Application information
The closing date for application forms and bursary augmentation is Friday 29 January 2027.
The Performing Arts Scholarship auditions will take place on Friday 5 March 2027 and will be led by the Artistic Director.
Awards will be made to candidates who are outstanding performers amongst their peers. In audition they will demonstrate excellent physical and vocal control and creative flair as well as ensemble skills and the ability to respond to direction. We will also expect a high level of academic engagement with all aspects of performing arts which will be tested through interview and a short written exercise.
Please note that in the academic year prior to audition, candidates may wish to arrange an informal pre-audition with the Artistic Director where they can perform a short monologue, dance or Musical Theatre number and get feedback, as well as asking any questions they may have about Performing Arts at the School.
Please contact the Artistic Director, Dr Tim Coker if you would like to arrange this visit.
There are three parts to the audition.
Part 1
All candidates will be asked to participate in a practical group theatre workshop, creating a short, devised performance based on a stimulus.
Part 2
During the group workshop, candidates will be invited individually to perform TWO contrasting audition pieces. The prepared performances should be committed to memory. No costumes are required, but small props can be used if helpful. Candidates should be prepared to respond to direction on at least one of their prepared pieces. Candidates should be able to discuss their choices and their own personal approach to their performances.
Part 3
The last stage of the audition process is to have an informal interview with a member of the Performing Arts department and a short written exercise. This is an opportunity for candidates to share with the interviewer their enthusiasm for the subject and offer any evidence they have of their prior commitment to drama. Typically candidates present a portfolio that includes past programmes, production photos, Speech and Drama certificates and so on, although this is not obligatory.
They will also be asked to critically discuss a piece of professional live performance reflecting on key moments in the production as an informed member of the audience. This discussion is an important part of the selection process and we are looking for a detailed recollection of specific moments from a live theatrical production which the candidates are able to analyse in detail from a range of perspectives including:
- Performers’ performance skills in specific scenes/moments
- Design elements (lighting, sound, staging, costume, props) in specific scenes/moments.
These analytical skills are crucial for candidates as it is a requirement that all Performing Arts award holders are expected to follow an academic option in Theatre Studies at GCSE/A-Level/IB.
All candidates will then sit a 30-minute written paper which will ask them to analyse a production in which they have performed.
Throughout the auddtion process, we are looking for evidence of candidates who have:
- A genuine enthusiasm for the performing arts.
- A desire to develop their theatre knowledge and performance skills in the full knowledge that this takes time and commitment.
- A willingness to involve themselves in all aspects of performing arts at Rugby School.
- Critical understanding of live performance.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A commitment to our departmental Core Values: Desire and Determination; Positivity and Playfulness, and Team Care.
Parents of candidates should submit an application by the closing date: Friday 29 January 2027.
A detailed reference from the Head of the candidate’s current school will be requested.
In further support of the application, any additional references from theatre societies or drama clubs that the candidate belongs to are also welcome.
All awards are conditional upon the academic entrance requirements of Rugby School being met. Awards may be reviewed from time to time and are conditional upon satisfactory progress and attitude being maintained. Candidates from overseas or who attend a school that does not prepare for Common Entrance will be asked to sit our entrance tests in English, Maths and Reasoning on a separate day.
If a scholarship is awarded, fees may be augmented by means-tested bursary support up to 100% of the boarding or day fees.
Bursary applications are made via an online system, please complete the Bursary Application Form below to start an application. In order for your bursary application to be considered, your child must be registered with
the School and the Registration Fee (if applicable) paid in full. Applications submitted after the closing date may not be assessed until after the result of a scholarship application is known.