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Performing Arts and the College Process
Many of our students have studied the performing arts extensively both at Friends and outside of school. If you feel that you have completed significant work in the arts, it may be to your advantage to submit a sample of your work as part of your college application. Most colleges now use a website called Slideroom, which is connected to the Common Application, to submit arts supplements. If you plan to apply to a performing arts degree program, an audition will definitely be a requirement for admission—whether on campus, here in New York City, or by video.
What is the difference between a BFA, BM/BMus, BA and BS?
A Bachelor of Fine Arts is the professional degree for performing artists. BFA programs are offered at both conservatories such as The Juilliard School and at larger universities such as Carnegie Mellon and Vanderbilt. You might consider a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) if you wish to pursue a career in theater or dance performance, directing, playwriting, choreography, or theater design. BFA programs are often competitive and selective. A BFA degree will provide students with a background in the history of their discipline. It will also require students to focus mainly on courses of practical application and training in their area of study.
A Bachelor of Music (BM or BMus) is the professional degree for musicians. You might consider a BM/ BMus if you wish to pursue a career in music performance, education, composition, technology, production, business, musicology, sacred music, or arts administration. However, some schools award a BA or BS rather than a BM for programs in music education, music technology, music business, or other related fields.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are awarded for studies in the liberal arts. You might consider a BA or BS if you wish to pursue a career in a music or theater field that is not performance-oriented, or in an entirely different field.
How do I know which type of program I want?
Many students who pursue a BFA have known for several years that they want a career in the performing arts. If you are uncertain, try asking yourself the following questions: How serious is your commitment to music, drama or dance? Does the idea of being in predominantly performance-based classes appeal more or less to you than traditional academic courses? Do you have the training and talent for a competitive performing arts program?
If the arts are a passion of yours but not necessarily your intended career path, you should consider a college or university that has a strong arts program (BA or BS) in addition to the other areas of study that interest you.
How do I decide between a BFA at a conservatory or a university?
The breakdown of coursework for BFA students at conservatories and universities is basically the same. You will not be required to pursue more liberal arts classes at a university, though there may be a broader spectrum of courses from which to choose. Similarly there may be a greater choice of performing arts electives or concentrations at a conservatory but again you will not be required or may not be interested in exploring many of them. There are many advantages to both types of schools, and as you begin the college process it would be useful to explore all options before ruling any out.
Some points to begin thinking about are:
Conservatories tend to be small, supportive communities where the resources are focused solely on the performing arts. Career counseling, for example, may be more developed at a conservatory as the program is focused in one direction.
At a conservatory you would focus solely on your craft. You would delve deeply into the history, theory, and application of your specific medium.
At conservatories everyone is passionate about the same thing; this makes for an intense, exciting, creative environment.
Universities offer a more traditional college experience—sports, fraternities, and the like.
University performing arts programs tend to be small and intimate even if the school is large.
If you ultimately change your mind about a performing arts major, you can usually internally transfer to another program at a university, whereas you might have to transfer schools entirely if you are at a conservatory.
How can I learn more about performing arts majors?
First, check out the schools’ websites, looking specifically at the department’s description and mission, the faculty (number and training), and course offerings (number and variety). Also take advantage of the resources here at Friends; talk to your Drama, Dance, and Music teachers and College Counselor. If you are interested after this initial research, then plan a campus visit if possible. Seeing the facilities (practice and performance space, equipment) and the work of current students will give you a strong feel for what a particular school has to offer.
Topics to ask about either on campus or
via email:
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Depth and variety of majors and concentrations
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Facilities
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How many ensemble groups are there? How many performances a year?
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Is participation limited (i.e.: can only upperclassmen be in major shows)?
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Is there a cutting process (i.e.: are students dropped from the program after a foundation year or two)?
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Faculty (background, active performers, visiting professors)
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Career counseling and placement
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Student body (age, geography, size)
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Audition requirements
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Financial aid and merit scholarships
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Individual performance opportunities (recital, showcase, etc.)
General Tips on Auditions
Always check specific requirements for every school to which you will apply!!! And ask your teachers here at Friends for advice and
feedback—they are excellent resources! Hover over the boxes below to learn more about the different kinds of auditions and their guidelines.
Acting
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Read the entire play to fully understand character, plot and motivation.
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Selections should be within your natural age range and relatively known.
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Some schools publish lists of preferred or overused pieces; look out for this.
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Bring a resume and recent photograph or headshot.
Typically two contrasting monologues, two to three minutes in length. Be prepared to perform a third piece if asked.
Musical Theater
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Same monologue requirements as acting majors.
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An accompanist is usually available but you should bring your own copy of the music.
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At the audition, you will learn and perform a dance routine.
Typically two contrasting monologues, two to three minutes in length. Typically two contrasting songs: a ballad and up-tempo song.
Music
Guidelines vary tremendously from school to school, and instrument to instrument.
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Understand what is being asked of you and begin preparations well in advance.
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Typically two contrasting pieces.
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Typically at least one scale.
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Sight-reading (although the importance of this varies depending on the program).
How important is the audition in the
admission decision?
For students applying to liberal arts schools (BA/BS), sending an arts supplement will not have a significant impact on the admission decision. For this reason students should not go to tremendous expense and effort in putting together this supplement. However, demonstrating your talent and experience can be positive, if not a deciding factor.
Some liberal arts schools do offer merit scholarships that are talent-based. These scholarships typically require an audition. Auditions for non-performance degree programs tend to be less demanding.
For students applying to performance-based programs (BFA/ BM), the audition is an admission requirement and will be weighed more heavily than a student’s academic profile. That is not to say that academic achievement is unimportant to performing arts programs; it can say a lot about your motivation and discipline. However, it is secondary to the talent and potential that the admission office is looking for in the audition.
Put your best foot forward at your audition. It should show your dedication, creativity, willingness to take instruction, and artistic instincts.
Final Thoughts:
Performing arts programs can be incredibly competitive; space tends to be very limited regardless of talent. In general, auditions are not warm, welcoming experiences and you should be prepared for that. Try not to personalize the experience and only seek to do your personal best.
