Performing Arts Scholarships

Please contact Britt Fishel, Dance Ensemble Director, at bwf34@drexel.edu to submit a video audition, schedule an in-person audition, or for additional information.

Dance scholarship auditions can be video submissions or in person. If you are submitting a video, please email a Vimeo or YouTube link to Britt Fishel, bwf34@drexel.edu. Submissions are due by 5pm on Friday, March 28, 2025. See the tab below for audition requirements.

*Please note: There is no impact on acceptance whether the audition is live or on video. Dance Majors are also invited to apply for the Dance Impact Award.

In Person Auditions | Forman Dance Studio | 3220 Chestnut Street

• Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 10am-12pm
• Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 10am-12pm

Video: Submit two, approximately 2-minute videos of you dancing solo. The two solos should be in different genres of dance. If possible, one of these solos should be in ballet, modern, contemporary or jazz. The other can be in those genres or improvisation, hip-hop, or a fusion of techniques. These dances can be choreographed by you or a teacher.

Please send your Drexel ID number, if you received it, with the video submission.

In Person: Prepare two solo pieces in two different genres of dance. one of these solos should be in ballet, modern, contemporary or jazz. The other can be in those genres or improvisation, hip-hop, or a fusion of techniques. These dances can be choreographed by you or a teacher.

These pieces should not exceed 2 minutes each.

Requirements for Scholarship Participation
Students must be registered for ensemble evening technique classes 2x a week. They are DANC 131-001 (dance majors) or DANC 131-002 (non-dance majors) and perform in both Winter and Spring Dance Ensemble or FreshDance concerts in the year in which they receive scholarships to be eligible to receive the scholarship disbursements.

Please contact Britt Fishel, Dance Ensemble Director, at bwf34@drexel.edu for additional information.

Music ensemble scholarships range from $500-$3,500 total for the academic year. This award is split between fall, winter, and spring quarters. To receive the scholarship for all three quarters, students must be enrolled in the music ensemble course. Please see below for specific ensemble audition requirements and contact information. Students are welcome to participate in multiple scholarship ensembles.

A limited number of performance scholarships are available for the choral ensembles. Auditions for these scholarships take place in March and April for the following year. You do not need to be a music major to be eligible for a performance scholarship and most recipients are non-majors.

In Person Auditions will take place on campus:
Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 3pm-5pm

Please contact Dr. Spratlan for an audition time. Audition appointments will be 10 minutes long. The above dates are by appointment only.

*If you cannot make the listed date, please contact Dr. Spratlan to arrange an alternate date.

April 6th is the cut-off date to audition for a performance scholarship for the 2025-26 academic year.

Please contact Dr. Daniel Spratlan, Director of Choral Activities, at dms542@drexel.edu to schedule an audition, or with any questions about the choirs. Auditionees should fill out and return the following form:

University Chorus Audition Form

Audition Requirements:

One piece, either an art song or aria, with keyboard accompaniment (accompanist will be provided by Drexel). Pick something that shows off the strength of your voice; play to your strength and don't try to guess what the director will like. In addition to their solo pieces, auditionees will vocalize with the director to display their range and will be asked to sigh-read from a choral score. Intonation, ability to blend, and strong sight-reading skills are all priorities to receive a scholarship. 

Video auditions will also be accepted for students who cannot attend a live audition. Please record your solo piece, plus 1-2 minutes of scales/warm-ups that demonstrate your low and high range. Videos should be sent to dms542@drexel.edu

Requirements for Scholarship Recipients:

1. You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 101: University Chorus each term (rehearsals are T/Th 5:30-6:50 pm)
2. You must be available to participate in the Chamber Singers at the director’s request (rehearsals are W 5:30-7:20)

Please contact Dr. Daniel Spratlan, Director of Choral Activities, at dms542@drexel.edu with any questions or to submit a video.

Wind, Brass, and Percussion performance scholarships are awarded for Concert Band across fall, winter, and spring quarters each academic year. For more information contact the Concert Band Director, Dr. Domenic Pisano at djp368@drexel.edu

See below for audition requirements and submission process.. See below for audition requirements and submission process.

Audition Requirements:

1. Three major scales and one chromatic scale, range of the instrument, in the format of your choice.
2. Basic sight reading (provided)
3. Selection from standard solo repertoire of your choice. You may use state/district music educator's conference audition material as a guide or starting point to choose a selection.

