Audition Requirements
Creative Writing
Please send all application correspondence to Creative Writing Director, Amie Charney at acharn@neisd.net, or contact by phone at (210) 356-1033.
Digital Portfolio:
- Ten (10) pages of original writing (poetry, prose, screenwriting, playwriting, fiction, creative non-fiction, and experimental writings). Note: Please do not submit any writing tied to school assignments, as these do not reflect originality of conception.
- If you are submitting a novel or lengthy works, submit only ten (10) pages.
Organization should includes cover page, table of contents, and titled pieces. - Include any original artwork, photography, or videos you feel should be included in your portfolio. Note: Do not submit stock photos (found on the internet) with your portfolio. Original works only.
Submission
- Submit one digital portfolio.
- Subject line to read: portfolio/last name/date of submission
- Example: subject: portfolio/Pool/08.25.20
- Brief professional email that includes major, school year, and any additional comments.
- Make sure your email has the attachment prior to submitting
- Submit proof of submission to the NESA office with your application.
Note: acceptable proof in the form of a printed screenshot, or print out of the email is acceptable.
Interview:
The interview will consist of a writing exercise, a panel interview, and a discussion of portfolio.
Student portfolios are to be a digital work submitted to acharn@neisd.net following the guidelines below. Proof of submission of the digital portfolio must be submitted at the time of the application (see guidelines below).
Portfolios will be read/evaluated by the Creative Writing Director and a panel of their choosing. Note: You may bring in a hard copy of your portfolio, but it is not necessary.
Instrumental Music
All questions about the audition for Instrumental Music should be directed to Mr. Amrein via email at damrei@neisd.net.
Pre-screening Requirements
NESA Instrumental Music requires a Pre-Screen video audition to verify applicants' basic instrumental proficiency. Applicants will provide a Pre-Screen Video audition due ONE WEEK prior to the NESA Audition date. Pre-Screens should follow these guidelines:
- Take a short test video with your recording device to ensure your sound is coming through accurately. Make sure the camera is not too far away or too close, and check that you are in a distraction-free environment.
- Introduce yourself and your music: "Hello, my name is (your full name), and I will be performing (name of piece) by (name of composer/artist/band)."
- Perform 30 seconds to 1 minute of your music.
Once finished, upload your video to YouTube, and email the link to Mr. Amrein via email at damrei@neisd.net.
Students who pass their Pre-Screen audition will be scheduled to perform a live audition and interview on the NESA audition date. All students who provide a pre-screening will be notified of their advancement status on the Monday prior to the audition date.
Live Audition
The Instrumental Music audition is held live on campus. Students should be well prepared to perform for two components:
- Prepared Music
- Sight-Reading—Sight-reading will be provided by the director on the day of the audition, and a short interview will be held afterward.
- Applicants should prepare the following music on the instrument with which they are most proficient:
- 60 seconds of a faster, technical piece (solo/etude/etc.)
- 60 seconds of a slow, lyrical piece (solo/etude/etc.)
- 3 extra copies of the music you will be playing for the judges.
NOTE: If the student has made the All-Region Band or Orchestra in the past year, only one piece of the prepared portion is required. Email Mr. Towns with details to confirm.
Dance
Live Audition
Prepare a one-minute choreographed dance in the style of your choice. It should be the style that best showcases your strengths as a dancer. Emphasis will be on performance ability, technique, and interpretation of the music. A sound system will be provided. You can play your solo music from your phone, tablet/ipad using the AUX cord.
There will be a short interview before you perform your solo. The panel will ask questions pertaining to school, dance training, other artistic interests, and life in general.
A short ballet and jazz combination will be taught at the audition and evaluated by the panel of judges.
Attitre
Dress in the following attire for the audition:
Women: leotard and tights (sweats, t-shirts, and half tops are prohibited)
Men: dance class attire
Please bring all of your dance shoes to the audition.
Film Program
Please direct all questions about the Film Program to Shauna Villarreal at svilla7@neisd.net.
Do you love making films? Or maybe you just love watching and thinking about films, and want to learn how to create them. Students in the NESA Film program spend two class periods every day learning how to use film equipment, how to analyze films, how to write screenplays, and the history of film. They work in groups to produce silent films, music videos, short films, documentaries, and all types of video content. Prior experience in filmmaking is NOT necessary for admission to this program.
