FAQs

The new Spotlight application will open on May 22, 2021. Applications are accepted until the October 22, 2021 extended deadline. Your application and uploaded video for each category you want to apply to must be submitted by the October deadline. We are not able to receive applications after this deadline.

Please refer to our Eligibility & Category Rules page for full details.

In order to apply to Spotlight, you must complete an online application and submit a video audition. There are no fees to apply to Spotlight. The process is easy and can be done online.

No. You are able to start an application and complete it at a later date. The information you have entered will be saved, and your application will be available to you until you complete the submission process. Please submit a video that has been recorded sometime between November 2020 - October 2021. Just make sure your application is complete and submitted by October 18, 2021.

No. Permanent residents and international students who are studying in the U.S. are also eligible to apply.  Students must meet the eligibility guidelines listed above. For International Students: The award may be subject to 30% federal tax withholding, depending on the student's circumstances.

Students may submit in more than one category; however, not within a discipline. In other words, Spotlight has seven categories in which students can apply. Students can apply to as many categories as they want. For example, If you play an instrument in both jazz and classical, dance contemporary and ballet, sing musical theater and opera, as well as act, then apply to all seven categories!!! We’d love to see you!!  The exception is that students cannot apply more than once to a category: e.g., if a student plays both flute and piano, they must choose which instrument they will play within the Jazz or Classical Instrumental category. They can, however, apply with flute to Jazz Instrumental and piano in Classical Instrumental. Please refer to the category guidelines for details, and if you have any questions, just email us at spotlight@musiccenter.org

Spotlight judges come from both the academic and professional worlds and bring an immense wealth of knowledge and expertise with them. They share those insights in student feedback letters and in the live auditions. Click on the category for the list of Spotlight Preliminary and Semifinal Judges from last year.

Spotlight Preliminary Judges - 2021:

• Acting
• Ballet
• Dance
• Classical Voice
• Non-Classical Voice
• Classical Instrumental
• Jazz Instrumental

Spotlight Semifinal Judges - 2021:

• Acting
• Ballet
• Dance
• Classical Voice
• Non-Classical Voice
• Classical Instrumental
• Jazz Instrumental

Questions about the application? Email them to spotlight@musiccenter.org.

   

Dance

Youth America Grand Prix 
The world's largest student ballet competition

En Avant Foundation
A foundation in NY for specialised ballet coaching with master teachers

Prix de Lausanne
International competition for young dancers 

USA International Ballet Competition
Dance competition held every 4 years

Joffrey Summer Auditions

Boston Ballet Summer Auditions

Houston Ballet Summer Auditions

The ROCK School Summer Auditions

School of American Ballet Summer Auditions

Pacfic Northwest Ballet Summer Auditions

American Ballet Theatre Summer Auditions

San Francisco Ballet Summer Auditions

Washington Ballet Summer Auditions

Music

Classical Singer 
Online/print publication for Classical Singers

LA Opera 
The LA Opera’s opportunities for students

Majoring In Music 
Helps guide students through majoring, choosing and participating in music schools

Grammy in the Schools
Programs for Students 

Applying to College

Performing & Visual Arts College Fairs
Free college fairs which allow students to interact with admission representatives

CSSSA Foundation
Bridge to College highlights options and opportunities for students as they consider college and careers.

College Circuit 
Guiding high school students and their parents through the complex process of college admissions

GetAcceptd 
Everything you need to apply to competitions and schools

Unified Audition Schedule

Affordable Colleges Online
Find top online colleges and universities with quality degree programs in multiple arts disciplines.

Art Schools Guide
Find an Arts School near you

Scholarships

Young Arts Foundation 
Identifies and supports the next generation of artists with scholarships and development

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Scholarships for creative young artists and writers.

Coca Cola Scholarships
Achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors each year.

Art Program Scholarships 
Painting, photography, design and illustration, as well as culinary, musical or literary artistic forms.  

Financial Resources for Musicians
Financial Resources for Future Musicians: Scholarships, Tips and Money Management Secrets

Theater/Acting

CTG Emerging Artists 
Center Theatre Group opportunities for students

College to Career Acting
Comprehensive approach to acting career from high school beyond 

Backstage
Resource for actors 

Master Talent Teachers
Great articles and interviews

Amy Jo Berman
Inspiration and great discussions

Summer Programs

California State Summer School for the Arts     
A four week summer program for talented high school students in California. 

Aspen Music Festival 
The premier classical music festival, presenting more than 300 musical events during its eight-week summer season. 

Blogs and other great sites

WriteGirl
WriteGirl is a creative writing and mentoring organization that promotes creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills to empower teen girls.

Artzray
On-line talent community of young artists who want to explore professional and creative opportunities in the arts. 

New York's Theatre History: Broadway
Fun stuff about Broadway

Visual Arts

Wet Canvas 
Online Visual Arts Community

Internet Public Library 
Extensive online resources for Performing and Visual Arts

LIFE photo archive hosted by Google 
Photographs from the LIFE Magazine archives, hosted by Google

Arts Journal 
Daily arts news online from more than 100 publications

Otis College of Art and Design
Art School and Summer Program 

California College of the Arts
Pre college summer scholarships 

Art Center College of Design
Saturday High and Summer Program 

Resources and Tools for Art Students
Education and Skill Development

Ultimate Guide to Art Careers
Career paths in the arts