Percussionists:
Percussion students are to perform a 2-3-minute solo or etude of their choice on each of the following three instruments: timpani, snare drum, and one mallet instrument choice (marimba, xylophone, or vibraphone). Scales, rudiments (from the standard 26), and sight reading will be asked.

To Submit/Schedule Your Audition
To schedule an audition, please complete the audition form below no later than two weeks before your requested audition date. If none of the dates/times below work for you, please indicate this on the form and Dr. Domenic Pisano will contact you directly to arrange an alternative.

Concert Band Audition Form

The dates are as follows:

• Sunday, January 5, 2025 11 AM - 1 PM (virtual)
• Wednesday, March 5, 2025 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (virtual)<
• Saturday, April 5, 2025 3 PM - 5 PM (in-person)
• Sunday, April 6, 2025 3 PM - 5 PM (in-person)

Requirements for Scholarship Participation

A student must be registered for Concert Band (MUSC 105, Section 001) for each academic term in order to receive any disbursements.

For more information or to schedule an audition, Dr. Domenic Pisano at The dates are as follows:

• Sunday, January 5, 2025 11 AM - 1 PM (virtual)
• Wednesday, March 5, 2025 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (virtual)
• Saturday, April 5, 2025 3 PM - 5 PM (in-person)
• Sunday, April 6, 2025 3 PM - 5 PM (in-person)

Requirements for Scholarship Participation
A student must be registered for Concert Band (MUSC 105, Section 001) for each academic term in order to receive any disbursements.

For more information or to schedule an audition, Dr. Domenic Pisano at djp368@drexel.edu

Performing Arts Scholarships are competitive, and the expectations for students who are awarded scholarships are high. These students are required to attend all rehearsals (Monday and Wednesday evenings, 5:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.) and performances of the Concert Band. In addition, all Concert Band scholarship students are to be available for chamber music opportunities within the Concert Band, or for other ensembles within the Department of Performing Arts (i.e., University Orchestra, University Chorus, Theater Pit Orchestra).

Auditions:
Performing Arts Scholarships are available to any percussion student who performs a successful audition. Students are to contact the Director of the Percussion Ensemble, Mark Beecher, meb26@drexel.edu, to schedule a time for an audition, which are usually 15-minute slots.

Sunday March 9, 2025 | 2pm-4pm (virtual)
Sunday April 6, 2025 | 3pm-5pm (in person)

If you are interested in submitting a YouTube or Vimeo video, please contact Percussion Ensemble Director, Mark Beecher, meb26@drexel.edu.

Audition Requirements:
For Mallet Auditions (Marimba/Vibes/Xylophone, Timpani), students are asked to choose a repertoire which they think best displays their present abilities. Students should be prepared to offer two or three pieces or movements in contrasting musical styles and tempi. As appropriate, the student may be asked to demonstrate aural awareness, scales and arpeggios, and sight-reading. It is recommended that the pieces are played from memory and a copy of your audition music presented to the Director of the Percussion Ensemble, but not required.

For all other Percussion Instruments (Snare Drum, Drum Set, Congas, Bongos, Djembe, etc.), students must prepare a solo piece or two, of their choice.

Snare Drum:
Playing through a few Drum Rudiments (going from Open [slow] to Closed [fast] to Open) - The Long Roll, Single Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle, Flam, Flam Accent, Flamacue, Ruff (Drag) & Single Ratamacue, as well as some on-the-spot demonstrations of a few Hybrid Rudiments.

Drum Set:
Students must perform the following Groove examples: Bossa Nova, Afro-Cuban (6/8 & Son Montuno / Salsa), Reggae (Shuffle & Straight 8ths), Blues Shuffle, Jazz/Swing, Odd Meter (5/4, 7/8, etc.).

Hand Percussion:

• Congas - Tumbao Moderno, Guaguanco, Bolero, Merengue, Afro Cuban 6/8, etc.
• Bongos - Basic Martillo
• Djembe - Lamba, Doundounba, Sedeba, Lindjiang
• Darbuka - Maqsum, Baladi, Saidi, Nawari, etc.

