For majors and non-majors, Hesston College is a great place to make music and theatre a significant part of your college experience.

The Visit

Audition days give you the opportunity to interact with faculty, take a private lesson and attend classes or rehearsals. We offer the following visit/audition dates:

• Friday, September 29, 2023
• Friday, November 10, 2023
• Friday, March 1, 2024
• Friday, March 22, 2024
• By appointment (Priority given to students who audition by April 1.)

Due to COVID-19, auditions may also be completed virtually

The Audition

Contact Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre, or Russell Adrian, music professor, to schedule an audition. Ask a teacher or mentor to complete this reference form within two weeks of your audition. Dress professionally and be ready to talk about your goals.

Theatre Concentration:

• Students auditioning for a theatre performance scholarship will perform two memorized contrasting monologues (ex. comedic, dramatic, classical, contemporary). The pieces should not exceed 3 minutes in combined length and should showcase your ability.
• Students interested in musical theatre may prepare a song from musical theatre as an alternative to one monologue.
• Students pursuing a technical theatre scholarship do not need to audition. They may set up an interview and bring samples of design-related work such as sketches, design renderings for costume, scenery, lights, etc., photos from shows or prompt books and one letter of recommendation from their supervising director or instructor who has worked closely with the student.
• Students are encouraged to bring a theatre resume.

Music Concentration:

• Voice: Perform two memorized selections, one classical and one contrasting classical or musical theater selection.
• Piano/Organ and other instruments: Perform one or two contrasting selections from the standard repertoire. Memorization is encouraged.
• Students will rehearse with a provided accompanist prior to the audition. Students will also sight read an excerpt and demonstrate range or vocalize as applicable.

The Scholarships

With a successful audition, scholarship packages start at approximately $21,500 if your high school GPA is 3.5 or higher and your ACT score is at least 27 or SAT is at least 1260. With a GPA of 3.0 or higher, scholarship packages start at approximately $17,500. Extra endowment scholarships are available for keyboard players and students with exceptional auditions.

Performing Arts Scholars agree to demonstrate responsibility and leadership among peers within our program and across campus. Students who maintain at least a 2.75 grade point average are eligible to renew their scholarship for the following year. Requirements include:

Theatre Concentration:

• Audition for or tech all main stage productions
• Enroll in HC Theatre Company
• Enroll in Acting or The Art of Theatre

Music Concentration:

• Membership in an assigned music ensemble each semester
• Enroll in private lessons each semester
• Perform or attend Masterworks, Sunflower Performing Arts, student and faculty recitals, guest performances and master classes.