Performing arts schools look for students who have talent in the arts and the potential to successfully complete a program. That means you’re going to need to provide proof of your artistic talents and ability, and that means you’re going to have to audition or, for the visual arts, provide a portfolio of your work.
Getting into one of the many accredited performing arts schools in the country can open doors in your career as an artist. But it’s not just a matter of proving your worth as a student. You should also look for a school that’s a good fit for you, with instructors from whom you can learn, and a program that will help you realize your professional ambitions.
Vet Your Performing Arts Schools
You’ll probably want to apply to three to five performing arts schools, so that if you don’t get into the school of your dreams, you’ll still be likely to get into another program. Be wary of applying to more than five schools, however — the pressure of auditions and portfolios, with different guidelines and requirements for each school, can quickly become overwhelming if you try to apply to too many institutions.
If you can, visit the schools to which you hope to apply. Talk to the faculty members who’ll be teaching in your discipline. Sit through classes and take lessons. Can you see yourself working with these professionals for the next four years?
Make sure the professors in the program you choose are still creating art themselves, and maintaining their professional networks in the art world. Your professors will be instrumental in helping you learn about recent and ongoing trends in the art world, and can help you network to find jobs and internships — but only if they’re still making their own art.
By the same token, you should seek a program that allows you as many opportunities to perform, at home and abroad, as possible; find out what guest artists the school has worked with and how they can help you get a foothold in the arts as a senior about to graduate.
Get as Much Experience as You Can
Whether you hope to study music, theater, dance or the visual arts, it’s important that you get as much experience in your discipline as you can before it’s time to apply to arts school. Arts school admissions are extremely competitive, so the more experience and confidence you can bring to your portfolio or audition, the better.
Take full advantage of your high school’s art program, but don’t stop there — take lessons from a private tutor and seek opportunities to show your work or perform, whether it be with the community theater, a state or district youth orchestra, a choir or a performance ensemble.
Prepare for Your Audition
Most performing arts schools will require an audition, but you should contact your school well in advance to determine whether an audition is necessary and what it requires. Some schools will allow you to submit a video in lieu of an in-person audition. Most will have strict requirements regarding dress, hairstyle, accessories and length of performance pieces. Make sure you’re meeting any requirements or guidelines school officials have laid out.
The specifics of your audition preparation will vary depending on your discipline. Find out how you can improve your chances of getting into the school of your choice, depending on whether you want to study visual arts, dance, theater or music.
When it comes time for your audition, it’s important to be confident and to perform your piece well. Don’t sacrifice the strength of your audition in an attempt to show off with a difficult piece. Start practicing early, and practice your performance for relatives, friends, loved ones and even strangers if possible. Practice your performance while wearing the outfit you’ll wear during your real audition, so you’re comfortable in it.
On the day of the audition, dress appropriately and neatly. Be confident in yourself and your abilities, and show the reviewers what you bring to your discipline. Your unique personality is what makes your art different from anyone else’s, and performing arts schools want to see what makes you different, so be yourself.
You can jumpstart your career in the arts by attending a performing arts school for a degree in your discipline. When it comes time to audition, make sure you’re following guidelines and be confident in your performance. The more experience, talent and confidence you can bring to your work, the more likely you will be to gain entry into the school of your choice.
