first stage auditions and then recalls. Dance auditions will be a one-day event, with no cuts or recalls. All auditions will be in-person.

To help students attend auditions, LIPA will also continue its long-term commitment of offering travel grants to applicants who come from areas where participation in higher education is traditionally low, which has been running since 2011.

Image: Students rehearsing A Matter of Life and Death with Director James Baker. Photography by Jon Super