 |
Music, Dance, and Theatre…Oh, My!
How to prepare for college applications and auditions in the performing arts.
By Heather Sano, M.M.
The college search and audition process can be very stressful, but you can tame that stress by preparing ahead of time and focusing on your goal—a career in the performing arts! The following is an overview of the application and audition process for schools in the performing arts. For specific details on the entire admissions process please be sure to check each schools requirements.
What to Look for in a School
Looking for the school that is "right" for you can be a daunting task. Here are some guidelines to think about when conducting your search:
- Size of school
- Geographic location
- Faculty
- Do all students study with artist faculty?
- Are lessons guaranteed each semester? How many per semester?
- Performance opportunities
- Focus of the program
- Facilities
- School atmosphere
- Gig/job opportunities
- Internship or study abroad programs
- Average time it takes for an undergraduate to finish a four-year degree
- Financial aid/ scholarship opportunities
- Housing opportunities on- and off-campus
Application Preparation
Application requirements can differ slightly from school to school, but the core requirements pertain to any school for the performing arts.
School application—file this first along with the audition request form to ensure the audition date of your choice. Audition request forms are often used to give prospective students a choice of which day and/or location they would like for their auditions. These are usually on a first come, first serve basis so you want to get this in early! (Some schools will not offer you a choice but will send you the date and time you are expected to arrive for your audition.)
Recommendations—have at least two or three. One should be from your current private teacher or classroom teacher in your area of study.
Essays—these can play an important role in your application, especially if you are applying for an education degree. The essay allows you to explore why you want to devote your career to the performing arts.
Repertoire lists—are also VERY important! Spend ample time preparing your list
and be sure to separate works you have studied with works you have performed. It is a good idea to show the list to your teacher and parents for verification; they might remember a work not listed!
Résumés—are an important part of the application. Include training, performances, unusual/special skills, and awards. (Hint: it is not necessary to list your third grade musical, but always list the years of study for any instrument or dance genre.)
Important Steps for Your Application:
1. Remember to make copies of everything you send to a school.
2. Keep on top of your applications and contact the schools to be sure they have received all documents including recommendations and any video or audio tapes requested. (Hint: A great way to ensure the school receives your info is to send the package "Return Receipt Requested" by U.S. mail. That way you have a postal card signed by someone at the school verifying receipt of your package.)
Auditions
Review audition requirements for each school to which you are applying, as they may be different. Begin preparing for auditions in your junior year, don't wait to the last minute! Be sure to bring original sheet music—never copies. Bring a copy of your résumé and repertoire list to all auditions even if you sent it with your application. Allow yourself ample time to warm up before the audition. Prepare for a personal interview if a school
requires one.
Hints
- Don't mention your nervousness—everyone is nervous.
- Appearance and attitude are very important!
- The audition begins the moment you walk through the door.
- Remember that schools are looking for reasons to let you in—not keep you out.
Musicians
- Faculty may start and stop you in different places—practice this.
- Faculty may walk around the room—don't let this distract you.
- If you are a vocalist, know the translation of the piece you are singing.
- Know your major and minor scales.
- Be prepared for theory and oral skill tests by practicing with your private teacher, classroom music teacher, or church music leader.
Actors
- Prepare a head shot in black and white or color—8x10 is standard. Wear appropriate clothing in the photo and no hats!
- Your audition outfit should allow for movement (flowing pants, skirt, dress) and look flattering. Don't forget the character shoes.
- The dialogue pieces should be age appropriate and contemporary. Shakespeare is not always necessary and keep each piece to two minutes.
- For musical theatre candidates, prepare one chorus of an up-tempo song and one ballad.
Dancers
- Students should be prepared to take a master class, as faculty will look for the bility to take direction. (Be ready for both modern and traditional dance.)
- Students should also be ready to perform an original, choreographed piece and bring a pre-cued tape of your music.
- Students should expect to do exercises
- Bring multiple (clean) dance outfits. Jazz pants for men.
Listed below are some helpful Web sites and guidebooks to help in this process.
1. www.nacac.com—a listing of Visual and Performing Arts College Fairs throughout the USA.
2. www.unifiedapps.org—a common application site for eight of the major music schools in the country.
3. www.arts-accredit.org/nasd/— National Association of Schools of Dance
4. www.arts-accredit.org/nasm/—National Association of Schools of Music
5. www.arts-accredit.org/nast/—National Association of Schools of Theatre6) www.macleanconsulting.com---MacLean Consulting, Educational Consulting for the Arts: Helping students find colleges for the arts.
1. Dancer's Resource, Mark Jones; Watson-Guptill Publications by David Emblidge, Book Publisher; copyright: 1999.
2. Music, Dance, and Theatre Scholarships: A Guide to Undergraduate Awards;
Conway Greene publishing; copyright 1998.
3. Peterson's Professional Degree Programs in the Visual & Performing Arts, 2000 edition; Thompson Learning; copyright: 1999. (The new addition should be out soon if not on the bookshelves.)
4. The Princeton Review: Guide to Performing Arts Programs, Carole Everett and Muriel Topaz; Random House; copyright: 1998.
5. The Performing Arts Major's College Guide, Carole Everett; Macmillan Publishing/Arco; copyright: 1998. (Dance, Drama and Music)
6. Dance Magazine, College Guide 2000–2001, Dance Magazine, Inc. www.dancemagazine.com
* Source for dance and theatre auditions: Patty Rust Kovacs, U. of Chicago
Laboratory Schools and The Chicago Academy of the Arts; NACAC National Conference Presenter 1999.
Heather J. Sano is the owner of MacLean Consulting, a firm specializing in finding students’ college choices in the arts. She is the former Director of Admission at Westminster Choir College and has an MM in Choral Conducting from Hartt School of Music. She is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counselors, Music Educators National Conference, American Choral Directors Association, and is a volunteer college counselor for CollegeView. She is also a member of several national organizations representing the arts. For more detailed information, please visit Heather's Web site.
|
|
