Prepration Track
for Juniors

The Junior Year Preparation Track is designed for students who are considering applying to Acting or Musical Theatre programs and want to begin preparing more intentionally ahead of their senior audition season.

While some students join this program after completing the Exploration Track, others enter at this stage when they feel ready to begin more focused preparation. All students receive access to the foundational research resources included in the Exploration Program, along with additional guidance tailored to their anticipated application year.

During this program, we move from general exposure to targeted planning. Students and families begin building a working list of potential schools and degree programs, mapping out what senior year may look like in terms of application timelines, pre-screen submissions, and live auditions. Coaching sessions may include introductory work with repertoire drawn from plays or musicals that align with audition requirements, rather than material selected for general study.

The goal is for students to enter senior year with an initial school list, increased familiarity with audition expectations, and a clearer understanding of how to approach material selection and application planning when the audition season begins.

How the Preparation Track Works

Students in the Preparation Track receive eight 90-minute Zoom coaching sessions scheduled throughout the year. These sessions are timed to support students and families as they move from general exploration into more targeted planning for senior year auditions.

Students who have previously completed the Exploration Track will build on the research and repertoire exposure developed in earlier years, now receiving more individualized guidance as they begin narrowing potential schools and identifying material that may align with audition requirements. For students joining at this stage, the foundational materials from the Exploration Program are included to ensure everyone begins with a shared understanding of the process.

At the start of the program (usually around May–June), registered students receive an introductory packet outlining the college audition landscape, along with access to their College Program Guide, curated musical theatre listening lists, and recommended play and monologue resources. Students will also receive a tracker to log the plays, musicals, and adaptations they watch or listen to throughout the year, which we’ll use to guide discussion and coaching in future sessions.

May-June 2026: Initial Consultation (First Zoom)

We begin with a foundational meeting to discuss the student’s goals, training background, and potential interest in applying to Acting or Musical Theatre programs. During this session, we will begin outlining what the senior audition season may look like in terms of timelines, application materials, and pre-screen requirements.

Summer 2026: Targeted Research + Program Mapping (Second Zoom)

Over the summer, students will begin more focused research into potential programs and degree types, delving into the programs listed on the provided College Degree Program Guide, and the Program Selectivity Guide. During our second session, we will discuss emerging interests and begin shaping an initial working list of schools based on training approach, audition requirements, and academic/program fit.

Autumn 2026: Repertoire Pool Building (Third & Fourth Zooms)

In the autumn, coaching sessions focus on identifying potential monologue and song options that align with common audition requirements. Students may bring in material they are currently working on, or receive suggestions drawn from plays and musicals that may be appropriate for future pre-screens.

The goal during this phase is not to finalize audition pieces, but to begin building a pool of repertoire that may be refined during senior year.

December 2026: Timeline + Application Planning (Fifth Zoom)

We reconnect over winter break to review the working school list and discuss what senior year may require in terms of applications, pre-screen submissions, and audition scheduling. Students and families will begin mapping out the major deadlines and expectations they will encounter during the audition season.

Winter–Spring 2027: Repertoire Coaching (Sixth & Seventh Zooms)

In the late winter and spring, students receive audition-focused coaching on selected monologues or songs to build familiarity with the coaching process and expectations for senior year material selection.

Late Spring 2027: Final Planning Session (Eighth Zoom)

Our final session focuses on reviewing the student’s program list, discussing next steps for the summer ahead, and outlining an initial preparation timeline for the upcoming audition season.

The Physical Resources Students & Families Will Receive:

College Audition Process Introduction Packet

At the start of the program, families receive an introductory information packet outlining the key steps of the college audition process from start to finish. This resource provides an overview of the typical application timeline, how artistic and academic admissions often function separately, and the range of degree types and training models students may encounter as they begin researching programs.

Students and families will also be introduced to common audition formats and requirements, along with larger questions to consider over time about program “fit,” training expectations, and whether this path feels aligned for the student at this stage. The packet includes explanations of commonly used terms (such as Unifieds, pre-screens, 32-bar cuts, and self-tape framing) to support a shared, working understanding of the process as students move forward.

College Program & Degree Guide + Program Selectivity Guide

Students receive access to a comprehensive guide to Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theater Studies degree programs across the U.S., organized by state and degree type (BFA, BA, BM, BS, Associate’s, etc.). This resource introduces families to the range of training options available and helps students begin understanding how different programs approach performance training — laying the groundwork for future research and school list development.

Preparation Track students will also receive access to a Program Selectivity & List-Building Guide, which provides an overview of general acceptance rates for specific Acting and Musical Theatre programs. The difficulty of gaining admission to these programs can vary widely, often depending on how many students a program accepts each year in relation to the number of applicants they receive. This resource is designed to support thoughtful school list development by helping students and families understand the competitive landscape of artistic admissions.

Musical Theatre Listening Lists +
Tailored Song Suggestions

Students are given curated listening lists of musicals and cast albums to explore over time, helping them build familiarity with a wide range of repertoire and styles. These lists are provided in a shared spreadsheet format so students and their support “team” can make notes on standout songs they enjoy that may be suitable for future auditions.

As part of the Preparation Track, students will also receive tailored song recommendations drawn from this repertoire, allowing them to begin trying on potential audition options throughout the year. Selected material may then be brought into coaching sessions, giving students an early introduction to the repertoire preparation and feedback process they will encounter when selecting senior-year audition material. This more targeted approach helps prepare students for the level of specificity required during their application year.

Play Engagement & Monologue Exploration + Tailored Monologue Suggestions

Students receive recommended play-reading lists to support future monologue discovery and to encourage engagement with contemporary and classical texts. This may include tailored recommendations for Shakespeare adaptations to watch, live streaming platforms to engage with contemporary plays, and curated monologue books featuring pieces from published works.

As part of the Preparation Track, students will also receive individualized monologue suggestions drawn from these resources, allowing them to begin exploring material that may be appropriate for future auditions. Selected pieces may then be brought into coaching sessions, offering an introduction to the monologue preparation and feedback process they will encounter when selecting senior-year audition material.