Stage Design & Production Audition Instructions

All applicants must complete the online application with BSA before following the steps below.

The Stage Design & Production Audition is a two-part process:

PART 1
Online Submission is due Monday, December 8, 2025.

If you are having trouble with your submission, please email Julianne Franz at jfranz@bsfa.org.

Required audition material:
1. Home Project
Upload photos (max 5) of your Home Project and be prepared to bring it with you for your in-person interview.

Choose a Fairy Tale, Folk Tale, Traditional Story, or Fable. {Suggested possible stories: Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel, Br’er Rabbit, John Henry, Tortoise & Hare, Ali Babba, Princess & the Pea, Robin Hood, Noah and the Flood, Anansi the Spider.)

Imagine you are presenting this story as a play for an audience. (Try to imagine it differently than a movie or TV show that you might have seen). Do ONE of the following and bring it with you to the interview:

  • Make a drawing or painting in color of how the set for this play would appear
  • Make a model of how the set would appear
  • Make a drawing or painting in color of how two of the main characters would appear

2. Presentation of Past Work
Upload a maximum of 5 examples of Past Work and be prepared to bring them (and others) with you in-person for your interview.

We are aware that students in the 8th and 9th grades are not likely to have had extensive experience in stage, concert or film/video production. Applicants should bring with them examples of their past work such as:

  • Drawings or photographs of scenery, props, costumes, or puppets on which the student has worked
  • Production/ prompt books or cue sheets from a show
  • Craft projects
  • Tech Ed Projects
  • Planning drawings for a project
  • A few examples of your best artwork
  • Examples of sewing

3. Photo of Candidate

4. Letters of Verification (OPTIONAL)
Applicants may upload letters from teachers, directors, or supervisors (max 5) which verify and describe their experience in producing the performing arts.

PART TWO
You will receive an appointment letter with the date and time of your audition. The following will happen in-person at the time of your audition.

If you have questions regarding your appointment please email highschoolauditions@bsfa.org.

1. Written Response
Applicants will write a brief paragraph in response to a prompt (can be handwritten or completed over email).

2. Drawing Exercise
Applicants will be asked to do a short drawing exercise to evaluate visual skills. All materials will be provided. The drawing will be of a small object. Students will have 5 minutes to complete the drawing.

3. The Interview
Applicants should be prepared to discuss your Home Project, Presentation of Past Work, and your background/interest in the following areas:
a. Costumes
b. Set Design and Construction & Painting
c. Stage Lighting
d. Sound/Music
e. Stage Management
f. any related skills such as: carpentry, sewing, painting, electronics, musical engineering, handicrafts, photography

Be prepared to answer the question, “Why do you want to train in the SDP program at BSA?”