- Cleveland School of the Arts
- Requirements by Discipline
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Admissions Requirements by Discipline
Audition and portfolio review requirements and details per 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. Sample rubrics will be available by the end of September.
Your audition/portfolio review is the opportunity for you to showcase your work as a Scholar Artist. You should highlight your talent, creativity, diversity of technique, training, passion, discipline, and commitment.
A complete Creative Writing audition includes: the submission of a literary 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):
- Portfolios must include three different types of writing outlined below:
- Journals; Poems; Plays; Non-fiction; Short Stories; Lyrics; Comic Writing; Other Samples that show creativity
Dance students will participate in an in-person audition consisting of a Ballet barre, Modern combination, and improvisation. Students need to arrive wearing fitted, movable clothes. It is preferred that students arrive wearing a leotard and tights.
Following the technique instruction, students will have the opportunity to present a one-minute, 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:
- Any style that the dancer feels best represents his/her strengths.
- The student must bring their own music either on a CD or an MP3 player.
- 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.
- Preferred attire: leotard, tights, and ballet shoes; or dance attire with jazz shoes.
Band students will perform two contrasting prepared pieces from whatever they are currently learning on their instruments. Drummers should prepare to play on a drum set in any of the 40 rudiments.
Guidelines:
- Must bring their own instrument and music.
- Will need to play, at minimum, a one-octave scale.
- Percussionists need to bring sticks and mallets.
- A piano/keyboard will be provided.
- Provide an additional copy of the sheet music for review.
INSTRUMENTAL: ORCHESTRA
Students should prepare to play the following on their instrument: D or G Major Scale and a Solo Piece or Orchestra Excerpt
Students may also be asked to sight-read music 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:
- Must bring their own instrument and music.
- Will need to play, at minimum, a one-octave scale.
- Percussionists need to bring sticks and mallets.
- A piano/keyboard will be provided.
- Provide an additional copy of the sheet music for review.
Theater students must perform a memorized monologue (a spoken performance done by one person) from a play, novel, poem, or original material. If you do not have access to your own monologue, you may use the one linked here. 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 in.
Guidelines:
- Bring two printed copies of the monologue and comment on 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, it must be brought with you.
Students studying Visual Arts will learn the elements of art and visual design. Students may take courses in drawing, painting, community art, 3D design, ceramics, fashion, printmaking, photography, and art history. Students are encouraged to emphasize their creativity, perspective, and imagination through original pieces.
Guidelines:
- All students will draw a still life at auditions and should have a portfolio 7-10 pieces of recent work.
- All work must be created by the student.
- In addition to the portfolio, if you use a sketchbook, be sure to have it available to review.
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.
Guidelines:
- Students should come prepared to sing at least 2 songs, one of which MUST be a patriotic song ("The Star Spangled Banner"; "My Country Tis of Thee"; or (our favorite) "Lift Every Voice and Sing").
- 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 all students may not be familiar with these genres.
- A copy of the sheet music is appreciated, though it is not required, as an accompanist may not be available at the time of audition.
- Songs will be performed as an acappella piece.