Requirements
Dance Audition Requirements
- Resume - each auditioned must submit a resume at the time of the audition.
- Dance Clothes - We highly recommend a leotard and tights for female students and biker shorts or tights and a tight T shirt for male students. If you don't have these available you may wear tight fitting exercise clothes that you can move in. No students will be allowed to audition in street clothes.
- Report Card - all auditioning students must have a copy of their most recent report card.
What happens at the actual audition?
During the audition students will complete a dance class which includes a ballet barre and a modern/jazz center combination. They are observed by the Dance department faculty and evaluated on natural ability, movement potential and previous training.
Theatre Audition Requirements Before you come to the audition:
- Get a copy of your most recent report card. If you are auditioning for more than one art area, make multiple copies
- Prepare a TYPED resume. You can find many resume formats on most word processing software or ask at the local library.
- Prepare a 1 minute monologue from a published play. Please bring a copy of the monologue with you. You should be “off- book” for this monologue.
- Write a 1-2 page essay on ONE of the following topics. Please type (computer) this essay.
Describe a theatre where you’ve seen a play or concert or ballet or any other performance. Comment on the way the theatre was designed or laid out that you found beautiful or creative in the use of the space orpoorly conceived and badly done. Justify your opinion with evidence from your memory.
Actors have fantasy productions about which they dream. Describe a theatrical production of which you’ve always wanted to be part. Write about what part you’d play in this production and why it’s significant to you.
Music Audition Requirements Please bring the following to the audition:
- Letter of recommendation—This letter should be written by a music teacher you have had within the last 2-3 years. The letter should include information about attitude in class, attendance, behavior, performance in class and musical ability.
- Report Card—Bring a copy of your last report card
- Solo—You may audition using a piece from the Wisconsin State Music Association contest list. Click the link below and seach for your instrument. If your instrument is not listed, call 414-934-7020. Not required for Jazz Auditions (see exceptions below).
- WSMA Lists
Exceptions for voice: If you cannot find a song on the WSMA list, you must sing To the Sky by Carl Strommen: sheet music online here - To The Sky Sheet Music Download
To the Sky MP3 Download - Exceptions for Jazz: Drums should prepare swing, bossa nova, rock, funk, and Latin beats
- Woodwind and Brass students interested in both Band and Jazz must prepare for both auditions
What happens at the actual audition?
It depends on the ensemble: - Band: WSMA Solo, Bb concert scale and brief interview. Percussionists must play their scale on the bells or xylophone.
- Voice: WSMA solo or To the Sky and a brief interview
- Piano: WSMA solo, two octave C and D Major scales, sight-reading, and interview
- Strings: WSMA solo or Suzuki #3 book, Violin: 2 octave D Major All others: 2 octave G Major
- Jazz: Solo using pentatonic scale over a 12-bar blues pattern. Drums: prepare swing, bossa nova, rock, funk, and Latin beats
Visual Art Audition Requirements
- Portfolio– Students must submit the following 3 artworks:
- A self-portrait: A drawing done of your face while looking in a mirror. Do not work from a photograph.
- A still life drawing: Thoughtfully arrange 3 objects on a flat surface and draw them with a pencil. The objects might include nuts, rocks, sticks, pods, shells, bones, fruit, leaves, etc. Indicate shadows and values by the use of light and dark.
- A piece of your choice done within the past year: This piece may include a drawing, painting, print, sculpture, collage, original photograph, video, pottery, textile, etc. You may bring a photo if the pieces are too large or fragile. All work should be in a folder or envelope with you name printed on the front. Do not bring cartoons, superhero images or copied work
- Report Card—Bring a copy of your last report card
- Letter of recommendation—This letter should be written by a teacher you have had within the last 2-3 years for a class. While we would prefer that it is from an art teacher, it is not required to be from an art teacher. The letter should touch on areas such as your attitude in class, attendance, behavior, performance in class, and art ability.
What happens at the actual audition?
- A 10 minute creativity test.
- A 3 minute contour drawing. Single object.
- A 45 minute still life drawing based on 3 objects
Creative Writing Audition Requirements
- Portfolio– You must submit 3-4 contrasting examples of original writing that best represents you as a writer. KEEP YOUR ORIGINALS! DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR ONLY COPY OF ANYTHING! This portfolio will remain at MHSA. Please duplicate or print extra copies.
- Report Card—Bring a copy of your last report card
- Pen—Bring a pen for writing
What happens at the actual audition?
- Writing—You will be given one hour to write 1-2 pages of writing. If you chose poetry, you must write two contrasting poems, at least one of which is rhymed and rhythmic. If you are a playwright, write a simple scene that shows you understand dialogue and action. Paper will be provided. You may bring notes.
