• Audition Requirements by Discipline

      Audition and portfolio review requirements and details by discipline are outlined below. As a student, it  is your responsibility to make sure that you present a complete audition/portfolio that meets all of the  stated requirements. Your audition/portfolio review is the opportunity for you to showcase your work as a Scholar Artist. Highlight your talent, creativity, diversity of technique, training, passion, discipline, and commitment. 

      CREATIVE WRITING
      A complete Creative Writing audition includes submission of a literary portfolio, a performance of at least one piece from the portfolio, an interview, and participation in a brief workshop that includes an on-demand writing prompt.
      Guidelines:

      • All work must be written by the student and include the student’s name and the title of the piece.

      • Copies of work are highly suggested as the portfolio will be collected and not returned.

      • Typed portfolios must be 2-5 pages in length.

      • Be prepared to recite/perform a piece of their original work.

      • Additional work may be brought to the audition and may be requested by the adjudicators.

      •  Portfolio Requirements (Writing samples):

        • One poem is written in a traditional literary form.

        • One poem that best represents the writer’s individual, authentic voice.

        • One non-poem piece that can be in any other form, including but not limited to: fiction, drama, creative non-fiction, song lyrics, or rap lyrics.

       

      DANCE
      Dance students will participate in a Ballet barre, Modern combination, and improvisation. Following the technique instruction, students will have the opportunity to present a prepared solo piece. Please note, that the CSA Dance course of study focuses on Classical Ballet and Modern technique. We do not offer classes in hip-hop.
      Guidelines:

      • Prepare a one-minute solo in any style that the dancer feels best represents his/her strengths.

      • The student must bring their own music.

      • If using a cell phone, it must be put in airplane mode so as not to interrupt the audition.

      • Audition Dress Requirements:

        • All students must wear clothes that are comfortable for movement. Students are not permitted to wear jewelry or excessively baggy clothing during the audition. All students must securely pull their hair back.

        • Girls preferred attire: leotard, tights, and ballet shoes; or dance attire with jazz shoes.

        • Boys preferred attire: tights or fitted shorts, a white t-shirt, and ballet or jazz shoes.

       

      THEATER
      Theater students must perform a memorized monologue (a spoken performance done by one person) from a play, novel, poem, or original material. In addition to performing the prepared monologue for the adjudicators, students will participate in a series of theater warm-ups and improvisation activities. Students should wear clothing that they can move freely in.  Guidelines:

      • Bring two printed copies of the monologue and comment the source of material for adjudicators.

      • Monologues must be between 1-2 minutes in length.

      • The piece should be age-appropriate.

      • Monologues must be memorized.

      • If possible, read the entire play, novel, etc. while preparing the monologue to have a better understanding of the character you are portraying.

      • A chair will be provided. If any other props are needed, they must be brought with you.

      • If you need a theater monologue:  https://tinyurl.com/CSAMonologue

       

      INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BAND/ORCHESTRA
      Instrumental students will perform a prepared piece. Students may also be asked to sight-read music, sing, and/or play scales. Students are welcome to audition on piano and guitar but will be coached to help find their primary instrument of study for their time at CSA, as those instruments are not a primary focus at this time.
      Guidelines:

      • Students will be asked to perform a prepared 2-3 minute solo piece or an excerpt of an ensemble piece of the song.

      • Must bring their own instrument and music.

      • Will need to play, at minimum, a one-octave scale.

      • Percussionists need to bring sticks and mallets and should prepare to play on the Drum set any of the 40 rudiments.

      • A piano/keyboard will be provided.

      • Provide an additional copy of the sheet music for review.

      • Orchestra students should prepare to play the following on their instrument: D or G Major Scale and a Solo Piece or Orchestra Excerpt 

       

      VOCAL MUSIC
      Vocal students must prepare at least one song of their choice; two contrasting songs that highlight a student’s range and technique are preferred. Applicant will be scored based on vocal intonation, tone quality, musicality, pitch, range, and diction. In addition to the prepared selection, students may be asked to participate in vocal warm-ups and exercises. For the first song, please a patriotic song, for example: "The Star Spangled Banner";  "My Country Tis of Thee";  or "Lift Every Voice and Sing". Please sing a cappella (no accompaniment) and be sure that we can hear you loudly and clearly. For the second song, choose anything that you feel best showcases your vocal abilities.
      Guidelines:

      • Students should come prepared to sing at least 2 songs, one of which MUST be a patriotic song.

      • Students will be asked to perform a portion or 2-3 minute piece of the song.

      • Song preference would be to select familiar sacred songs, jazz standards, art songs, arias, and musical theater pieces. However, we understand that not all students are familiar with these genres.

      • The song will be, in most cases, performed as an acapella piece.


      VISUAL ARTS 

      Students studying Visual Arts will master the elements of art and visual design. After completing a foundation year, students may take courses focusing in drawing, painting, 3D design, mixed media, ceramics, fashion, photography,  digital art and art history. Students are encouraged to explore multiple media and emphasize their creativity, perspective, and imagination through original pieces.

       

      There are three components to the Visual Arts Audition:

      1. Portfolio

      2. Still Life Drawing

      3. Art Interview

       

      Portfolio Requirements:

      • Bring  7 to 10 pieces of their best work. (No more than 10 pieces please)

        • Students are encouraged to bring artwork created in their art classes at school as well as independent work. 

        • Must be original artwork. Do not bring fan art drawings.

      • Artwork should show an understanding of composition and diversity of techniques. 

        • Drawing, painting, photography, digital art, sculpture, fashion design, fiber art and other 3D works are all accepted. 

        • In addition to the portfolio pieces, sketchbooks can also be reviewed. 

      Still Life Requirements– Students will:

      • observe objects that are set up on a table and draw what they see in 10 - 15 minutes using art materials we provide.

      • highly recommended to practice still life drawings at home to prepare.

       

      Art Interview – Students should: 

      • be able to answer questions about their artwork.

      • be able to articulate why they want to be a student at CSA.