Signing Up
How do I sign up for an audition? To audition for a Fine and Performing Arts scholarship, you must complete a registration form. If you have questions, email auditions@spu.edu.
Will I get a response right away when I sign up? Yes, you will receive a confirmation email, sent to the email address you provided on your form. If you don’t see it, check your junk mail.
When will I know what date and time my on-campus audition is? You will select a date and time when you register for your audition.
I need to cancel or reschedule my on-campus audition. How do I do that? While we request that students do their best to keep their original audition time, we understand that sometimes conflicts may arise. If this is the case, email auditions@spu.edu with your request as soon as possible. If you need to reschedule, please notify us at least five days in advance, and in your email note the dates and times when you are available. We'll do our best to accommodate your availability; if we cannot, you can also audition electronically.
Can I audition if I haven’t applied to SPU? Yes, all prospective students may audition. However, a Fine and Performing Arts scholarship can only be awarded to students who have been admitted to Seattle Pacific University, so you will need to apply and be admitted prior to receiving a scholarship.
May I audition in more than one field? Yes! Many of our students do so. If you’d like to register for multiple auditions, you'll be able to select multiple fields and audition times in the registration form. For on-campus auditions, please allow 20 minutes between audition times to allow for travel between audition locations.
What information do I need to provide when registering? You’ll be asked to provide information on your previous experience in your field, as well as any private instruction you have received. If you are auditioning for Visual Arts, you will need to provide a link to an online portfolio containing artwork done within the last two years.
I’m already enrolled at SPU. Can I audition for a scholarship? Yes, please contact the department you are interested in directly for information about current-student scholarships.
On-Campus Audition Information
Can I audition for dance? No, we do not offer scholarships for dance.
I’ve been using a school instrument. Do you have instruments to borrow? No, you will need to bring your own instrument.
Can I bring my own accompanist? Yes, you may. We will also have an accompanist available for vocalists who need one.
Can I bring guests? Yes. On your registration form, please indicate the number of guests who will join you. Due to our COVID-19 policy, guests will not be permitted in the audition space.
When will I get information on where I should check in? You will receive a reminder email five days before your audition that includes your check-in location.
Are there practice rooms available? Yes, you will have access to a practice room beginning 30 minutes prior to your audition.
What is a music résumé or narrative? A music narrative is simply your story in music. What do you do? Who do you work/study with? What are your experiences? A music résumé outlines the following: Programs you have participated in, teachers you have studied with and in what capacity, years of practice/lessons, major repertoire you have studied, and any awards or achievements you would like to share. You can bring either/both to your audition.
What will my audition be like? Audition format is specific to the medium in which you are auditioning, as follows:
- Vocalists: At SPU Music, we welcome all musicians, regardless of genre and background, into our program. Please prepare two songs that are arranged for voice with piano accompaniment. These can be of any genre, but we recommend a diversity of genres be it art song, opera, theatre, musical theatre, or other contemporary styles. A pianist will be provided for you. Please also bring your music narrative/resume to the audition.
- Pianists and instrumentalists: At SPU Music, we welcome all musicians, regardless of genre and background, into our program. For the audition, students will prepare two pieces that best represent the student's musical skills and personality. Due to our limited time together you will only play about five minutes of each work. An excerpt or movement from a longer composition would be acceptable. You are expected to bring your own instrument and will be performing unaccompanied unless you would prefer to bring a play-a-long set up. Please also bring your music narrative/résumé to the audition.
- Theatre performance auditions: Present two contrasting monologues of your choice, totaling approximately three minutes. Additionally, 16 bars of an a capella musical theatre song are welcome but not required. Bring a printed theatre résumé and a photo (senior picture, head shot, etc.).
- Theatre Production and Design auditions: You will bring a portfolio of three to five pieces (photos, drawings, etc.) that best represent any design or technical work you have completed in scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, or props. Stage Managers should bring at least one prompt book and/or any documents that illustrate their organization and work in rehearsals and production. When interviewed, be ready to support your portfolio.
- Visual Art auditions: Visual art scholarships do not include an in-person audition. Provide a link to an online portfolio that is publicly accessible (a site that does not require a password or permissions). You can create a simple portfolio using free services like WIX and Weebly. Include 8–10 PDF or JPEG files of artwork done within the last two years. Video art work samples should be linked from the portfolio site to a video sharing service such as YouTube or Vimeo (“unlisted” or “private” settings are acceptable as long as the link in the portfolio site works for anyone who has the link). To audition electronically, you must complete an electronic audition form. Portfolio submissions featuring long form films are not eligible to be considered for these scholarships. If you have questions about this requirement please contact the Chair of the Art Department.
How long will my audition be? Auditions will be 10 minutes long.
Electronic Auditions
Can I still audition if I cannot come to the SPU campus? Yes. To audition electronically, you must complete an electronic audition form.
What formats will you accept for audition files? You can submit audio files as WAV or MP3. Images can be submitted as PDF or JPEG. Videos should be uploaded to a video sharing service such as YouTube or Vimeo (“unlisted” or “private” settings are acceptable as long as the link in the portfolio site works for anyone who has the link).
Can I edit the files that I submit? No, please do not edit your recordings or include any effects, such as reverb. Edited recordings will not be considered.
When are electronic auditions due? Electronic audition forms and files must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on February 19, 2024.
Scholarships
When will I know if I have received an award? After the final decisions have been made by faculty and you have been accepted to SPU, you will receive an email with your scholarship decision. You will also see your scholarship in your Offer of Financial Assistance. Decisions are generally made by mid-March.
How much money can I be awarded? Scholarships are $1,500.
How will my scholarship show up? FPA scholarships will be noted in your Offer of Financial Assistance. If your scholarship is not showing, contact Student Financial Services.