HSA Prep Program
HSA Prep Program
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, 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!
For questions about the Prep Program please contact prep@hsanyc.org
Prep Program auditions occur once a year during the summer months of July-August. The audition dates for the 2026-2027 school year are as follows:
Dance: August 13, 2026
Media & Design Interviews & Portfolio Submission: July 7, 2026 – August 14, 2026 (All portfolios should be submitted at least 24 hours before your scheduled interview date.)
Music: August 7, 2026
Drama: August 7, 2026
Audition Details
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 in order 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.
For the audition, contact Leyland Simmons at lsimmons@hsanyc.org.
Students are required to schedule their interviews and submit their portfolios using the link provided in the Audition Application Form. Applicants must include 5–7 samples of original artwork in any media as part of their portfolio submission. Materials may be uploaded directly through the application platform or submitted in person. For in-person drop-off, please contact prep@hsanyc.org to arrange a time.
All uploaded artwork must be submitted in JPG or PDF format with a minimum resolution of 150 dpi. Each file should be clearly labeled with the applicant’s first name, last name, and submission number (e.g., Jane Doe, Submission 1).
Theatre Specializations: 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. Sample monologues can be found here.
Musical Theatre Specializations: 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. Sample monologues can be found here.
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, please be sure to provide your music specialization and your instrument of choice.
Hear What Our Students Say
Discover Disciplines
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) Dance immerses students in Harlem's rich dance history, offering programs in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African dance.
Discover HSA DanceHSA Media & Design celebrates Harlem’s legendary artists through a powerful curriculum facilitated by a positive, supportive faculty who inspire participant creativity, confidence and communication.
Discover HSA Media & DesignHSA Music stands on the shoulders of the Harlem Renaissance and some of the greatest musical artists the world has ever known.
Discover HSA MusicHSA Musical Theatre introduces the fundamentals of musical theater to young actors.
Discover HSA Musical TheatreHSA Theatre houses young performers from a long line of actors. From Paul Robeson to Ethel Waters, the Harlem Renaissance provided opportunities for artists to speak their truth and stand in their light.
Discover HSA Theatre
Dance
Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) Dance immerses students in Harlem's rich dance history, offering programs in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and African dance.
Discover HSA Dance
Media & Design
HSA Media & Design celebrates Harlem’s legendary artists through a powerful curriculum facilitated by a positive, supportive faculty who inspire participant creativity, confidence and communication.
Discover HSA Media & Design
Music
HSA Music stands on the shoulders of the Harlem Renaissance and some of the greatest musical artists the world has ever known.
Discover HSA Music
Musical Theatre
HSA Musical Theatre introduces the fundamentals of musical theater to young actors.
Discover HSA Musical Theatre
Theatre
HSA Theatre houses young performers from a long line of actors. From Paul Robeson to Ethel Waters, the Harlem Renaissance provided opportunities for artists to speak their truth and stand in their light.
Discover HSA TheatreFrequently asked questions
For students ages 8-17 who dream of pursuing art as a career, we offer specialized programs called HSA Prep and HSA Pre-Prep. These programs provide advanced artistic training in a supportive environment, helping young artists build the skills and confidence they need for future success in the arts.
Our experienced department directors work personally with each student to evaluate their current skills and interests. This helps us place your child in the perfect class where they’ll feel both challenged and confident as they grow their artistic abilities.
Yes. However, for those students who do not have access to an instrument, HSA can provide a list of stores that rent a variety of instruments.
Our program runs in two terms of 16 weeks each, for a total of 32 weeks of artistic exploration. Class lengths are designed with your child’s age and attention span in mind – toddler classes are a fun-filled hour, while older students enjoy immersive two-hour sessions. There is a calendar link on the contact page.
Yes! We’re excited to announce that our toddler programs are launching soon. These age-appropriate classes will introduce our youngest artists to the joy of creative expression. Stay tuned for more details!