Admission to Theatre

All students interested in theatre are encouraged to visit Southwestern College and meet the theatre faculty and students, and when possible see a show.

While on campus for a tour, one can also ask about visiting a class to get the experience of being a theatre student here at Southwestern. With a 13-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio, no one goes unnoticed in a classroom, and sufficient attention can be given to help a student to expand their knowledge, skills and maximize their talents. 

Both Theatre Majors and non-Theatre Majors who are interested in Theatre are encouraged to explore the awards each year. Theatre scholarships are available based on talent, skills, experience, and participation level.

In addition, those who are interested in any major in the Performing Arts division and excel academically should request information regarding the Pillars Academic and Moundbuilder Spirit scholarships, Southwestern College's premiere scholarships given away each year to incoming freshmen.

Junior/Senior Day
Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The Performing Arts Division invitation extends to any current High School senior or community college student in their final semester who is interested in majoring or minoring in music, theatre, or musical theatre.

Those auditioning will have a chance to see and experience the fine visual and acoustic qualities of Southwestern College’s Richardson Performing Arts Center. They will meet and work with dynamic performing arts faculty members, who have presented at numerous national conferences and provided expertise to the region’s arts educators. Our faculty is dedicated to nurturing intellectual development, aesthetic sensibility, and creativity through stimulating classroom and performance experiences while preparing students as professionals and advocates who cultivate the arts.

Sign up today!

Junior/Senior Day Registration

Junior/Senior Day

All high school juniors, seniors, and their directors are invited to attend our Junior/Senior Day on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022.  Come hear the outstanding young artists at SC, meet with faculty, tour campus, and audition/meet for additional scholarship funding.  Each student attending will receive a $5,000 scholarship to SC, which can be increased up to $10,000 based on their audition/meeting in the afternoon.  Additionally, students will be entered for drawings to win Bose speakers, SC swag, and more!  Directors are entered for drawings to win JW Pepper gift cards!

Tentative Schedule

9:30       Registration

10:00     Opening Drum Circle

10:30     SC student performances

11:00     Faculty Introductions

11:15     Admissions

11:30     Campus Tour

12:30     Lunch (provided) & Drawings for prizes

1:15       Auditions/Meetings begin

FAQ’s for Junior/Senior Day

What should I bring?

If auditioning for additional scholarship funding, wind and string students must bring their instrument.  Percussionists should bring their own sticks and/or mallets.  Large equipment (piano, percussion) will be provided.  Copies of material to be performed is strongly encouraged.

Do I need my own accompanist?

It is highly recommended that students use their own accompanist.  If you need an accompanist provided, please email Jeremy.Kirk@sckans.edu with a copy of the music no later than Friday, Oct. 14

Are there repertoire requirements for auditioning?

Students should bring music or material that showcases their current ability.  This can be material from private lessons, ensembles, district/all-state cuts, school theatre/musical theatre auditions, etc.  A list of recommended repertoire (though not required) can be found here.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, school-appropriate clothing.  Formal attire is not required.

I have specific questions related to the area in which I plan to audition.  Who should I contact?

Musical Theatre – Joshua.Robinson2@sckans.edu
Piano/Keyboard – Timothy.Shook@sckans.edu
Strings – Amber.Peterson@sckans.edu
Theatre – Allyson.Moon@sckans.edu
Vocal Music – Simon.Hill@sckans.edu
Winds and Percussion – Jeremy.Kirk@sckans.edu
Worship Outreach – Martin.Rude@sckans.edu

How do I apply to SC?

Click here for information on the admissions process

Contact Us

Questions? Please contact the Performing Arts Division Office at (620) 229-6272 or e-mail performingarts@sckans.edu for these arrangements.

Scholarship Audition Days 2022-2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023

The Performing Arts Division invitation extends to any current High School senior or community college student in their final semester who is interested in majoring or minoring in music, theatre or musical theatre, or who wishes to participate in the division activities.

Those auditioning and interviewing will have a chance to see and experience the fine visual and acoustic qualities of Southwestern College’s Richardson Performing Arts Center. They will meet and work with dynamic performing arts faculty members, who have presented at numerous national conferences and provided expertise to the region’s arts educators. Our faculty is dedicated to nurturing intellectual development, aesthetic sensibility, and creativity through stimulating classroom and performance experiences while preparing students as professionals and advocates who cultivate the arts.

Sign up today!

Scholarship Audition Day Registration

FOR APPLICATION, AUDITION AND INTERVIEW

All students interested in participation in theatre may apply for theatre scholarships regardless of their academic major.

The acting audition with theatre department faculty can be:

Prepared

The audition may be either:
1. specially prepared audition selections
2. cuttings from a show that the student has performed in on another occasion
3. formerly prepared forensic selections

Cold

An on-site preparation and rehearsal of one or more selections chosen by the faculty. This is a low key, low stress, and fun way of plumbing the students talents and flexibility as we rehearse a selection, trying it several different ways.

Digital Recordings and DVD Recordings

Students are always encouraged to visit campus, meet faculty and students in theatre, and examine SC’s environment of support for the arts. If prospective students live at such a distance that they cannot audition with the faculty on campus, the theatre faculty welcome recorded auditions. Please describe in detail the moment in the production that you want to use and identify which character you are playing. (The one in the red dress, black cowboy hat, etc.) Audition recordings will be promptly returned.

Technical Interview

Students interested in technical work should interview and with representative materials or a portfolio.

We encourage students to not stress about the audition. In thirty minutes we can get to know each other and the exciting ways in which we can work creatively together.

For more information on Admission to Southwestern visit the Admissions website.

For answers to your questions concerning the Theatre Arts Department e-mail allyson.moon@sckans.edu