Shenandoah Conservatory
Winchester, VA•PrivateCityMedium (2,127 students)
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Official Program Page
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
Audition-based admission
Key Info
Apply viaShenandoah Application Portal
Application Deadlines
December 4, 2025 (STRICT deadline - no extensions)
University Application(Direct Application)December 4, 2025
Audition Dates
NYC - January 24-25, 2026
Chicago - February 2-4, 2026 (includes dance call)
Campus - February 27, 2026
Campus - February 28, 2026
Note: Must receive prescreen invitation before registering for live audition
Good to Know
Must apply to Shenandoah at least 2 DAYS BEFORE you can upload prescreen. Live auditions by invitation only—NO virtual final auditions accepted, regardless of location.
Application Fee
AUDITION FEE: $50 MT audition fee
Prescreen Requirements
Songs
PRESCREEN (follows MTCP Option C guidelines):
•Two songs, 60-90 seconds each, filmed separately
•Choose OPTION A or OPTION B:
-OPTION A: One pre-1970, one post-1970 (contrasting)
-OPTION B: One MT any era, one any style contrasting (pop, rock, hip-hop, folk, etc.)
•Must use accompaniment (track or live)—no a cappella
•May self-accompany on guitar, piano, or ukulele
LIVE AUDITION:
•Two songs, 60-90 seconds each (32 bars to 1 min)
•At least one must be contemporary MT (1990s or later)
•Accompanist provided on campus; bring tracks for regionals
•May self-accompany if desired
Monologues
PRESCREEN (Option A):
•One monologue, 60-90 seconds
•From published play or professional writer
LIVE AUDITION:
•One contemporary monologue, 1 minute
•Age-appropriate
•George Bernard Shaw or later
Dance
PRESCREEN (Option B):
•One dance video, 60-90 seconds
•Show your best dancing/moving
•No specific style required—choose your strongest
•Optional for non-dancers; encouraged if dance is your strength
LIVE AUDITION:
•Dance combination taught at audition
•Wear dance/workout attire
Wildcard / Special Skill
•Optional 60-90 second video:
-Special skill, passion speech, instrument
-Original composition, comedy skit, hobby demo
-Non-English performance or additional dance style
-"What do you want us to know about you?"
Additional Materials
•Artistic resume
•Headshot (professional not required—candid or senior photo fine)
•For live audition: bring 8x10 headshot
Video Specifications
•Each piece filmed/uploaded as separate video (no continuous videos)
•60-90 seconds per piece
•Waist-up framing for slate, songs, and monologues
•Full body framing for dance
•Label files: Title – Show/Playwright – Your Name
•mp4 or WMV format only
•Use standard technology (smartphones, tablets acceptable)
What Happens After Prescreen (If Invited)
•Two-step process: prescreen then live audition (invitation only)
•Prescreen results on rolling basis
•Live audition registration opens after November 15, 2025
•Limited regional slots in NYC and Chicago
•NO virtual final auditions accepted—must attend in person
•Conservatory Award (scholarship) based on audition talent
Program Highlights
•Second-oldest MT program in the country
•Known as the "pop/rock school" but covers all genres
•Class size: ~18 students per year
•70-90% of seniors graduate with summer stock or full-year contract
•Two main stage musicals + one black box musical per year
•All students required to audition for productions
Program info updated 5 days ago
Academic School Information
78%
Admit Rate
66%
Grad Rate
2,127
Enrollment
$58,433
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$36,028
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,055
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$21,803
Family Income $30k - $48k$24,419
Family Income $48k - $75k$25,951
Family Income $75k - $110k$30,797
Family Income $110k+$34,304