SMTOWN AUDITIONS GUIDE

ONLINE, EMAIL Q&A

Warning: Know that if you send in anything to SM, it becomes their property. They can and (usually) will put it up on their YouTube (or on everysing) if you do not pass the audition. There is no way to remove the videos. You can try to email SM and ask them to remove the video, but SM rarely if ever complies. Please TRIPLE check your video before submitting it. If you think you'll want to take it down DON'T SEND IT.

Q: Do they check their emails?
A: Yes. I can say with 100% certainly they actually check their emails. Chill if it hasn't been more than a month. If it's been more than a month, assume you didn't make it and start practicing again.

Q: Do you recommend email or online everysing?
A: I would recommend email or online at smtown.com/link/audition, but everysing is fine too.

Q: Should the video be sung acapella?
A: It's not required, but recommended.
Explanation: While SM doesn't forbid instrumental accompaniment, I recommend acappella. It's much more difficult to sing acapella, but that makes you that much more appealing to them.

Q: How long should my dance and/or singing clip should be?
A: Keep your clips to 30-90 seconds long per talent (like 30-90 second for dancing and another 30-90 seconds for singing). Remember, the longer your clip is, the more likely the person reviewing your audition is to skip through the clip or skip over the clip.

Q: What does it mean by "Area of Application"?
A: It means what category you are auditioning for.

Explanation: If you're going to be a singer, your "Area of Application" is Singer. If you're going to be a dancer, it's Dancer, etc.

Q: What does "Place of Residence" mean?
A: It means where you live in this precise moment. They don't care where you lived ten years ago, one year ago, or yesterday. Where do you live now? (Also make sure to include the full area, from city to state/providence, to country. EX: Berlin, Germany or Austin, TX, USA.) You should not include your entire address.

Q: Should I accompany myself with a guitar/piano/violin/etc.?
A: It depends how good you are with your instrument. If you're around Super Junior-M's Henry's level of good and can play without mistakes, go for it. However, if you aren't that good and can't play without error or multiple takes, I wouldn't recommend it.

Q: What does it mean by "Experience"?
A: Experience is any experience you have in your "Area of Application". I wouldn't put down your school plays or church choirs, but definitely include any awards you've received. It's perfectly okay if you don't have any experience in your field.

Q: What is a profile shot?
A: A profile shot is a shot from the side of your face. It is usually from the neck on up.

Q: How should I looks in my photos?
A: You should look like yourself, but don't looks sloppy (like no ripped T-shirts, dirty clothes, etc.). However, make there is nothing in your face like fingers or hair. Don't wear make-up, no jewelry (except earrings), and no silly expressions (like winking, etc.) or ulzzang shots (a steep shot of your face that makes your eyes appear larger and your chin narrower).

Q: Do I need to sing if I am applying as a Dancer?
A: No.

Q: Is there any limit to how many times I can audition online or via email?
A: No, but I suggest waiting at least 3-6 months in between each failed attempt and with much improvement. You don't want to be marked as spam!

Q: I sent an email and I made a mistake. Should I resubmit?
A: Please make sure you take the time to make sure the email is 100% correct before sending it. You're expecting SM to take the time to fairly evaluate your audition so you should make sure you take the time to correctly submit it. (Would you resubmit a job application wrong because you put down the wrong email address?) I would suggest waiting the normal 3-6 months before reauditioning.

Q: How long does it take them to respond?
A: I would wait 2-6 weeks, longer if there is Global or Youth Star Auditions. After that time period, you can assume you did not pass and can start practicing again. Audition in 3-6 months after much improvement.

Q: Do you need to write an introduction?
A: In the email itself, no. The information you provide is introduction enough. (The judges want to be unbiased and don't care about your motivation for auditioning). In the music clip, a simple "Hi, my name is ____. I will be singing ___".

Q: Should I put my contact info or my parents' contact info in the "Contact Information" section?
A: Ideally, you should put down your own contact information. However, if you are restricted to who you can call on your phone or if you rarely use your phone, put down your parents' information (Make sure you ask for permission before providing their number!).

Q: Is the Career section on the online audition the same as the Experience section on the email audition?
A: Yes.

Q: SM's website says it prefers AOL or AIM for emails. Is it okay if I use Yahoo!, Gmail, hotmail, etc.?
A: My sister and I both used gmail. They would prefer AOL or AIM if you have it, but don't go make a new account just for this. :)

Q: What kind of emails would I receive if I receive one at all?

A: For emails, you can receive on of two if you are deemed to "qualify" by their staff.
1 - generic email thanking you for your audition and asking you to stop by Globals or Youth Star Auditions. This means that while they are interested in you, they want to see you live before re-considering you.
2 - a more personalized email from the audition staff asking for either a) more information such as more clips or more personal information about yourself or b) asking when they could expect you in LA or Seoul (this is NOT considered "passing" as this will be on your own time and on your own dime. If you cannot make it within a reasonable amount of time - a few months - they will lose interest and move onto another hopeful).