Six Key Tips when Applying to Performing Arts Programs
Fall is upon us, and high school seniors all over the country are fervidly working on their essays, standardized testing, and perfecting that college list. If you have decided to pursue performing arts in college, you likely have the added stress of perfecting your repertoire and preparing for possible prescreens and impending auditions. There are many things to consider and keep track of, so it is often extremely helpful to engage professional help from an Independent Educational Consultant, or, at least, some professional coaches, but here are a few tips to get you started on this journey.
BFA vs BS vs BA? Give some thought as to whether you want to attend conservatory, study for a BFA in a conservatory-like program, or pursue a BA at a liberal arts college that has a strong theatre program. There are many paths to achieving your goals and you want to pick the one in which you will best grow and flourish over the next four years. Learn the difference between a BFA, BS and BA in our recent post.
Learn about other careers in performing arts. Investigate possible professions including, but not limited to being on stage. You may love theatre, but have a special knack for corralling your cast mates and keeping them on track, so perhaps stage management or producing is in your future. You may love the tech end of things and have a gift for lighting and sound, or a fascination with fashion that makes you a perfect candidate for production, set, costume or makeup design. The point is, it takes a multitude of talented, well-trained professionals to put on a show on stage or in front of a camera, so really think about what you love most.
Pay attention to deadlines and audition guidelines. If you are applying to a program that requires an audition registration, you usually need to complete your common application before you can sign up for your audition and slots fill up quickly. Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee an audition slot will still be available, so get those common apps in ASAP and sign up before October 1st to make sure you don’t get shut out. Check to see if your potential schools require prescreen videos and, if so, reserve your accompanist and get someone reliable to film you. Hopefully, you have been building and practicing your repertoire, but always check the specific prescreen and audition requirements of each school. These requirements tend to be set in stone, so follow them carefully! Keep January and February weekends as free as you can, because this is audition season for most schools.
Practice, practice, practice! Practice for your auditions until you could do your material in the middle of an earthquake or hurricane. You don’t want to be thrown by anything! Know why you have chosen the material in your repertoire and be ready to discuss your choices. Choose something that is both age appropriate and with which you can really engage.
Audition videos will bolster BS/BA applications as well. Keep in mind that, even if you decide to go the liberal arts route, many of these colleges will be happy to accept your prescreen videos or similar examples of your work as supplements to strengthen your application.
Do your research on each school and program. Never go into an audition, an interview, or write a supplementary essay for a school without knowing why it would be a good fit for you. You very often might be asked this question, be ready with an answer.
Try to enjoy this process as much as possible! It is stressful, but tends to work out. There are so many different and wonderful schools in the US and abroad. With some good advice and a sense of organization, you will find the best fit for you. If you need any help, contact us!