Dance
August 13, 2026
Applicants should arrive dressed in appropriate dance attire, including a leotard and tights in any color. Please bring ballet slippers, sneakers, and jazz shoes for class participation. Hair should be styled in a neat high or low ballet bun for all female-identifying dancers. Students are asked to arrive 30 minutes to one hour early to warm up and check in. During the audition, applicants will participate in classes alongside Summer Intensive students and will be assessed as part of this process.
Questions? Contact Leyland Simmons at lsimmons@hsanyc.org.
Apply for a Dance Audition →
Media & Design
Interviews & Portfolio: July 7 – August 14, 2026
All portfolios should be submitted at least 24 hours before your scheduled interview date. Students are required to schedule their interview and submit their portfolio using the link provided in the Audition Application Form. Applicants must include 5–7 samples of original artwork in any media. Materials may be uploaded directly through the application platform or submitted in person — for in-person drop-off, contact prep@hsanyc.org to arrange a time.
All uploaded artwork must be in JPG or PDF format at a minimum resolution of 150 dpi, and each file should be clearly labeled with the applicant’s first name, last name, and submission number (e.g., “Jane Doe, Submission 1”).
Apply for a Media & Design Audition →
Music
August 7, 2026
Students will prepare and play two contrasting works of their own choice. Please note that you might be stopped midway through to perform different pieces, and will be asked to engage in a conversation about your experience in music. In your application, be sure to provide your music specialization and your instrument of choice.
Apply for a Music Audition →
Drama — Theatre
August 7, 2026
Students will provide a headshot with a resume, and prepare two contrasting monologues — such as one classical and one contemporary — each lasting between one and two minutes.
Apply for a Theatre Audition →
Drama — Musical Theatre
August 7, 2026
Students will provide a headshot with a resume, and prepare one contemporary monologue (1–2 minutes in length) along with one 16-bar song in any style.
Apply for a Musical Theatre Audition →
Every Prep Program student receives a full-tuition scholarship for all HSA classes. Upon acceptance to the program, each student and their parent/guardian receive an Award Letter and Student Code of Conduct, and will be billed a $575 registration fee.
Students in the HSA Preparatory Programs receive rigorous training designed to prepare them for advancement into arts-specialized high schools, continued growth within the HSA Prep Program, and future work in the arts beyond their time at our institution. To receive a well-rounded education with our world-class teaching artists, students are expected to fully commit to their Prep schedules. Throughout the year, students participate in individual and group projects, masterclasses, workshops, ensembles, exhibitions, and trips, while gaining meaningful exposure to the art world as young emerging professionals.
HSA’s Preparatory Programs enrich students both artistically and academically by providing support for high school and college preparation throughout their time at HSA. Students participate in masterclasses with working professionals, artistic community-building opportunities with their peers, and workshops focused on career development and professional experience in the arts. In addition, many students seek mentorship from our Department Directors and teaching artists, who support their artistic and academic growth through one-on-one lessons, audition preparation, and portfolio reviews.
Each student in the HSA Prep Program receives a schedule tailored to their artistic growth. Depending on the department, students will be enrolled in a combination of required classes, private lessons, and electives. Take a glance at a mock schedule here →