Sample Audition List
(Note: Student may choose from the list, but are encouraged to choose their own repertoire):

• Marimba 2 Mallet:
  • Major Scales and arpeggios, 2 octaves
  • Violin Sonata in A Minor - J.S. Bach
• Marimba 4 Mallet:
  • Yellow After the Rain - Mitchell Peters
• Xylophone:
  • Porgy and Bess (Catfish Row) - George Gershwin
  • Polka from "The Golden Age" - Dmitri Shostakovich
• Marimba:
  • Sonata in B Minor Mvt. III - J.S. Bach
  • Time for Marimba - Minoru Miki
• Snare Drum:
  • Etude #1 - Jacques Delecluse
  • Scheherazade - Nicolas Rimsky-Korsakov
• Timpani:
  • Saeta - Elliot Carter
  • Symphony 9 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
A student must be registered for Percussion Ensemble (MUSC 113, Section 001) for each academic term in order to receive any disbursements.

For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Mark Beecher, Percussion Ensemble Director at meb26@drexel.edu.

Performing Arts Scholarships are competitive, and the expectations for students who are awarded such scholarships are high. These students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances of the Percussion Ensemble. In addition, all Percussion Ensemble scholarship students are to be available for other ensembles within the Department of Performing Arts (i.e., Concert Band, Pep Band, University Orchestra, University Chorus, Theater Pit Orchestra).

Auditions for Drexel University Symphony Orchestra (DUSO) acceptance and for performance scholarship consideration must be done in person during New Dragon Days in March and April. Digitally recorded auditions will be accepted only in the case of distance hardship and should be sent to Conductor and Music Director, Rosalind Erwin, rme49@drexel.edu.

In-person auditions must be scheduled in advance with Conductor and Music Director Rosalind Erwin (rme49@drexel.edu)

The available dates and times for auditions are as follows:

• Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00am-1:00pm
• Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 10:00am-11:20am
• Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10:00am- 1:00pm
• Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 10:00am- 1:00pm

General guidelines/information:

1. In person auditions are preferred. If you cannot attend in person, please contact Rosalind Erwin (rme49@drexel.edu) for approval on video submissions.
2. All Strings: your DUSO acceptance audition is also used for DUSO performance scholarship consideration.
3. If submitting a video audition:
   • Violinists and Violists: please do not face the camera head on. Please position the camera so that your bow arm is visible.
   • Videotaping with one's cell phone is perfectly acceptable.
   • On the video, first announce who you are, state what scales you will play, and state what piece you will perform.
   • All video files must be submitted directly to rme49@drexel.edu and are due no later than Friday, March 28, 2025.
4. Woodwinds, Brass and Percussion already accepted as scholarship students in the Concert Band will receive an additional award each term they participate in DUSO.

Please fill out the audition form below and submit it to Rosalind Erwin when you audition in person or to rme49@drexel.edu when you submit your audition video.

University Symphony Orchestra Audition Form

Audition Requirements

Strings

1. Part of a standard repertoire solo for your instrument (concerto, sonata, melodic etude, etc.) – student’s choice. No accompaniment required.
2. 3 major scales including keys up to 4 flats and 4 sharps as many octaves as you know (for scholarship consideration, at least two scales must be three octaves. Exception: double bass) - student's choice.
3. Basic sight reading (provided at in-person audition; if submitting a recorded audition, ignore this requirement)

Woodwinds and Brass
Same as above, with the exception of scales (two octaves, but in the case of flute and clarinet, at least one three octave scale).

Percussion
State your experience with timpani, auxiliary percussion and mallet percussion.

Requirements for Scholarship Participation
Scholarship students are expected to, at a minimum, maintain their level of playing at the standard in which they entered the ensemble, as well as have no more than the standard allowed absences each term. Excessive absences and lowering of playing ability may result in cancellation of the scholarship or reduction in the scholarship amount. All recipients re-audition each spring to retain their scholarship.

Students must register for MUSC 109 (University Symphony Orchestra)

For more information or to schedule an audition, please contact Rosalind Erwin, Drexel University Symphony Orchestra Director at rme49@drexel.edu.

The Jazz Orchestra is looking for trumpeters, trombonists, saxophonists, pianists, bassists, guitarists, drummers, vocalists, and other musicians. The 16–20-piece Drexel Jazz Orchestra allows students to study and perform music in the Big Band jazz tradition. The Jazztet is a small group ranging from five to eight musicians, providing Jazz Orchestra members the opportunity to do an in-depth study of improvisation. Entry into the Jazztet is by director invitation only.

