Audition and Portfolio Requirements

A dance student dancing outside.

Every art major has its own criteria so portfolio requirements vary to reflect the distinct qualities and skills essential for admission.

Requirements by Major/Concentration

  • Live audition or digital compilation
  • Photo taken in first arabesque


Admission Counselor:
Megan Berg
951.659.2171 x2344
mberg@idyllwildarts.org

Classical Piano

  • 3 prepared pieces representing contrasting styles from the standard repertoire.


Classical Piano Admission Counselor:
Megan Berg
951.659.2171 x2344
mberg@idyllwildarts.org

Classical Instruments:

  • 2-3 prepared pieces representing contrasting styles. For auditions on campus, you may choose to bring your own pianist, but it is not required. Please note a pianist will not be provided for auditions.


Classical Instruments Admission Counselor:
Amalia Gardner
951.659.2171 x2341
agardner@idyllwildarts.org

Songwriting:

  • 2-3 original songs with words in English 
  • 1 cover song (performed instrumentally and sung to show arranging/interpreting skills)
  • Lyrics should be included with audition submissions.


Songwriting Admission Counselor:
Christy Wilke
951.659.2171 x2223
cwilke@idyllwildarts.org

Jazz Instruments:

  • 3 prepared pieces. Backing track or rhythm section welcome, but not required:
    • Blues
    • Jazz Standard
    • Great American Songbook Standard


Jazz Admission Counselor:
Christy Wilke
951.659.2171 x2223
cwilke@idyllwildarts.org

Voice:

  • Classical Voice: 2 musical selections one aria, one choice 
  • Contemporary Voice: 2-3 musical selections in contrasting styles


Voice Admission Counselor:
Megan Berg
951.659.2171 x2344
mberg@idyllwildarts.org

Acting:

  • 1 Shakespearean monologue (comedic or dramatic)
  • 1 Contemporary monologue
    • Monologue from a play published after the 1900s
    • Monologue from a film

Musical Theatre:

  • 1 Shakespearean monologue (comedic or dramatic)
  • 1 Contemporary monologue
    • Monologue from a play published after the 1900s
    • Monologue from a Film
  • 1 entire song from a published musical with an instrumental or piano track accompaniment

Design and Production:

Departmental interview required; contact the Dramatic Arts admission counselor for more information.

Admission Counselor:
Megan Berg
951.659.2171 x2344
mberg@idyllwildarts.org

  • 1 art portfolio containing art that meets submission guidelines
  • 1 essay that answers three questions about your artistic perspective

Admission Counselor:
Christy Wilke
951.659.2171 x2223
cwilke@idyllwildarts.org

  • 1 creative writing sample
  • 1 visual artwork sample that meets submission guidelines
  • 1 video of 3-5 minutes in length that meets the submission guidelines

Admission Counselor:
Christy Wilke
951.659.2171 x2223
cwilke@idyllwildarts.org

  • 1 portfolio containing a minimum of 2 pieces that meet the submission guidelines
  • 1 video of 3-5 minutes in length that meets the submission guidelines

Admission Counselor:
Amalia Gardner
951.659.2171 x2341
agardner@idyllwildarts.org

  • 1 creative personal artwork that meets the submission guidelines
  • 3-5 design sketches
  • 1 original design that meets the submission guidelines

Admission Counselor:
Amalia Gardner
951.659.2171 x2341
agardner@idyllwildarts.org

A student playing a xylophone.

Ready to take the next step?

Please visit the audition and portfolio submission page for full criteria and instructions, or to submit your completed materials.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the admission office:

Admission Policy

Idyllwild Arts Academy admits students of any sex, race, religion, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identification to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identification in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and financial planning, and athletic and other school-administered programs.