Art Program Auditions
To be admitted to the FTAA Dance Program, students must go through the FTAA dance audition and meet certain requirements.
The emphasis of the FTAA Dance Program is in keeping with the audition requirements of professional dance companies, as well as the requirements for college and university dance major programs. The FTAA dance audition focuses on combinations in both ballet and Chinese dance. Students will be expected to perform movement combinations under the instruction of a panel of judges, consisting of experienced dance professionals. Students do not need to prepare a solo. Audition attire is leotards and tights (girls) and T-shirts with gym shorts or tights (boys). Applicants are to bring a recent, non-returnable photograph. Previous training is not required to be considered for the beginning-level class.
All applicants will be evaluated by the following criteria:
- Potential for a career in dance
- Physique and body alignment
- Coordination and flexibility
- Rhythmical accuracy
- Body weight conducive to dance as a major or career
- Ability to sight read and reproduce movement combinations given by a panel of dance judges
Due to the vigorous physical demands of a concentration in dance, students with chronic health problems and/or injuries are not encouraged to apply to the FTAA Dance Program.
Students who have passed the first screening will be invited to audition and will receive detailed audition instructions at that time.
General audition guidelines are as follows:
Audition Procedures for Dance
The FTAA dance audition focuses on combinations in both ballet and modern dance. The dance audition process takes about approximately one hour. Students will be expected to perform movement combinations under the instruction of a panel of judges. Students do not need to prepare a solo and previous training is not required to be considered for the beginner level class. All applicants will be evaluated by their potential for a career in dance, physique and body alignment, coordination and flexibility, rhythmic accuracy, and the ability to sight-read and reproduce movement combinations.
Due to the vigorous physical demands of a concentration in dance, students with chronic health problems and/or injuries are not encouraged to apply for the FTAA dance program.
Audition Procedures for Music
Students auditioning for piano should perform by memory two or three solos from different periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic or 20th Century) and bring the scores to the audition, and play major and minor scales, four octaves and hands together. In addition, students will be asked to sight read two selections.
Students auditioning for string must bring one copy of their solo music for the audition panel. Piano accompaniment is optional, and the school will provide accompanists upon request. Students should be familiar with all clefs in common use for their instrument. Finally, the student will be asked to sight-read an excerpt of the audition panel's choosing.
A similar audition procedure will be used for students auditioning other types of instruments or vocal singing abilities. Each session of the music audition lasts approximately thirty minutes.
Audition Procedures for Fine Arts
The fine arts audition process takes approximately three hours. Each applicant will present a portfolio of work including 5 pieces of two-dimensional original works (drawings, paintings, etc.). There is no need to purchase an expensive portfolio. A simple hand-made portfolio made of stiff cardboard, securely fastened with twine, is adequate. You may also include examples of other media that demonstrate the diversity of your talent.