Auditions are required for musicians interested in Jazz Orchestra, and students are subject to re-evaluation during the first term of participation in the Jazz Orchestra. Jazz Orchestra scholarships are awarded depending on the ability and needs of the group.

In-person or virtual scholarship auditions are scheduled on a rolling basis. Schedule an audition here.

In-person audition dates are as follows:

• Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10am - 1pm
• Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 3pm - 5pm
• Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10am - 1pm
• Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 3pm - 5pm

For additional questions, or to schedule an in-person audition, email Brent White, Jazz Orchestra Director, at bw352@drexel.edu.

Scholarship Auditions
Please prepare one piece for your audition, preferably a Jazz standard, but it can be of any style, demonstrating your instrumental proficiency and overall musicianship. It should be approximately 2-4 minutes in length. For instrument-specific requirements, please see below.

Audition Requirements:
Except for pianists, acoustic bassists, and drummers, all instrumentalists must bring their instruments to the audition. Amplifiers will be provided for bassists and guitarists; however, all bassists and guitarists must bring their cables, and drummers must bring their sticks and brushes. The director will provide selections for sight-reading and selections for improvisation.

Horn players

1. Sight reading
2. Improvising, if you can do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement but a definite plus.
3. The playing of major and minor scales and arpeggios

Pianists

1. Comping in various styles from chord symbols – be-bop, Afro-Latin, etc.
2. Sight reading
3. Improvising, if you can do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement but a definite plus.

Guitarists

1. Playing rhythm guitar
2. Comping in various styles from chord symbols – be-bop, Afro-Latin, etc.
3. Sight reading
4. Improvising, if you can do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement but a definite plus.

Bassists
While string bass is preferred, electric bassists who can create walking bass lines and reasonably approximate a string bass quality of sound are welcome to audition.

1. Creation of bass lines in various styles from chord symbols – be-bop, Afro-Latin, shuffle, etc.
2. Sight reading
3. Improvising, if you can do so. The ability to improvise is not a requirement but a definite plus.

Drummers

1. Time keeping in various styles – be-bop (4/4 “straight-ahead” swing), Afro-Latin, shuffle, etc.
2. Brush technique
3. Sight reading

Requirements for Scholarship Participation
You must enroll and participate in MUSC 107 (Jazz Orchestra) each term. For more information or to schedule an audition, contact Brent White, Jazz Orchestra director, bw352@drexel.edu.

The Drexel University Experimental Music Ensemble focuses on music making through improvisational structures, sonic explorations, modal music, irregular time signatures, and aleatoric (chance) processes.

Audition requirements include a demonstration of proficiency on one's instrument(s) and a collaborative attitude with an open mind & ears.

Performance Scholarships are available for this ensemble. To schedule an audition or find out more, please contact, Chris Farrell, Experimental Music Ensemble director, cbf27@drexel.edu

The Drexel University Fusion Band is an advanced performance ensemble exploring a variety of musical styles and genres including Funk, Reggae, Salsa, Samba, Afro-Cuban, Jazz and World Music. Improvisation is an important aspect of the ensemble experience. Audition requirements include a demonstration of proficiency on one's instrument, knowledge of scales, chords and rhythms, the ability to read music, and a demonstrated ability to improvise.

Performance scholarships are available for this ensemble. Scholarship recipients must be able to commit to all 3 terms (fall, winter, spring) and attend all rehearsals and performances. Auditions are held on an as needed basis.

Requirements for Scholarship Participation
You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 112 (Fusion Band) each term.

For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Lynn Riley, Fusion Band Ensemble director at mcr27@drexel.edu.

Drexel University Rock Ensemble features guitars, bass, drums, keys, female and male vocalists playing popular rock music from different eras and styles.

Auditions for the Rock Ensemble are on an as needed basis. Please contact Greg Wright (gjw28@drexel.edu) to determine a date and time.

Instrument & Vocal Audition Requirements

Guitars:
Have a song prepared that you can play solo, or by yourself. Chord/Melody is preferable. Electric guitar is also preferable.

Bass:
Have a prepared tune. Keep and show good time. Add some prowess at the end.

Drum:
Show versatility with a variety of rock feels: reggae, funk, metal, blues, alt, etc. Be able to do fills and stay in time.

