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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are commonly asked questions about the Performing and Visual Arts categories. Please take a moment to review the questions below before sending an email or calling the hotline. To ensure a simple and efficient submission process, we update the FAQ daily during the open enrollment timeframe.
Can I enter both Performing and Visual Arts Programs?
Yes, as long as you submit an application for each.
Can I enter in more than one category in Performing Arts and Visual Arts?
Yes, as long as you submit an application for each category.
What if I advance to more than one category for the semifinals?
If you advance to the finals in your first category at the semifinal audition, then you may not audition in subsequent categories.
Can family or friends watch my audition?
No, however, we do allow selected Music Center donors and past finalists to attend these events.
What should I expect at my audition?
You should plan to arrive early enough to warm up. We try to provide warm up rooms, however, they may not always be available in the facility. Please familiarize yourself with the composer and/or the chorographer of the piece you will be performing for your audition. The audition facilitator will ask you to introduce yourself to the judges and may ask you a few questions about the piece you are performing. You will not be judged on this. This is simply to let the judges become acquainted with you.
Should I audition even though I feel I don't have a chance to advance?
Absolutely! Auditioning prepares you for so many things in your life. There are important skills to be learned in the process of auditioning, such as: how to perform under pressure; what to do about nerves; how to present yourself to a panel of judges; and how to prepare for an audition mentally and artistically. We want you to develop self-esteem and self-worth, based on the very fact that you take chances in your life, not whether you ultimately win an award. The more you audition the more comfortable and knowledgeable you will be with the process.
You will probably be interviewing for college, jobs, performing arts companies or shows in the future. You will need to learn to develop a critical eye toward yourself so you can grow as an artist. Through the Spotlight Awards, you can gain valuable feedback from judges with professional artistic backgrounds. This information can be brought back to your coaches or teachers to further help you grow. The other wonderful thing about Spotlight is that you will meet other young artists with whom you can share your experiences.
When will I know if I have passed to the next level of the Program?
All participants will receive the judges' summary of their audition through the mail.
Do I have to dress formally for my audition?
There is only a dress standard for the dance category, however, you should think about the category you are entered in and dress appropriately.
Who are the judges?
The judges are all experts in their artistic fields. They come from the professional and/or academic arena. The judges' biographies will be available at the location you audition at. The one thing to remember is that they have all gone through the very same process you will be going through.
What are the judges looking for?
It varies from category to category. Please consult the application guidelines for specific requirements. In most cases, the judges are looking for a student to possess solid skills in Technique, Artistry and Musicality. Superior technique alone is not enough to warrant advancement to the semifinals. For this Program, there must be a balance in all areas. We are looking for students to bring their own unique talents, personality and creativity to the audition.
How many people will be in my audition?
Aside from the judges, there may be Music Center staff and donors who are invited to attend. At the Preliminary level, there are usually no more than four people attending including judges.
Will I be performing my piece all the way through in the audition?
If you are performing two pieces, it is possible that the judges may stop you during your second solo. This is a natural process in auditioning and it does not mean that they liked or disliked anything you have done. The judges may have heard what they needed to hear during your first piece. They may only want to get the breadth of your range. They may be looking for something very specific. The judges will not be stopping during dance auditions. Variations are, by nature, very short and it could be dangerous for a dancer to be stopped in the middle of a solo.
If I'm unavoidably late to my audition, will I still be allowed to audition?
We will do our best to fit you in if time permits. There is no guarantee that you will be; this will be at the discretion of the staff/judges.
Can I enter in more than one category in Performing Arts and Visual Arts?
Yes, as long as you submit an application for each category.
What if I advance to more than one category for the semifinals?
If your works advance to the semifinals in both categories, you must choose one category in which to compete.
Who are the judges?
The judges are all experts in their artistic fields. They come from the professional and/or academic arena. The judges' biographies will be available at the semifinal interviews. The one thing to remember is that they have all gone through the very same process you will be going through.
Can I submit a piece that is part of a group project?
Unfortunately, only individual work is accepted for this Program.
How should I submit my image reproduction?
The best way for us to receive your image is through the online application, however images may also be submitted through the mail or hand delivered.
Can I apply on-line and then mail in my image?
Yes, when you apply on-line you will have to print and mail in the Submission Receipt/Consent Form. If you don't upload your image, you can attach it to this signature page.
I take traditional photos and develop my own film in the darkroom, how can I compete with a digital Photoshop-ed print???
We are looking at the artwork as a whole, by this we mean is the image original/creative? What were the compositional choices? How well is the image executed? Etc.
What can I expect at the semifinal interview with the judges?
This is an opportunity to present yourself as an artist to other art professionals - you must bring in at least 2 finished pieces (including the work submitted at the preliminary round) as well as portfolios and sketchbooks. Also, it's a chance for you to meet face-to-face with the people who are looking at your artwork. They will ask you questions similar to those in your original application. And while you wait for your interview, you can meet your fellow semifinalists.
May I re-schedule my interview?
You may call the Spotlight hotline at 213.972.3300 and ask permission to re-schedule; however we cannot change the date and we do not guarantee that another interview will be available for your category.
If I was a semifinalist (or honorable mention) can I compete again?
Yes! Only 1st and 2nd Place Grand Prize finalists are no longer eligible to compete.
I submitted work two years ago and didn't win anything. I'm wondering if I should try again...
Of course you should! In fact, we've had several Grand Prize finalists who did not advance to the semifinals the first time they submitted. The Program also offers Museum Tours and Master Classes.
What are the Master Classes?
The Master Classes are a chance to learn more about your chosen art form from a working professional
If you have additional questions, please call the Spotlight Hotline at 213.972.3300 or email us at spotlight@musiccenter.org.
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