Stepping into the Spotlight: Your High School Guide to a Performing Arts Major
Patrick Zylka is a Vice President and Senior Counselor at College Solutions who specializes in guiding students pursuing creative and performing arts pathways. Drawing on his personal experience and years of experience helping young artists navigate auditions, portfolios, and program fit, Patrick brings both professional insight and firsthand understanding to the unique admissions journey for theater, music, dance, film, and design majors.
Thinking of trading textbooks for tap shoes or lectures for lighting design? Choosing a performing arts major like theater, music, dance, or film is an exhilarating path! As an independent college counselor and musician myself, I've seen countless talented students navigate this unique journey. It’s exciting, but it definitely has its own rhythm. Here’s your guide to using your high school years to prepare for a successful application and future career.
The Audition/Portfolio: Your Unique Piece of the Puzzle
Unlike many academic applicants who focus solely on GPA and test scores, your artistic talent plays a large role in your application. This is the single biggest difference in your college admissions process.
Auditions (Music/Dance/Theater Performance): These are often live (or pre-screened video submissions) and are critical. Start selecting and rehearsing your material in junior year. Work with professional coaches or private instructors who understand college program expectations. Your material selection needs to showcase your strengths while meeting specific school requirements (e.g., two contrasting monologues, specific musical pieces).
Portfolios (Design, Film, Technical Theater): If you're interested in the technical or behind-the-scenes world, you'll need a well-curated portfolio of your best work. Start documenting everything: production photos, design sketches, sound plots, or film clips. Quality over quantity is key!
Resumes and Headshots: Treat your performing arts resume like a professional document. Detail all your performances, training, masterclasses, and technical roles. Yes, you might need a professional headshot, even in high school, especially for theater and dance programs.
Your Unique Timeline: Starting Early is Key
Your admissions timeline operates on a fast track, primarily because of the pre-screen and audition requirements.
Stage
Academic Applicants
Performing Arts Applicants
Early Fall (Senior Year)
Finalizing essay, reviewing test scores
Submitting Pre-Screen videos. Deadlines can be as early as October 15th!
Late Fall/Early Winter
Submitting applications (EA/ED).
Receiving invitation for Live Auditions/Interviews (many in Dec/Jan).
Winter Break/January
Waiting for initial decisions.
Traveling for In-Person Auditions or doing virtual final auditions.
Action Item: Research each school’s specific audition requirements and deadlines starting in the spring of junior year. This will dictate your preparation schedule!
What to Accomplish in High School
Think of high school as your foundational training:
Seek Professional Training: Your high school drama club is great, but supplement it with outside, high-level instruction (private voice, dance studio, summer intensives, or technical mentorships). Colleges are looking for potential honed by professional rigor.
Maintain Academic Balance: Don't forget your grades! While the audition is paramount, most colleges still require a minimum academic threshold. Strong grades show you can handle the academic load that comes with any BFA or BM program.
Perform and Produce: Seek out diverse experiences. Perform in a variety of styles, or try your hand at different technical roles. Colleges want to see commitment and a well-rounded skill set.
Connect with Alumni: If possible, talk to recent graduates of the programs you are interested in. Get a feel for the culture, faculty, and training style—it's just as important as the performance itself.
A performing arts major is a demanding but incredibly rewarding path. Start preparing early, embrace the unique audition process, and let your passion shine! The stage awaits!