Undergraduate Conservatory Audition Guidelines
All audition confirmation materials will be sent to the applicant via the student e-mail as listed on the application.
Undergraduate Application Process
- Complete the Undergraduate Application for Admission
- Musical Theatre applicants must complete a prescreening audition. Applicants will be notified of prescreening results, on a rolling basis via the email address listed on their application. You may not schedule an on campus audition until you have been contacted with your prescreening results.
- Submit official high school transcripts from each institution attended
- Optional: Submit official SAT or ACT test scores
- Register for an Audition via our Audition Registration Form. Audition dates are limited and may fill and close well in advance of the audition date. Audition registration will open on September 14, 2020.
Potential Changes Due to COVID-19
As federal, state and local approaches to combatting the spread of COVID-19 evolve over the coming year, it may become necessary for Shenandoah Conservatory to modify the ways in which auditions and interviews are held. Any changes will likely be most noticeable in audition format (for example, live over Zoom). Core program requirements will likely not be altered.
- Non-musical theatre applicants are encouraged to submit application materials and register for the audition/portfolio review concurrently. Audition registration will open on September 14, 2020.
- No audition will be scheduled without submission of the Shenandoah University Application for Admission and the audition will not be confirmed until all application materials have been received.
Musical Theatre applicants must first submit a recorded video prescreening audition.
The firm application and prescreening submission deadline is December 2, 2020.
No tapes, DVDs, YouTube videos, or submissions through other websites will be accepted. Prescreening audition selections must follow the Undergraduate Conservatory Audition Guidelines.
Applicants who successfully pass the recorded prescreening audition will be invited to campus to complete a live audition with the Shenandoah Conservatory faculty in February.
Potential Changes Due to COVID-19
As federal, state and local approaches to combatting the spread of COVID-19 evolve over the coming year, it may become necessary for Shenandoah Conservatory to modify the ways in which auditions and interviews are held. Any changes will likely be most noticeable in audition format (for example, live over Zoom). Core program requirements will likely not be altered.
Live audition dates are hosted on the Shenandoah University campus.
Audition season at Shenandoah University is always an exciting time! The Conservatory is bustling with enthusiasm and energy not only from our faculty and students, but also from the many visitors.
Your audition day will include:
- Meeting with faculty within your major area of interest to discuss curriculum specifics, performance opportunities, and any other questions you may have.
- Admissions information covering topics such as the application process, GPA and SAT/ACT requirements, AP, IB and dual enrollment credits and more.
- Financial Aid information covering scholarships, grants and FAFSA information.
- Student guided tours of the entire campus.
*Audition registration will open September 14, 2020.
Undergraduate Audition Dates
Music Programs
- December 5, 2020
- January 23, 2021
- January 30, 2021
- February 6, 2021
- February 13, 2021
Dance Programs
- October 23, 2020
- January 29, 2021
- February 13, 2021
Theatre Programs
- November 14, 2020
- January 30, 2021
- February 6, 2021
- February 27, 2021
New York City Regional Theatre Auditions
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be holding NYC regional auditions during the 2020/21 audition cycle. However, we do plan to have additional opportunities and as soon as those are available, they will be posted here.
All applicants must follow the Shenandoah Conservatory Undergraduate Audition Guidelines as they prepare for their audition.
Applicants will be emailed an audition confirmation once all of the application materials have been received. The confirmation will include arrival time and schedule for the day. Audition times are not assigned until the day of the audition.
Registrations for auditions must be received at least two weeks prior to the audition date. Again, the audition registration will not be confirmed until all admissions materials have been received.
Applicants who live more than 250 miles from the Shenandoah University campus have the option to submit a recorded audition.
Before submitting a recorded audition, please contact Holly Johnson—Assistant Director for Admissions Events at 540-665-4581 or auditions@su.edu for specific recorded audition required materials.
It is strongly recommended that applicants verify the distance requirement with their admissions counselor prior to submitting a recorded audition.
Musical Theatre DOES NOT accept recorded auditions.
Submit a video recording electronically through the Shenandoah University Recorded Audition Form.
Videos must be prepared following the Shenandoah Conservatory Undergraduate Audition Guidelines and may be produced with home recording equipment; studio-quality recording is not necessary. We will NOT accept any other type of recorded audition.
Admission Decisions
Admission decisions are sent to students in early March for students who have applied for the fall semester. Review of applications and subsequent admission status notification continues until all programs are full.
Fall Semester/Spring Semester Applications
Shenandoah Conservatory accepts applications and admits students to all conservatory programs in the Fall (August) semester. Shenandoah accepts applications for some programs for the Spring (January) semester depending on availability. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to determine if their program of interest has openings for the spring semester.
Not sure what to major in?
Find a major that fits your instrument, and learn more about your instrument’s faculty.
Questions?
If you have questions about our admission or audition process, we invite you to call or email us so we can help you navigate the process and prepare as best possible for your audition. You can contact the Office of Admissions at 540-665-4581 or e-mail admit@su.edu or auditions@su.edu.
View the 2020/21 conservatory brochure