All students submit a video audition online (note exceptions below). Students may apply to as many categories as they want, and applications are free! A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the auditions and provide written feedback. We will share tutorials to help students and parents every step of the way, focusing in particular on how to make a great video audition, which will also help them get ready for college and competition auditions. After all video auditions have been evaluated, our judges will choose students to advance to Preliminary 2 live auditions.

Spotlight Merit, Semifinalist and Honorable Mention awardees from 2024 will automatically bypass Preliminary 1 and advance to Preliminary 2 auditions. Merit Awardees must still submit a video for written evaluation.  All must still fill out a new Spotlight application. Semifinalist and Honorable Mentions must upload the 2025 Placeholder Video that we send to them.

Those students who advance to Preliminary 2 will have the opportunity to choose an audition date and time that is most convenient for them. They will make that choice online. These students will participate in a live audition before a panel of judges. Participants will receive a personal letter detailing their strengths and areas for improvement. Students will receive coaching before and after their audition. This is a great way to develop presentation and performance skills!

The Music Center will choose up to 16 Spotlight Semifinalists in each category. Semifinalists participate in a mastery class to gain feedback before their next audition. Specific mastery classes are open to all Preliminary students for observation. All students receive written feedback after their Semifinal auditions.

June 7, 2025
Ahmanson Theatre