Audition Information
School of the Arts Application for the 2026-2027 School Year
Click the link above to apply today! Applying students will be contacted via email after their application is received. All other applications will be processed as they are received and individually scheduled to audition. Transportation to the May auditions will not be provided.
- Students who are new to York County can apply at the time of their YCSD application or enrollment. Auditions will be scheduled as needed.
Applications for all grade levels are accepted throughout the year. Interviews and auditions take place during the winter, spring, and summer. Applicants will be contacted when the application has been received.
Students seeking admission to the School of the Arts must complete this application and notify their school counselor that they are submitting an application for SOA.
Teacher Recommendation
School of the Arts 2026-2027 Teacher Recommendation Form
- Access the teacher recommendation form using the following link:
- Send this form link to three of your current teachers.
- At least one recommendation must be from a current core teacher.
- Students who apply to the Literary Arts pathway should have at least one English teacher recommendation.
- Recommendations from private instructors are accepted.
Preparing Your Audition
For SOA auditions, all students will complete their audition and interview with an instructor for your specific pathway(s). Each pathway has individual requirements listed below.
Literary Arts Pathway
Students will bring a typed 250 to 500-word autobiography and one additional piece of creative work (in any genre) written during the current school year.
Theatre Arts Pathway
Students will prepare and perform a memorized monologue from the selections provided: THEATRE ARTS AUDITION MONOLOGUES
Music Arts Pathway
Students will play the District 8 prepared musical excerpt (instrumental or vocal) and one student-selected piece in a contrasting style - link coming soon.
Technical Theatre Pathway
Students are encouraged to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship! While not required for acceptance, you may submit samples of visual art or photographs of costumes, props, scenery, or any other technical theatre projects you have designed or built. These examples help us understand your theatre experience and your interests.
Dance Arts Pathway
Students will be taught a series of combinations in varying dance styles. Ballet shoes or bare feet are preferred; any other dance shoes could be brought and worn if needed for a specific skill set the student wants to perform during the improvisation. Professional dance attire or athletic attire.
The SOA Program
For complete course offerings and full course descriptions, please refer to the Program of Studies, Secondary Registration and Information Guide. (Please note the year of publication, as the newest handbook may not yet be posted.)
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, SOA students will take two courses at BHS - either two SOA courses or one SOA course and another universally required class, such as Health/PE or English.
A complete list of SOA courses grouped in their pathway is below:
Jubilee Dance Concert 2024
Dance Arts Pathway
- Dance Arts I
- Dance Arts II
- Advanced Dance Arts III
- Advanced Dance Arts IV
Theatre Arts Pathway
- Advanced Theatre Arts I
- Advanced Theatre Arts II
- Advanced Theatre Arts III
- Advanced Theatre Arts IV
- Improvisational Performance/Sketch Comedy Writing
Literary Arts Pathway
- Advanced Writers Workshop I
- Advanced Writers Workshop II
- Script Writing for Stage and Screen (10-12th grades)
- Creative Writing A (Semester Course)
- Creative Writing B (Semester Course)
Technical Theatre Pathway
- Advanced Technical Theatre I
- Advanced Technical Theatre II
- Advanced Technical Theatre III
- Advanced Technical Theatre IV
Music Arts Pathway
- Music Performance Lab (10th-12th Grades)
Various Pathways
- SOA Workplace Experience (12th Grade)