Fine Art Auditions - Frequently Asked Questions

Auditions and Portfolio Reviews

Is there a benefit to auditioning earlier or later in the season?

It is strongly encouraged to audition prior to receiving your financial aid offer from North Central. Auditions after you receive your financial aid offer could result in adjustments to other institutional aid. 

What if I live out of state? 

Please email NCAuditionsRSVP@noctrl.edu for us to coordinate a virtual audition with you.

What do I need to prepare?

Please review audition/interview checklists for theatre, music, and art and design.

Where do I send my letters of recommendation to?

Please send your letters of recommendation to NCAuditionsRSVP@noctrl.edu

What should I wear? 

Remember this is an audition, so you will want to best represent yourself and be sure to wear something you feel comfortable performing in. 

Is there a limit to how many scholarships I can receive? 

No, there is no limit to how many fine arts scholarships a student can receive. However, there is a limit to the total amount of scholarships a student can receive in a given year, which considers other merit and need-based aid. 

Is there a warm-up space available for me to use before my audition? 

Yes! All students who are auditioning are offered a warm-up space before their audition. If a student is auditioning for multiple areas, we will offer warm-up time between auditions.

Will I be auditioning on stage in front of a committee? 

No, our auditions are held in classroom spaces or in faculty offices, often with an accompanist and 1-2 faculty members.

Can I bring guests or family to my audition? 

Yes, they can come. We ask that guests and family stay in our lobby space during your warm-up and audition time. 

When will I hear back about my scholarship audition results?

We aim to notify students 2-3 weeks after their audition date.

Application and Admission

When can I register for an audition and apply for a Fine Arts Scholarship? 

First, complete your admission application here. Upon acceptance, you can then register for an audition or portfolio review. North Central is on a rolling admission! Our online registration for auditions and portfolio review can be found here.

Do I have to be a Fine Arts major to receive a scholarship?

No! Non-majors are also encouraged to audition.

Academics

What Fine Arts majors do you offer?

We currently offer art programs in Graphic Art and Studio Artmusic programs in Jazz, Classical Vocal, Classical Instrumental, Piano, Composition, and Athletic Bands; and theatre programs in Acting, Directing & DramaturgyMusical Theatre, and Theatrical Design and Technology.

As a Fine Arts major, can I double major or have a minor?

Depends on your major. Some of the fine arts majors are very intensive, like the Music Education Major. Please note, you can still be in the ensembles even if you are not a major.

What are the faculty like?

Not only is the faculty talented and well rounded, they are very excited to work with you. NC faculty are the ones teaching your classes, providing you mentorship, and supporting you throughout your time at North Central.

Theatre Productions

How many productions/concerts happen each year?

The theatre department puts on seven full productions each year, including two musicals. Our 20+ music ensembles hold several concerts and performances per semester. Browse photo galleries of past productions.

Do you cast first-year students in productions?

Yes!

Can I participate in productions if I am not a Fine Arts major?

Yes! 

What facilities are available to me for practice and performance?

Our campus has several state-of-the-art venues for fine art students. Our art and design students have classes and access to studios in Meiley-Swallow Hall; our music students work in Wentz Concert Hall and the Fine Art Center; and our theatre students work and perform in Madden Theatre, Pfeiffer Hall, and Meiley-Swallow Hall.

Still Have Questions?

Please email the Admission Office at fineartauditions@noctrl.edu with any additional questions. We look forward to hearing from you!