Performing Arts Academy

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Who should apply?
We encourage everyone to apply. Our program is demanding and we look for hard working, talented students who are serious. Applicants for the high school programs should have previous training and stage experience. However, many years of voice lessons or dance classes are not required. A desire to learn, develop and grow is required. Students with little to no experience are encouraged to apply for jr. high programs.

Where do students come from?
Our participants have come from all 50 states, Canada, South America. You will meet students from all over when you attend our program!

Who works on the Summer Music Program's Faculty and Staff?
The faculty is made up primarily of OCU music, theatre, and dance faculty. Special guests with ties to OCU are also often involved. The staff includes the Performing Arts Academy Director and various college students who serve as counselors and staff members. College students are put through a rigorous interview process determining their talents and skills and interest in working with students. Many staff are former summer program alumni.

APPLICATION AND AUDITION PROCESS

How may I audition?
Students may either submit an audition on DVD or attend one of our live auditions.

To sign up for a live audition please click here.

•Mailed auditions must be submitted on DVD. We do not accept mini DVD's, VHS tapes, CD's or audio tapes for voice auditions. CDs are acceptable for instrumental programs.

•Audition materials will not be returned.

•The use of a recording microphone is discouraged and auditions should not be recorded in a professional studio using reverb enhancement or any pitch altering technology. If pitch altering or enhancement is suspected a new DVD will be requested.

Submissions should be mailed to:
OCU Performing Arts Academy
Oklahoma City University
2501 N. Blackwelder
Oklahoma City, OK 73106


What should be included in my Music Theater audition?
•Two songs - one should be a pre-1970 musical theater selection and one song of your choice. Songs should not exceed three minutes each.
•A theatrical monologue not exceeding one minute.
•Submissions should be recorded live with a live piano accompaniment (no backing/karaoke tracks).
•The use of a recording microphone is not allowed. Auditions should not be recorded using reverb enhancement or any pitch altering technology. If pitch altering or enhancement is suspected a new DVD will be requested.
•Recordings of live stage performances/shows are not acceptable.
•Submissions must be on DVD (please, no mini DVDs or video tapes). CD’s and audio-cassettes are not accepted.
•Students must include include a headshot or school photo and performance resume.
•Failure to send all required material may delay review of your audition.

What should be included in my Vocal Arts Institute audition?
•Two songs – one or both selections should be from the classical repertoire (foreign language and art songs are accepted). You may substitute a pre-1970 musical theater song for one of your selections. •Submissions are accepted only on DVD (please, no mini DVDs or video tapes). CD’s and audio-cassettes are not accepted.
•Submissions should be recorded live with a live piano accompaniment (no backing/karaoke tracks).
•The use of a recording microphone is not allowed. Auditions should not be recorded using reverb enhancement or any pitch altering technology. If pitch altering or enhancement is suspected a new DVD will be requested.
•Recordings of live stage performances/shows are not acceptable.
•Please include a headshot (or school photo) and performance resume.

What should be included in my Instrumental audition?
Audition should consist of 3 to 6 minutes of your best playing recorded on CD or DVD. Please include one scale. Please include a letter of recommendation from your teacher with your application.

How many students will be in the High School Music Theater Program?
We will accept approximately 100 students to the program.

How many students will be in the Vocal Arts Institute?
We will accept approximately 30 students to the program.

How many students will be in the Jr. High Music Theater Program?
We will accept approximately 30 students to the program.




When is the best time to apply?
We strongly recommend early application. The earlier you submit, the sooner we can let you know about your admission status. Early application gives you better consideration for financial aid and qualifies you for the early bird discount which is a savings of 15%.

How does the admission process work?
When you submit your audition materials, our artistic staff will review your submission. Each submission will then be graded as: accepted, waiting list, or not accepted. Students on the waiting list will be contacted following subsequent auditions.

When will I know if I have been accepted?
Early admission deadline: January 20th
Students who audition live or submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by February 1st.
Second admission deadline: February 20th
Students who audition live or submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by March 15th.
Third admission deadline: March 31st
Students who audition live or submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by April 13th.

How will I be notified?
Notification is made by email. You must provide a valid email address on your application. Once you have applied please add these two addresses to your address book: academy@okcu.edu; jmoad@okcu.edu.

Are there in-person auditions?
Yes. There are several audition dates available at OCU. Please visit the "Summer Audition Form" section for a list of live audition dates. Advance registration is required for live auditions.

If I attended previously, must I audition?
Yes. All students, even those who attended previously, must submit an audition for admission consideration. The only persons exempt from an audition are ACCEPTED OCU music students who wish to attend the summer programs. These students must still submit an application and fee.

Is auditioning in-person better than mailing an audition?
No. There is no difference. In-person auditions are videotaped for later review by the OCU Summer Music Artistic Staff. However, a live audition does give you the opportunity to visit the OCU campus.


If I am accepted, when will I audition for the show?
All participants will audition shortly after they arrive on campus. No one is pre-cast. High School auditions are on the Sunday following arrival on campus. Jr. High students audition after the first few days.  Jr. High instructors will talk about how to audition, review audition songs and choreography, and make the whole process fun! We realize that some of our participants may have little or no audition experience and we'll make it as enjoyable a process as possible!

Do I have to live on campus?
Residential students must live on the OCU campus for the entire program where they are supervised 24/7 by our OCU Summer Music staff and counselors. A food plan provides students with three meals a day Monday - Saturday and two (brunch, dinner) on Sunday in the OCU cafeteria.

Do I have to stay for the entire program?
Yes. We do not allow students to arrive late or leave early for vocal programs. Exceptions may be made for instrumental programs at the discretion of the instructors.

Can my parents and/or friends visit me anytime during the program?
No. Visitors (including parents) are not allowed during the week. Family members may only visit during designated times.

Can I select my roommate?
Yes. If you have a friend coming to the same session, you may request to room together. Otherwise roommate assignments are made based on age.

What should I do if I'm homesick?
We understand that this is a stressful and sometimes frightening situation. Remember, there will be many other students like you who are away from home for the first time. You'll make friends from all over the country while having fun! Our OCU staff is always here to help at anytime during your stay - day or night.

How do I apply for the All-State Scholarship?
Please indicate your award in the Special Scholarship section on the OCU Summer Music Application. Please send official documentation of your award along with your application. Failure to send documentation may delay review of your audition. A xeroxed copy of the program with the student's name will serve as documentation.