Prospective Students
Performing Arts at Notre Dame College
As a liberal arts institution, we strongly believe instruction in theatre, dance, music and performance enriches our students’ lives. We are committed to providing valuable experience students need to grow in confidence, develop artistically and thrive intellectually. And our performance events offer an immersive experience that offers an important opportunity to learn, practice, collaborate and perform – putting our students center stage.
Why Study Performing Arts?
Training in performing arts provides critical and creative thinking that promote teamwork, collaborations, strategic planning, effective and confident communications.
These are remarkably valuable, transferable and marketable skills that apply to practically any career choice – skills that aren’t easily attained through work in any other disciplines.
Performing Arts Scholarships
As part of our dedication to Arts Education, Performing Arts Scholarships are available for incoming students. Take advantage of this remarkable opportunity NDC offers students, regardless of their academic interests or athletic involvement.
Notre Dame College Performing Arts Majors
We support a collaborative, supportive learning environment with a high-quality education in the performing arts. Gain the knowledge, skills and real-world experience you need to successfully pursue exciting careers in the performing arts and beyond.
Only Notre Dame College offers new Entrepreneurial Majors in addition to our minors:
Become a Part of Performing Arts at Notre Dame College
How to Apply for Full Admission
Full admission into the program will be granted by the Performing Arts Faculty upon a successful audition in the selected area of concentration. Auditions will occur before the first academic semester of study.
Please contact Alicia Gallucci to schedule your audition.
Auditions Requirements can be found below within the following programs:
- Instrumental
- Composition
- Theatre
- Vocal
How to Apply for Performing Arts Non-Majors Admission
Students not majoring in music or theatre must contact the appropriate ensemble director to set up an audition before the academic semester.
- Instrumental: Michael Krueger mkrueger@ndc.edu
- Theatre: Celeste Cosentino ccosentino@ndc.edu
- Vocal: Mark Laseter mlaseter@ndc.edu
- Dance: PerformingArts@ndc.edu
Apply Today
Ensemble Audition Requirements
Dance
- Student must come dressed in appropriate dance clothing.
- Student must perform a dance routine (1-2 minutes in length) that a teacher or the student has choreographed. (bring own music).
- Student will be asked to follow guided directions and will be taken through basic dance steps, combinations, and improvisations.
- Participate in an in-person audition your first year and a mock audition each year thereafter.
Instrumental
Music Entrepreneurship – Instrumental
Scales from memory:
- One full-range Chromatic scale
- 2 major scales and 2 minor scales
Two contrasting solos – one lyrical and one technical.
- Students may also choose to perform an excerpt from one larger work that encompasses both areas of ability. 5-7 minutes in length.
- Works from solo and ensemble contest lists are encouraged.
Non-Major Scholarship Auditions
Scales from memory:
- Two Major scales of panel’s choice
- One etude or solo work 3-5 minutes in length
Music Composition
Music Entrepreneurship – Composition
Music Composition students must successfully audition on their instrument and/or voice for scholarship consideration and acceptance into ensembles. In addition, composers must:
- Successful audition on music or voice portion (see audition requirements)
- Interview with the theory/comp faculty.
- Submit 2-3 scores (recordings optional) of original compositions
Theatre
Requirements for entry into Theater ENT Program:
Resumé: A pdf of your full resumé, which includes any training and experience you have had in music, theatre, and dance, as well as academic honors, work experience, and community service.
Photograph: A recent photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional headshot.
Brief Personal Statement: A short (1-2 page double-spaced) description of their theatrical involvement in high school.
For Live or Virtual Audition:
Prepare two contrasting short monologues from two separate plays (not from monologue books). Please do not exceed 90 seconds for each. The monologues must be memorized.
OR
Prepare one short monologue and one selection of musical theatre repertoire. The cut may be up to 32 bars, but should not exceed 60 seconds in length and must be memorized. In addition, please have the full version of your audition song ready to sing if asked.
Requirements for Non-Majors in Theater:
Resumé: A pdf of your full resumé, which includes any training and experience you have had in music, theatre, and dance, as well as academic honors, work experience, and community service.
Photograph: A recent photograph of yourself alone. This does not have to be a professional headshot.
Brief Personal Statement: A short (1-2 page double-spaced) description of their theatrical involvement in high school.
For Live or Virtual Audition:
Prepare a short selection of a musical theatre song (up to 32 bars) OR a short monologue. Please do not exceed 90 seconds.
Vocal
Performing Arts Major (Primary – Voice) Audition Requirements
Performing Arts Majors whose primary focus is Vocal Studies should prepare the following for their scholarship audition:
Two pieces for accompanied solo voice, performed from memory
One art song or aria in a foreign language
- Suggested Repertoire: 24 Italian Songs, First Book of ______ Solo Series, art song by Schubert, Fauré, Hahn
One piece for solo voice in English, in a style of your choosing
- May be a classical piece, folk song, jazz work, musical theater selection, etc.
- Choral excerpts are not appropriate
- Must be an accompanied work– acapella auditions are not appropriate
Non-Major Audition Requirements
Non-major Scholarship Auditionees should prepare the following for their scholarship audition:
One piece for accompanied solo voice in any language, performed from memory
May be a classical piece, folk song, jazz work, musical theater selection
Choral excerpts are not appropriate
Must be an accompanied work– acapella auditions are not appropriate
Build Character and Career
Your NDC education can waken and shape your passions, sharpen strengths and lead to a career path that is meaningful and rewarding. Discover your potential at NDC.