Audition Requirements

CCPA offers in-person and virtual auditions

If you intend to audition in-person:

Auditions will take place on March 6, 2027 and are combined with the interview component.

If you intend to audition virtually

Please send your video audition to the Registrar when submitting your Application Package. Applicants will then be contacted to schedule a virtual interview appointment.

Your Audition

Please prepare:

Two short contrasting monologues, including one written before 1950 and the other one typically written after 1950. (maximum length of four minutes).  

 

 

Two solo songs (maximum total length of four minutes), either two contrasting songs—one before 1970 and the other one after 1970—OR any musical theatre song and any song that best suits you. This option’s songs should also be contrasting with each other. Find examples of how your songs can contrast in the Musical Theatre Common Prescreen (MTCP). 

Dance or movement piece, including up to 3 styles of dance, one minute each.

This instructional video only applies for video auditions, in-person auditions will include a dance call.

 

Song Tips:

  • Some examples of contrasting songs are fast tempo vs slow tempo, sustained melodic singing vs speech-like singing, dramatic vs comedic, belt vs head/falsetto mix.
  • Many accompaniment tracks are available on YouTube and other websites. If you do not have a way to work with a live accompanist or don’t have access to a recorded track of your music, consider using an app that will play the piano part for you. Harmony Helper is one such app that allows you to take photos of your sheet music, upload them to the app and then generate a piano track that you can use.

Monologue Tips:

  • It is recommended to choose monologues that are age-appropriate (generally within 5-10 years of your actual age) and that feel authentic to your culture, background, and lived experience.
  • Active monologues are often better for auditions; an active monologue takes place in real time and focuses on what you want and puts you in direct communication with an imaginary scene partner. This is often more successful in an audition situation than pieces that are a story or remembrance. Additionally, it can be helpful to avoid monologues that rely on extreme emotions as it can be hard to believably justify those responses in a short piece.

Dance Tips:

  • Make sure you can execute all the choreography well. It is to your advantage to choose steps and movement that highlight your strengths instead of your weaknesses.
  • You may use recent videos of you from a show or concert, but it must just be you in the frame.
  • Dance sample should be in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles.
  • Dance media can be “self-choreographed”, but it must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
  • Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. Fully move your body to the best of your ability.
  • To assist applicants with the dance prescreen, several institutions provided the following resource videos for applicants who do not have access to a choreographed combo for the prescreen process. You may submit this choreography (or a combination of it) to any of the schools you are applying to that ask for a dance prescreen. This list will be updated as more institutions share resources, so be sure to check back.
    – Abilene Christian University Dance Combo Resource
    –     Emerson College Dance Combo Resource
    – Nazareth University Dance Combo Resource
    – Texas State University Dance Combo Resource

  • Nervous about recording your video audition? Don’t be! You can record your audition using your smart phone. We’ve broken it down into three easy steps. You can also watch our full Audition Tips and Tricks playlist on Youtube!

    For additional detailed guidance on how to prepare your audition videos, follow this link to the Musical Theater Common Pre-screen.

Step 1: Set up your shot

  • Find a quiet space with little to no noise.
  • Clear away anything that could distract from your performance. Take down pictures to create a blank wall behind you and clear away any small items that clutter the space. 
  • Once you’ve cleared your space, set up your smartphone on a tripod, a stack of books, or a music stand.
  • Make sure you are within the audio pickup range of your microphone.

Step 2: Record your audition

  • Don’t wear bright patterns, hats, or dark glasses.
  • Make sure you aren’t backlit – don’t film in front of a window or a lamp.
  • Start your video by introducing yourself and the piece you are about to perform. You can introduce each piece separately or list them all at the beginning – whichever you prefer.
  • Don’t learn new material if you don’t have to. Choose something that you know and love.

Step 3: Save and submit

  • Make sure the video is no longer than 10 minutes.
  • Once you’ve finished your video, upload it to YouTube as an unlisted link.
  • Songs, movement, and monologues can be sent separately, or as a compilation.
  • Submit the link(s) to your video(s) with your application package by email (registrar@ccpacanada.com).
  • If you cannot upload to YouTube, save your video as a .MP4 file and upload to a file sharing site like DropBox or OneDrive.  
  • If we have any issues accessing your video our Registrar will contact you.
Apply Now

Audition FAQs

Where and when are auditions held?

You have the option to submit an audition video and then attend an online interview or attend an in-person audition and interview at CCPA in March 2027. Once you have submitted your application form, the Registrar will be in contact to arrange your interview date/time. 

What will I be doing at the live audition?

Auditionees are expected to perform two monologues, two songs, and participate in a dance call. There will also be an interview component on the same day. 

What do I need to bring?

Bring your dance shoes, your sheet music and please wear comfortable clothes so you can move freely. Be prepared to wait for your song/monologue audition and interview after the dance call. 

Can I sing acapella?

Preferably not. Bring your sheet music for the pianist at the in-person audition or use a track for your recorded video audition. We are interested in hearing not only your voice and character interpretation, but also your ability to stay in tune and in tempo with the accompaniment. 

Can I bring my own accompanist?

No, the college provides a pianist for the in-person auditions.  If you are recording an audition video we recommend you use a track.  It must be heard easily in the recording. 

Can I accompany myself?

No, we want to hear your voice and engaged with storytelling of the song.

How long will the live audition take?

Approximately 20 minutes plus travel & potential waiting time.

I am submitting an audition video, but I have no prior dance training. What should I do?

Please see the Dance Demo Excersies video. You don’t need experience, but we ask to see your movement to rhythm.  

When will I be notified regarding my application status after my audition?

After your interview, you expect a decision to your application within 2 weeks.