Performing Arts Academy

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAM

Session I: June 14 - July 5
Session II: July 12 - August 2
Cost: $2,940 (Includes tuition, room & board)

Faculty:
Dr. David Herendeen, Dir. Opera & Music Theater
Karalyn Merritt, Theater/Acting
Florence Birdwell, Voice (tentative)
Frank Ragsdale, Voice
William Christensen, Voice
Brenda Holleman, Voice
Additional faculty to be announced

Oklahoma City University is recognized worldwide as a leader in musical theater education. The High School Musical Theater Program is an extension of the acclaimed OCU musical theater degree program, which has produced Tony, Grammy & Emmy award winners. Our program admits, by audition, high school students - rising 9th through graduating 08 seniors. Students from all over the nation and the world attend our program which offers both demanding classroom training and on-stage experience. Students are trained in the new $38 million Bass Music Center – the most technologically up-to-date music facility in the nation.

Our intensive program is for those who are serious about pursuing a career in musical theater performance. Mornings have our students in the classroom with a demanding pre-college curriculum of dance, music theory, piano, and acting. Afternoons feature master classes in audition preparation, vocal health, musical theater history, monologue preparation, and voice master classes with Bass voice faculty and special guests such as two-time Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara ("The Light In The Piazza," "Pajama Game"). Evenings and weekends are reserved for rehearsals for our fully staged musical. This summer, we are pleased to present Stephen Sondheim's legendary musical,"Sweeney Todd." On Saturday mornings, students get the chance to select their schedule with our "Saturday Electives," featuring such classes as make-up lab, Pilates, tap, stage combat, and performance career preparation.

The OCU High School Musical Theater Program is very selective. Admission is based on a successful live audition or DVD audition submission. Auditions are not accepted on mini DVDs or VHS tapes. Click here for audition requirements. All students must audition for admission - including students who have attended previously.

See photos of this past summer's production of "Les Miserables" by clicking here.
Students who are accepted and submit tuition deposit by February 10th, 2008 receive 10% off their entire tuition. Early application also provides students with good financial aid and scholarship consideration.

OCU Summer Music is pleased to offer special scholarships to those selected to participate in the NFAA Arts Awards or their state's Music Educator's "All-State" choral/ vocal programs.

If you are interested in applying for scholarships or financial aid, please visit the "Summer Tuition & Policies" section.



2008 AUDITION SUBMISSION DEADLINES & NOTIFICATION OF ADMISSION
(audition submissions must be in our office by the deadlines)

Mailed auditions will be accepted beginning December 1st.

First admission deadline: February 10th
Student who submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by February 15th.

Second admission deadline: March 10th
Student who submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by March 15th.

Third admission deadline: April 10th
Student who submit an audition by this date will be notified of their admission status by April 15th.


QUICK FAQs

How may I audition?
Students may either send an audition on DVD or attend one of our live national auditions.

For information on our national summer program auditions, please click here.

Mailed auditions must be submitted on DVD. We do not accept mini DVD's, VHS tapes, CD's or audio tapes. Audition materials will not be returned. Submissions should be mailed to:

OCU Performing Arts Academy
Oklahoma City University
2501 N. Blackwelder
Oklahoma City, OK 73106

What should be included in my audition?
Please click here for audition requirements.

Two songs - one should be a pre-1970 musical theater selection and one song of your choice - and one theatrical monologue. You may substitute a classical song for one of the selections. Songs should not exceed three minutes each and the monologue should not exceed one minute. Applicants should be recorded live with a live piano accompaniment (no backing/karaoke tracks). Recordings of live stage performances/shows are not acceptable. Submissions must be on DVD. Students must include include a headshot (if no headshot, a school picture is fine) and performance resume. Failure to send all required material may delay review of your audition.

How many students will be in the program?
We will accept 45 (approx.) students per session.

Who should apply?
We encourage everyone to apply. Our program is demanding and we look for hard working, talented students who are serious about a career in musical theater performance. Each summer, we receive auditions from students around the nation and the world. Applicants for the high school program should have previous training and stage experience. However, many years of voice lessons or dance classes are not required. A desire to learn, develop and grow is required. We look for students who are serious about music.

When is the best time to apply?
We strongly recommend early application. The earlier you submit, the sooner
we can let you know about your admission status. Early application gives you better consideration for financial aid and scholarships and qualifies you for the early bird discount.

How does the admission process work?
When you submit your audition materials, our artistic staff will review your
submission. Each submission will then be graded as: accepted, waiting list,
or not accepted. Waiting list students will be put in the order they were
received. There is no specific contact date for waiting list students, as they
will be contacted when openings occur.

When will I know if I have been accepted?
Please see the above section titled "2008 Admission Submission Deadlines & Notification of Admission." Notification is made by email.

Are there in-person auditions?
Yes. The Performing Arts Academy will be traveling to selected locations around the nation where students may audition in person. There are also several audition dates available at OCU. Please visit the "Summer Audition Form" section for a list of live audition locations. Advance registration is required for live auditions.

If I attended previously, must I audition?
Yes. All students, even those who attended previously, must submit an audition for admission consideration.

Is auditioning in-person better than mailing an audition?
No. There is no difference. In-person auditions are videotaped for later review by the OCU Summer Music Artistic Staff.

Do I have to live on campus?
Yes. All students must live on the OCU campus for the entire program where they are supervised 24/7 by our OCU Summer Music staff and counselors. A food plan provides students with three meals a day on weekdays and two (brunch, dinner) on weekends in the OCU cafeteria.

Do I have to stay for the entire program?
Yes. We do not allow students to arrive late or leave early.

Can my parents and/or friends visit me anytime during the program?
No. Family members may only visit during our Parent’s Weekends – the first Saturday of each session.

Can I select my roommate?
Yes. If you have a friend coming to the same session, you may request to room together. We will do our best but we cannot guarantee roommate assignments.

Is there a difference in the sessions?
The show & curriculum of each session will be the same.

If I am accepted, when will I audition for the show
All participants will audition shortly after they arrive on campus. No one is
pre-cast. Audition information will be sent to accepted students.

How do I apply for the All-State or NFAA Arts Awards)?
Please indicate your award in the Special Scholarship section on the OCU Summer Music Application. Please send official documentation of your award along with your application. Failure to send documentation may delay review of your audition. A xeroxed copy of the program with the student's name will serve as documentation.

For questions, please contact our office at
dmeagher@okcu.edu or jmoad@okcu.edu
or call (405) 208-5410

You may also reach us for instant answers on AIM at
OCUSummerMusic