Applicants who submit their applications and all necessary application materials by March 17 are guaranteed a decision by May 1, 2025.
Application steps
Please ensure that your address stays active for at least one year, as we will use it to communicate with you throughout the application process. Use the same email address for all VCU business. Check your email frequently for updates on the status of your application.
Applicants are required to complete an interview as a component of all auditions, whether in-person, virtual, or off-site. In-person interviews will take place the day of auditions, and online interviews will be scheduled for another date as part of the review process.
Onsite auditions will consist of a warm-up, a ballet barre, modern center work and an improvisation section as part of a class, followed by a short interview.
Audition dates:
• Friday, November 15, 2024
• Friday, January 31, 2025
• Friday, February 21, 2025
Onsite in person auditions will be held from 12:00-4:00pm. There is an 8:30am registration in addition to an informational session for both prospective students and their parents from 9:00-11:00 am. During this time folks will also be able to see a workshop class with current VCU Dance + Choreography students.
Virtual audition and interview
Below you will find the link to access the videos as well as a description to what each file is.
Audition video
All aspects of the audition material can be danced safely in a 10 x 10 foot space. Auditionees are strongly encouraged to access a studio environment to learn material and record audition footage. We understand that this may not be an option for all. We ask that all auditionees locate themselves in an open space with as few obstacles and distractions (i.e. furniture and pets) as possible.
Please choose two modalities in which you wish to be evaluated for your virtual audition. Although there are four movement modalities that you can choose from, you only need to submit two movement sections to best represent you in your audition. Please only upload the sections which you feel comfortable and confident in representing you and your talents.
Please use this link to access the audition video and music files.
Auditionees will learn choose two of the brief movement experiences to represent themselves in the audition process:
Traditional
Contemporary
Rhythm (choose either the slow or fast version)
Improvisation
Video file
The short video file [8:28] is meant to resemble the entire length and sequence of events for the video submission. This video is designed for you to follow along if needed.
Creation of video audition
All material should be filmed in one continuous shot only pausing to change shoes and take a breath.
Traditional, Contemporary and Rhythm section (choose either the regular or up tempo versions) audition. You may follow along with the video if preferred.
ONE-min improvisation – open for interpretation prompted by the audio sound file embedded in the video. You can view movement examples provided by 2 students in the video.All material should be filmed in one continuous shot only pausing to change shoes and take a breath.
Please use the provided sound from the video while completing the improvisation and movement phrases.
Please make sure the volume is loud enough for the camera to pick up the music. The video should not exceed the sound on the video.
A virtual interview will be scheduled at a later date after your virtual audition has been submitted.
If you have any questions regarding the audition process please contact the Department of Dance & Choreography at dance@vcu.edu.
Admissions criteria:
Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem-solving.
Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each previously attended college or university, including summer schools. If less than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours have been completed, applicants also must submit high school transcripts.
Official transcripts must be delivered to the Office of Admissions unopened and sealed in their original envelope.
Transcripts should be sent to:
VCU Office of Admissions
Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526
VCU does not require applicants to submit recommendations. If you choose to submit recommendations, please send them to arts@vcu.edu.
Applicants should review VCU’s Student Financial Services’ financial aid checklist, available here.
Applicants are encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. States and colleges also use FAFSA information to award grants, scholarships and loans.
Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem-solving.
