This year’s OCSA Audition season was very busy over here at OC ProVoice! I’m so proud of all my students. As of today March 11, 2018, 16 of my 18 auditioners have been called back, many for multiple conservatories! These kids have put so much work into these auditions, they should all be proud of their journey and preparation.

 

THE OCSA AUDITION DEETZ

Students auditioning for OCSA are as young as 11 auditioning for 7th-12th grades. Thousands of kids submit applications and pre-screen audition videos each year. Some conservatories require a pre-screen video audition as round one and a live interview/audition for round two, while some conservatories will hold a single, in person interview/audition only.  The OCSA audition has very specific instructions to follow, and each conservatory has different requirements and expectations

 

WHY OCSA?

OCSA has a long history of prestige, and is highly competitive to incoming students, auditiong and hoping to be part of the legacy. This year niche.com ranked OCSA #4 in California and #12 in America for Best Schools for the Arts, so it’s no wonder OCSA auditioning is highly competitive, with students applying nation wide. This season I consulted and coached students from San Fransicso, to Hawaii, to Atlanta, as well as my local Orange County students. Because OCSA students excell in arts as well as academics and are admitted to top rated colleges, this middle school and high school experience attracts students with many different goals and aspirations.

(Photo: OC ProVoice students auditioning for OCSA for the fall of 2018.)

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

I’ve been in the trenches with parents since September, trying out and selecting the right material, filming, editing, preparing for the interviews, and trying to keep each other informed during the waiting period. As stressful as it can be, with proper preparation it’s a huge accomplishment to even particupate in the audition. Students should be proud of the work they’ve done in preparation for their OCSA audition.

Need help with your OCSA audition or any other upcoming audition?

OCSA AUDITION REQURIEMENTS

This year, students auditioned for up to two conservatories, and I coached students for Musical Theatre, Acting, Integrated Arts, and Commercial Music (Vocal) auditions. Many of the requirements were the same as or very similar to previous years, however Commercial Music required a pre-screen video this year, which was different from previous years where their audition was only an in person audition.

Quick Overview of OCSA AUDITION Requirments this year: 

MUSICAL THEATRE

* Song (16-32 bars, about a minute)

* Monologue (1-2 minutes)

(callback round: dance call and interview)

 

ACTING

* 2 contrasting monologues (1-2 minutes each)

(callback round: perform monologues and interview)

 

INTEGRATED ARTS

students must submit 3 forms of art from the following:

* Song (at least 32 bars or the whole song)

* Monologue (1-2 minutes long)

* Dance

* Visual Art (paiting, drawing, and/or ceramics)

* Set Design

* Video of a Film Piece

* Creative Writing

(callback round: present art and writing portfolio, perform live pieces, and interview)

 

COMMERCIAL MUSIC (VOICE)

* 1 Song from the Pre-Selected list

* 1 Song of your choice

(video pre-screen: one piece only, callback round: both pieces and interview)

 

These are very simplified versions of the OCSA audition requirements. Each conservatory also requries a SLATE, a short introduction where the student states their Name, the Grade they’re auditioning for, and for some conservatories their age, and the names of the pieces they are to perform. For my tips on a great slate, check out my Facebook Live tutorial.  It’s important to read all auditoing instructions carefully and follow directions exactly. Following directions and presenting your best self will give your your best chance at showcasing well.

WHAT NOW??

After the OCSA audition pre-screen segments are filmed, compiled (edited), uploaded, and the applications are submitted, then comes the waiting. Callbacks roll out in no particular order and the waiting period can be brutal, but at this point, all the work you could have done has been done! I always tell my students, prepare to the best of your abilities and give it all you have, and the rest is out of your hands. I realize that this may not relieve the anxiousness and anticipation, but hopefully it can help to ease the tension.

The most important thing to remember is to show them your best self, and have so much fun! The administration wants to find people who they will enjoy spending long days with, who will contribute to their family with joy and love, and who will work hard to make their community strong and proud. Shine bright like a diamond in the sky and show them you are that person!

 

KEEP IN MIND…

Some families come to me and have no idea how competitive, selective, and intense the OCSA audition process is and think that it will take little time and effort to prepare. Some are aware of the odds and the competition, and are completely overwhelmed by the pressure. It’s important to remember that, though the stakes seem high, this is an audition like any other.

The administrators are casting a group, an ensemble, and a family. They are looking for students that will all work well together, and contribute to their needs as a school as well as for casting purposes technically. Just like any other audition, sometimes it’s you, and sometimes it’s not you. All you can do is be prepared, show your best self, and give it your very best. Everything else is out of your hands, and has nothing to do with the trajectory for the rest of your life. With our without OCSA, your path is your own, and if you work hard enough and don’t give up, you will do amazing things!

UPDATE July 2018: 10 of my students have been admitted for this coming school year!! One, if not two or more have told me they are considering going to the CSArts location in Duarte! I’ve received varying stats, but it seems like Musical Theatre had 1000 applicants, Acting had 600. It seems like there were 2,600 total students who applied to any of the conservatories last year. Acting accepted 24 students for 7th grade and TWO students for 9th grade, one of which is our own Natalie! I only have the stats that parents relay to me, so if you would like to add any info, please let me know! Based on these numbers, in 7th grade Acting the acceptance rate is 4%, and for MT 2.5%. That’s unreal! So competitive! I’m so proud of these kids! Congrats to all who were accepted, and all who applied, even if the results weren’t as we hoped. This whole process is intense and takes a lot of work, and you should all hold your head high as you move towards your goals no matter where you’re attending school next year! Be bold, be brave, be powerful. xo

MORE INFO FOR YOUR OCSA AUDITION:

Disclaimer: I am not associated with OCSA and coaching with me does not guarantee admittance. As with any audition, professional coaching and guidance will simply give you your best chance at presenting your full potential. I have a high acceptance rate for OCSA and, as a former OCSA conservatory instructor, I have insight on what makes a successful audition, however competition is fierce and many factors are involved on the administration’s end that will lead to offering an invitation for admittance. My job is to help you put your best foot forward which will give you your best opportunity!