16+ Performing Arts Scholarship

There are four parts to the audition:

Part 1

All candidates will be asked to participate in a practical group performance workshop with current Performing Arts Scholars. They will also be given a short piece of unseen script and/or dance repertoire which they will have time to work on, ready to perform as part of their practical assessment.

Part 2

In addition to the group workshop, candidates will be invited individually to perform TWO contrasting performances of approximately two minutes each.

For Acting candidates, the prepared speeches 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.

For Dance specialism candidates, we will ask to see TWO short solos (max 2 minutes 30 seconds) in contrasting styles e.g. one Ballet solo and one Modern solo. Solos can be pieces that have been performed at previous competitions or shows, that the dancers have created themselves, or from work previously prepared for exams. Please provide your own music and send it in advance of the day. Please ensure you bring a backup copy of the music on the day, a Bluetooth speaker will be available.

For Musical Theatre applicants, we would ask to see either two songs (at least one with dialogue before/after the song, as well as a dance element in one or both songs) or a combination of one song plus one monologue, or a dance solo.

For Technicians, they will be set a practical exercise to complete in their designated area of expertise. Technical applicants should email in advance to inform us of their chosen technical skill on which they will be assessed, from: Stage Management, Lighting, Sound or Costume.

If Acting/Musical Theatre applicants would like to discuss the appropriateness of any particular speech you are welcome to contact the Artistic Director in advance of the audition, but the hope is that candidates will select contrasting pieces that reveal their strengths as performers and be able to discuss their choices in approach to the text. They should have read the entire play from which each prepared extract is taken and be able to justify verbally, decisions made on their interpretation.

If you would like further direction on our Dance specialism requirements, please contact the Head of Co-Curricular Dance.

Part 3

You will have a formal interview with a member of the Performing Arts department.  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 the Performing Arts. Typically, candidates present a portfolio that includes past programmes, production photos, Speech and Drama or Dance certificates etc, 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:

• A performers performance skills in specific scenes/moments
• Design elements (lighting, sound, staging, costume, props) in specific scenes/moments.

Part 4

The last stage of the audition process is to sit a Theatre Studies OR Dance written exam (45 minutes).

Theatre Studies

• You will be given an extract of script to read.
• Consider how you would perform one of the characters to create impact for your audience.
• You may like to use quotations from the extract.

Dance

You will be asked to describe a dance performance that you have performed in. Please discuss and evaluate the choreographic elements of the performance including:

• Projection
• Focus
• Expression
• Timing
• Musicality

Throughout the audition process we are looking for evidence of candidates who have:

• A genuine passion for theatre and 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 undertaken 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.

In further support of the application, any additional references from theatre societies, drama clubs or dance schools that the candidate belongs to are also welcome and can be uploaded when applying.

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. 

To apply for a Performing Arts Scholarship please submit the application form below.

For details of the additional benefits and opportunities available to Performing Arts Scholars (including LAMDA, Musical Theatre & Dance tuition, showcase performance opportunities, workshop and masterclasses etc.) please see our brochure or contact The Artistic Director, Dr Tim Coker for further information.    

For further information, please contact Dr Tim Coker, Artistic Director or Ms Florrie Harris, Head of Co-curricular Dance.

There is no fee remission for successful scholarship awards. However, if a scholarship is awarded, fees may be augmented by means-tested bursary support of up to 100% of boarding or day fees.  Bursary applications are made through an online system. To register your interest, please complete the Bursary Application Form below. You will then receive an email containing a link to create an account and begin your bursary application. 

For a bursary application to be considered, your child must be registered with the School and the Registration Fee, where applicable, must be paid in full.  Bursary applications must be completed and submitted by the scholarship application deadline.  Applications submitted after this date may not be assessed until after scholarship assessment results have been released.  In such cases, it will be at the School’s discretion whether a place is held while you await an outcome.  There is no fee remission without a Scholarship or Award and bursary support is available only where both parents reside in the UK.