Auditions FAQ

No, we do not. For acceptance into our school we only hold on-campus or remote auditions. We will recruit at conventions such as SETC, NCTC, VTA, but we do not accept students from those events. 

Videos are not preferred for Musical Theatre and Acting auditions, But we are aware that not everyone is able to come for a live audition due to travel distance, production obligations or financial reasons. SAS does have the option of a remote audition. We encourge you to attend a live audition if possible.

All incoming freshman students who audition/interview are automatically considered for talent based scholarships within the department. Once in a program, it is the student’s responsibility to apply for one of our scholarships every year. All scholarships and awards can only be considered through this application. There is a deadline for submission of the scholarship application. please use the link above for more information.

No, we will accept any photo you have available that shows you clearly.

On the Monday prior to your arrival you will receive a reminder email letting you know the exact time you should arrive and an itinerary of the day. Please note there are 2 applications that must be turned in to complete you application process. One is for Western Carolina University and the other is a School of Stage & Screen application.  These are two separate applications. You do not have to have applied to Western in order to apply to Stage and Screen. If accpeted to the School of Stage and Screen, you acceptance Stage and Screen would be contingent on your acceptance to Western.

The check-in process starts at 8:00 a.m. You will receive an email the Monday before your audition/interview date with detailed instructions for the times and places auditions/Interviews are held once you have picked your audition/interview date and submitted your application on Acceptd. We do not assign audition times. Audition times will be based alphabetically by last name.

Audition times vary depending on the amount of applicants we have that current day. Musical Theatre and any Acting auditionees that also need to complete the Dance audition may go as late as 6:00 p.m. depending on the size of the group auditioning. If you are flying, it is safest to book your departure the next day. 

We will provide a 15 min warm-up prior to Musical Theatre/Acting and Dance auditions.

Please come with music prepared in a 3 ring binder and bars clearly marked start to stop to accommodate the accompanist.

Your songs should be two complete contrasting musical theatre songs and one monologue (no longer than 60-90 seconds) for the audition; be aware that you may only be asked to sing one of your songs. An accompanist will be provided so do not forget to bring your sheet music in the correct key. Here is a web site that might help you with ideas on songs and monologues: http://auditioningforcollege.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/do-not-lists/.

Please email us at sas@email.wcu.edu within 48 hours prior to your audition. 

Please dress in appropriate form fitting dance attire such as leotard and tights or jazz pants and leotards. Standard rehearsal shoes (no pointe please) required for the combination. Sandals and Tennis Shoes are not considered proper attire. Hair should be tied back, away from the face. No dangling jewelry.

• You will need to bring with you and send with your application: your resume, recent photo, 2 letters of recommendations and a short essay of “What are your top five favorite plays and/or films, and the reason(s) for two of those choices.” Also refer to our Admissions page for more details on what is required for your interview. 
• You will need to bring your portfolio containing any work to showcase your talents. 
• At your interview you will meet with a theatre faculty member. They will conduct your interview and look over your application materials. At this time they will be able to answer any questions about the program you may have.

Drawings/sketches, photos of shows you have worked on, photos of models/props, lighting or sound plots, prompt books, running sheets,  or anything that will show your skills & talents.

Please apply anyway and we can discuss more during your interview. We don’t expect all high school students to have a professional-quality portfolio, so any creative works that tells us who you are and what you’re interested in: drawings, photographs, sculptures, writing.

You are welcome to apply for more than one of our programs at a time (B.A., B.F.A. Acting or Musical Theater). You will need to complete a separate application for each program.

We will make final decisions within 14 days of the audition. You will receive an email and letter in the mail. 

No, we are unable to meet these requests. There are local hotels in Sylva, Dillsboro, Waynesville, Cherokee, Franklin, and Asheville.

No. You may contact the airport to arrange local transportation. The most convenient airport is Asheville Regional Airport, which is approximately 60 minutes away, however, it is small airport with limited airlines. Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; or Greenville, SC airports are within 2-3 hours away and accept most flights.

We focus on a quality education for all of our students. This is why we limit the amount of students accepted each year into any of our programs. Currently we accept between 8-10 students depending on each program. Please refer to our Admissions page for more specific numbers. 

The parents are not able to watch any aspect of the auditions. There is a waiting area during the acting/vocal auditions and the portfolio interviews, however, parents will be asked to leave the Dance studio during the Dance portion of the day. Parents are allowed to participate in the Q&A during the morning.