ALRA scraps second-round audition fees to show ‘commitment to progress’

In a move towards cultivating a more diverse student body, the Academy of Live & Recorded Arts (ALRA) has removed the audition fee for their second round of auditions.

The ALRA’s director of culture and creativity, Sonia Watson-Fowler, said: ‘This is a small yet necessary step towards the long-term goal of creating and maintaining a more inclusive organization.

'In collaborating with working group chairs and affiliates, we are embracing the power of positive action and accountability and have also added an access rider to the process to promote transparency and our commitment to progress.’

Libby Devereux, the National Youth Theatre’s Playing Up course coordinator, said: ‘Free auditions are a life changing opportunity for our young people on Playing Up. Since we have been receiving free auditions for ALRA I have witnessed many of our students go onto train at their school and are having the most amazing time. 

‘Many of our students are not in a financial position to be able to afford the cost of an audition which would have previously prevented them applying. Without this financial barrier the ambitions of our students feels achievable and I am incredibly grateful for the support and care that ALRA have provided to Playing Up.’

The ALRA partners with schools and colleges across the UK to offer outreach auditions. To find out more visit the ALRA’s website.