Want to join our full-service program later?
Apply 100% of this purchase towards the cost of tuition for BVC Aspire.
Learn More: Full-Service ProgramWith this online course, you'll learn how to:
- Confidently prioritize your college prep "to do" list and focus on what really matters like showcasing your unique talents
- Choose great repertoire, create fantastic cuts, and analyze your material for a prescreen that truly shows off your authentic self
- Get clear on what you really want out of your college experience as you build a schools list that fits you and your needs
- Brainstorm ideas and highlight your personality in your essays, resume, headshots, and wildcard video
From scared ➡️ to submitted!
WHAT'S INSIDE:
11 Modules & 18 downloadable resources to guide you through all aspects of the college musical theatre application and prescreen process!
MODULE 1:
TIMELINE & PROCESS
Applying to musical theatre programs is a big undertaking, but take a deep breath, because we’ve included calendars, checklists, and practice guides to help you stay organized, inspired and accountable.
- 2 Video Lessons
- 1 min, 3 mins
- 3 Downloads
- College Audition Tracker Template
- Timeline and Materials
- Suggested Aspire Calendar
MODULE: 2
MAKING YOUR SCHOOLS LIST
Choosing the right schools for your musical theatre journey can be overwhelming. This module simplifies the process, helping you identify what truly matters in a program. We’ll guide you in building a balanced list that aligns with your goals. From understanding acceptance rates to finding the right fit, you’ll feel confident and prepared to take the next step in your application process.
- Video Lesson: 3 mins
- Download: Making Your Schools List
MODULE: 3
CRAFTING YOUR RESUME
Your resume is a key part of your application, helping faculty understand your background and training. This module will guide you in creating a clear, accurate, and concise resume that highlights your experiences and skills. We’ll cover everything from what to include and how to format it to adding a photo and special skills that set you apart. With our tips, you’ll be ready to showcase your strengths with confidence.
- Video Lesson: 3 mins
- Download: Resumes
MODULE: 4
WRITING YOUR ESSAYS
Writing your application essays can feel daunting, but they’re your chance to showcase who you truly are beyond your performances and resume. This module guides you through identifying what colleges should know about you and how to express that in a meaningful way. From brainstorming topics to sharing personal stories, we’ll help you craft essays that highlight your unique voice and values.
- Video Lesson: 2 mins
- 2 Downloads: What Do You Want Colleges to Know About You, Essay Tips
MODULE: 5
CREATING YOUR WILDCARD VIDEO
Our module guides you in creating a standout wildcard video that showcases your personality beyond performance skills. We provide inspiration and tips to help you share something meaningful and unique about yourself—something that highlights who you are as a person, not just as a performer. Whether it’s a hobby, a special memory, or something you love, we’ll help you craft a video that lets your true self shine through and makes a lasting impression on admissions teams.
- Video Lesson
- Download: Making a Wildcard Video
MODULE: 6
HEADSHOTS
Your headshot is a crucial part of your college audition application. In our module, you’ll learn how to take a professional-looking headshot, even with your smartphone. We’ll guide you through everything from finding the right lighting and background to choosing the best hair, makeup, and clothing for a natural look. Whether you use a senior photo or take a new one, we’ll ensure your headshot is a perfect representation of the real you!
- Video Lesson: 1min
- Download: DIY Headshots
MODULE: 7
ALL ABOUT YOUR SONGS
This module offers a comprehensive guide to selecting, cutting, and preparing songs for your college auditions. We dive deep into helping you choose songs that reflect your unique strengths, teaching you how to create effective cuts that maintain the song's integrity, and providing solutions for securing piano tracks. With our resources and expert tips, you’ll be equipped to present the best version of yourself in the audition room.
- 3 Video Lessons: 4 mins, 2 mins, 1 min
- 4 Downloads: Ways to Research Songs, Who Are You, Making the Cut, Making a Piano Track
- Option to purchase Cuts & Tracks
MODULE: 8
ALL ABOUT YOUR MONOLOGUES
Presenting a monologue gives schools a chance to hear the full range and nuances of your speaking voice; gives them a glimpse into how you take on the physicality of a character; and shows your ability to communicate and tell a compelling story. We guide you in finding monologues that reflect your passions, meet specific school requirements, and fit within time constraints.
- 2 Video Lessons: 3 mins, 2 mins
- 2 Downloads: Choosing a Monologue, How to Cut Your Monologue
MODULE: 9
ANALYZING YOUR SONGS & MONOLOGUES
As you work through your songs and monologues, it’s important that you do some analysis to make sure you thoroughly understand the material you are presenting, and so that you are making intentional acting choices. We help you break down and thoroughly grasp the content in your material.
- Video Lesson: 1 min
- Download: Song & Monologue Analysis
MODULE: 10
DANCE PRESCREENS
Ready to tackle the dance portion of your audition with confidence? This module will guide you through the process, whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to the world of dance. You’ll learn how to choose the right music, present your movements effectively, and let your personality shine through.
- Video Lessons: 3.5 mins
- Download: Dance Prescreen Information & Clothing Recommendations
- Option to purchase a dance coaching package
MODULE: 11
FILMING & LOGISTICS
Ready to create standout pre-screen videos? Our Prescreen Guide is your ultimate guide to filming high-quality college audition videos from home. Learn how to set up your camera, lighting, and audio for a professional look and sound, frame your shots to meet industry standards, and use both essential and optional equipment to enhance your video quality. We’ll also cover how to prepare and deliver a compelling performance, and edit your footage into a polished final product.
- Download: Prescreen Guide PDF
FREE BONUS!
GUIDED VOCAL WARM-UPS
and
WARM-UP ACCOMPANIMENT TRACKS
Yours FREE with the purchase of ASPIRE DIY!
GET INSTANT ACCESS TO
From scared ➡️ to submitted!
Your purchase includes:
-
11 modules with written & video lessons
- 18 downloadable resources
- Additional resource library with warm-ups & tracks
- Option to purchase audition cuts & piano tracks (not available to the public)
- Want to join the full-service program later? Apply 100% of this purchase towards the cost of tuition for BVC Aspire
Want to join our full-service program later?
Apply 100% of this purchase towards the cost of tuition for BVC Aspire.
Learn More: Full-Service ProgramCollege musical theatre auditions?
No one knows it better!
Here at BVC, our team includes BFA graduates, Broadway and TV actors, and a tenured faculty member at one of the top musical theatre programs in the country. You could say we've been there, done that!
We understand how important it is to have reliable information you can trust, rather than navigating the chaos and confusion of online forums and Facebook groups.
We created ASPIRE DIY so that all students (and the adults supporting them!) can thrive in this process!
Cynthia Kortman Westphal is a Broadway music director and chair of the department of Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan,
Chelsea Wilson is a top voice teacher and vocal coach, including work for Broadway productions like THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, SCHOOL OF ROCK, and more. And, she's a BFA graduate herself.