TWIGS Auditions

Audition Registration for the 2021-22 school year is now CLOSED. 

However, if rising 7th or 8th grade students are interested in the Film and Visual Storytelling Program (details on this program are in the descriptions below), please contact the TWIGS Office at twigs@bsfa.org

TWIGS Virtual Audition/Submission Info

Download the 2021-22 Audition Brochure

GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH DEPARTMENT & GENERAL INFORMATION:

DANCE

Students entering grades 2-8 in September 2021 can audition.

Develop your talents in dance. Professional dance educators will train you in the basics of ballet. Classes will be held 1–4 times a week depending upon class level. In the spring, TWIGS dancers participate in an annual production.

Dance Auditions: online submissions only

Audition submissions will be considered in three different age groups:

  • Students entering 2nd & 3th grade in September 2021
  • Students entering 4th & 5th grade in September 2021
  • Students entering 6th, 7th, & 8th grade in September 2021

Students will be asked to submit several documents and videos online. These include a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher and a video of the dancer introducing themselves, saying why they would like to join the TWIGS program and sharing an interesting fact about themselves. Students will also be asked to submit dance videos that include all exercises shown in the demonstration videos for the student’s specific age group. Once registered online, a form will be sent with instructions on how to submit the required documents and videos, and will include the demonstration dance videos for each age group.

FILM & VISUAL STORYTELLING

Film & Visual Storytelling: Audition Prep

Students entering Grade 8 in September 2021 can audition.

This 8-week course is designed to prepare students for the Film and Visual Storytelling high school audition. We will explore the principles of storytelling, how to develop a character, storyboards, and still image compositions. Writing exercises are essential to this class. Classes will meet once a week from October to December. We are seeking students with passion for film and the collaborative art of movie-making.

At the core of the program are the principles of visual storytelling and an emphasis on writing.

Audition Prep Class

Students will be asked to submit the requested material via a Google Form and participate in a Zoom conversation. Further information and instructions will be available to students following TWIGS registration.

Film & Visual Storytelling: Adobe Suite for Filmmakers

Students entering grades 7 and 8 in September 2021 can audition.

This 20-week course is structured around three important Adobe Creative Suite software programs for filmmakers: Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Students will learn the skills necessary to create film posters and short videos with basic visual effects and title sequences.

Shots and basic camera work will be explored. Classes will meet once a week.

Adobe Suite for Filmmakers Auditions

Auditions are virtual. Students will be asked to submit requested material via a Google Form and participate in a Zoom conversation. Further information and instructions will be available to students following TWIGS registration. 

8th graders can apply to both classes and participate in both if accepted.

MUSIC

Instrumental Music

Our program helps you improve on your instrument through ensembles (band, orchestra, jazz band, sectionals), musicianship classes, and private lessons with our esteemed faculty. Most classes are held on Saturdays but some private lessons may be scheduled on a weekday.

Students entering Grades 2-4 in September 2021 can audition for the following instruments:

  • Violin, Viola, Harp: Monday, May 17 beginning at 3:30PM
  • Cello: Wednesday, May 19 beginning at 3:30PM
  • Piano: Saturday, May 22 beginning at 9AM

Students entering grades 5-8 in September 2021 can audition for the following instruments:

  • Violin, Viola, Harp: Monday, May 17 beginning at 3:30PM
  • Trumpet, Horn, Low Brass (Trombone/Tuba/Euphonium/Baritone), Percussion: Tuesday, May 18 beginning at 3:30PM
  • Guitar, Cello, Bass: Wednesday, May 19 beginning at 3:30PM
  • Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone: Thursday, May 20 beginning at 3:30pm
  • Backup Audition Day (all instruments— if needed): Friday, May 21 beginning at 3:30pm
  • Piano: Saturday, May 22 beginning at 9AM

Auditions will be virtual and performed live via Zoom during the week of Monday, May 17–Saturday, May 22, 2021 on the dates listed above per instrument. Once registered, further instructions will be sent. Notification of exact audition time will be made one week prior to audition week. 

Vocal Music

Students entering Grades 6–8 in September 2021 can audition.

Learn to sing and care for your voice. You will participate in a choral music program to work on components of singing including breath support, posture, note reading, and sound production.

Music Vocal Auditions: Saturday, May 22, 2021

Students may sing a song of their choice, no matter how simple, that demonstrates the quality of the voice and the clear articulation of the song’s words. Examples are patriotic songs, church hymns, or folk songs. Popular music that imitates the style of a particular singer is not helpful in determining the quality of a young voice and should be avoided. Applicants may choose to sing “The Water is Wide”—a traditional Scottish folk song (Google or go to YouTube to hear melody). This song is recommended for students who cannot decide what to sing for their voice audition. Use of recorded accompaniment is optional and not provided.

Auditions will be virtual and performed live via Zoom on Saturday, May 22, 2021 between the hours of 9AM -3PM. Once registered, further instructions will be sent. Notification of exact audition time will be made one week prior to audition week. 

THEATRE

Acting

Students entering Grades 5-8 in September 2021 can audition.

Explore your imagination in acting classes and work with an ensemble in creative ways. Classes include improvisation, theatre games, and scene study. The 8th grade classes also include monologue rehearsal to develop audition material. Classes will be held once a week for one and one-half hours.

Acting Auditions – May 17-22, 2021

Each applicant must prepare a memorized monologue (one character’s speech from a play) no more than two minutes in length or a poem approximately one minute long. Auditions will be virtual and performed live via Zoom during the week of May 17-22, 2021. Once registered, further instructions will be sent to families via email. Zoom appointments will take place between 4:30pm-7pm, May 17-20, 2021 and between 10am – 3pm on May 22, 2021. Notification of audition time will be made one week prior to audition week.

Stage Design & Production

Students in grades 5-8 in September 2021 can audition

Learn a variety of stage design and production skills through puppetry art and literary theatre. Create puppets, scenery, props, costumes, and rehearse and perform your stories. Classes will be held once a week for one and one-half hours.

Stage Design & Production Auditions – May 17-22, 2021

Previous experience is not required. Each applicant should have examples of their artwork (drawings, paintings, collage, photographs, etc.) available to present to faculty. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their artwork as well as why they want to join the Stage Design and Production Program. Any experience working on performances, i.e., plays, concerts, dance shows, may be included in the discussion.

Students will be asked to submit their artwork through an online process. In addition to submitting their work online, students will participate in a virtual interview via Zoom. Once registered, further instructions will be sent for the submission process. Zoom appointments will take place between 4:30PM – 7PM, May 17-20 and between 10AM – 3PM on May 22. Notification of audition time will be made one week prior to audition week.

VISUAL ARTS

Students entering Grades 4-8 in September 2021 can audition.

If you like to draw, paint, or work with your hands, we offer lessons with professional artists to develop skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture. 4th -7th grade classes will be held once a week for two hours. 8th grade classes will meet twice a week for two hours each.

Visual Arts Auditions– May 17-22, 2021

*The Visual Arts program is a one-year program for students in grades 4 and 5. Interested students may re-audition to continue to pursue visual arts at these grade levels. Students will be asked to submit specific drawings and a few samples of their own work by May 10, 2021. There may also be Zoom interviews at the discretion of the Visual Arts faculty. Once registered, further instructions will be sent to families via email.

Please also review our curriculum offerings.