Keyboards:
Have a song prepared that you can play solo, or by yourself. Chords, bass & melody in a twelve bar blues with improvisation and variations of feel.

Vocalists:
Have two songs prepared to sing, ONLY VOCALISTS can use tracks (you must supply them). One should be a fast tune, one should be a slow tune.

You must enroll in, and participate in MUSC 117 (Rock Ensemble-Mondays at 3 pm) each term.

Rock Audition Dates:

• Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 10am - 2pm (virtual)
• Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 10am - 2pm (virtual)
• Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10am - 1pm (In person)
• Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 10am - 1pm (In person)
• Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 10am - 2pm (virtual)
• Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 10am - 2pm (virtual)

Theatre faculty award a limited number of performance, administrative, and technical scholarships to highly motivated and dedicated students to work on theatre program productions each year. Scholarships are awarded to students on their ability and level of commitment to the theatre program’s productions and are based on an evaluation of students’ work and an interview with theatre faculty. Additional scholarships may be offered during the Fall quarter for students who get involved in theatre program ensembles and demonstrate a strong commitment to the program.

The Theatre Program at Drexel is run as a professional theatre company; scholarship students are the members of the ensemble and play a leadership role for each of the three mainstage productions or intimate studio performances. We are looking for highly motivated students who love theatre and want to improve their skills through challenging experiences in theater.

Requirements for Scholarship Participation
Each quarter, Performance Scholarship students must be registered for THTR 141 Performance Ensemble and participate in an additional Theatre Ensemble that could include Mainstage Productions, Musical Theatre Cabaret, Advanced Improv, Director’s Lab, or the NewWorks Festival.

In person Theatre Performance Scholarship auditions will be held in the URBN Annex (3401 Filbert St) on: Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 3-6 pm

And MacAlister Hall (3250 Chestnut St) Room 2009 on the following dates:

• Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 3-6 pm
• Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 3-6 pm
• Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 3-6 pm

Theater Performance Scholarship auditions can also be done by video submission along with a virtual interview. All submissions must be received no later than Friday, March 28, 2025 at 5pm for full consideration for the performance scholarship.

What to Prepare for an In-Person Audition
Students should prepare a 1-2 minute monologue of their choosing from a published play and, if they sing, 32 bars of a song from musical theatre literature. The pieces should be fully memorized. We will not have an accompanist so students should bring a device or a CD with their music on it. Students should be sure to introduce each piece. Email Theatre Program Director Nick Anselmo at nick.anselmo@drexel.edu to schedule an audition on one of the dates listed above.

How to Submit a Video Audition
If you are unable to visit campus on the available days you can submit a recorded audition. Students should film themselves performing a 1-2 minute monologue of their choosing from a published play and, if they sing, 32 bars of a song from musical theatre literature. Students should be sure to introduce each piece. The video should be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo and the link emailed to Theatre Program Director Nick Anselmo at nick.anselmo@drexel.edu. Nick will then reach out to set up a virtual interview with the students, on April 4 & 5.

There are two components to a Theatre Production scholarship. One component is being enrolled in a Production Practicum class each term. This serves as scene shop hours or production hours working on whichever show is currently in production. Classes build scenery, hang lights and speakers, make props, paint, and complete other production projects to keep the show on schedule. The other component is an assigned show each term. This might be something on the crew of the show such as: board op, run crew, or wardrobe, or it may be a department head, like Master Electrician, Audio Supervisor, or Assistant Props and Paint.

The scholarships are not compensation for work, but rather a token amount of money to encourage involvement with an enriching educational program. We are looking for people who love theatre production and want to be involved.

Requirements for Scholarship Participation:
Students must be registered for the appropriate THTR course section as advised by the production manager. Courses include: THTR 130, 132, 133, 240, 241 To learn more about these courses, please refer to our course descriptions. For more information about the production scholarships, contact Paul Jerue, Technical Director and Production Manager: prj36@drexel.edu.

Applicants should email a theatre production resume as well as some visual representation of your work. Examples include: pictures of scenery or props you have built, scenic construction drawings, costume renderings, pictures of lighting design work, a prompt book for productions you have stage managed, or anything that you feel is applicable to showcasing your craft. To be considered for an interview, all materials must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday, March 28, 2025.

Virtual interviews via Zoom will be scheduled by appointment.

To schedule an interview, please contact Paul Jerue at prj36@drexel.edu.