Please be aware that our Film Program puts students behind the camera, not in front of it. This is not a program for students who are interested primarily in acting in films.
AUDITION PROCESS:
Film program auditions are conducted through an online and in-person process.
If you are invited to audition based on your application, you will receive an email with instructions for completing an online writing prompt and video submission of a 30-second to 2-minute video edit of an option of your choosing below.
A) Creative TikTok Video
B) A Creative Smartphone Nature Video
C) Creative Original Choice Video
PLEASE NOTE: students should not be discouraged because of lack of prior experience in this field. We are seeking students who demonstrate potential to be talented filmmakers. Show us your passion for film, your desire to use your creativity to make films, and your willingness to work hard in a group setting.
Visual Art
Please send all audition correspondence to Jessica Jones Gonzales at jgonza120@neisd.net.
Digital Submission
All required artwork—including your home test drawings, portfolio, and sketchbook images—must be submitted by email to jgonza120@neisd.net no later than one week before your scheduled audition date.
All submitted artwork will be reviewed by the Visual Art Director and an evaluation panel. You are welcome to bring your original artwork, portfolio, and sketchbook to the interview, but it is not required.
Home Test
Complete the following three original drawings before your interview:
- Still Life – Draw a collection of inanimate objects that includes a variety of surface textures, such as smooth, rough, plush, hard, reflective, or transparent.
- Self-Portrait – Draw yourself using a mirror for direct observation.
- Architecture – Create a drawing of a manmade environment, either an interior or exterior scene.
- All artwork must be completed by the student auditioning.
- Artwork must be original and created from direct observation. Do not copy published images, famous artworks, or photographs.
- Any black-and-white drawing medium may be used.
- Drawings should demonstrate a full range of values, including highlights, shadows, cast shadows, and reflected light. Use value—not contour lines alone—to define forms and describe color.
Portfolio & Sketchbook
Submit ten (10) student-created artworks from your portfolio and sketchbook that demonstrate:
- Strong observational drawing skills
- Work created in class under the guidance of an art educator
- Personal artistic voice
- Technical skill in media and technique
- Effective use of the elements and principles of design
- Originality and creativity in transforming assigned projects into unique works of art
Interview
The audition includes a panel interview and discussion of your:
- Home test drawings
- Portfolio
- Sketchbook
Musical Theater
The Musical Theatre program accepts auditions from students currently in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade. We do not accept current 11th-grade students. Acceptance for current 9th- and 10th-grade students is limited based on program availability.
All questions about the audition for Instrumental Music should be directed to:
Song Performance
Jordan Bryant
jbryan@neisd.net
Monologue Performance
Daniel Everidge
deveri1@neisd.net
Prescreen video submission
A prescreen video is required and must be submitted no later than one week before your scheduled NESA audition date. Late submissions will not be considered.
Your prescreen should include:
- A 1-minute song from a musical
- A 1-minute monologue from a published play
Upload your video to YouTube and email the link to:
- Jordan Bryant: jbryan@neisd.net
- Daniel Everidge: deveri1@neisd.net
All students who submit a prescreen will be notified of their results. Students who advance will be invited to complete a live audition and interview on their scheduled audition date.
Prescreen Guidelines
The combined performance should not exceed 2 minutes:
- a 1-minute cut from a musical (song)
- a 1-minute cut from a published play (monologue).
Students are encouraged to work with a performance teacher or coach to select material that is appropriate for their age, experience, and abilities.
Live Audition
Prepare the following performances from memory:
Song
- One minute from a musical theatre selection
- Perform with recorded accompaniment (audio or piano track)
- Choose music that fits your vocal range and experience
- Ensure your accompaniment is in the correct key
Please avoid songs from Wicked, Les Mis, Hairspray, and Hamilton, as they are commonly performed.
Choose a song that you feel comfortable singing and can perform with confidence. There are many appropriate Broadway selections available in musical theatre anthologies at your local library, RBC Music, or musicnotes.com. Avoid choosing material that is overly difficult or simply because it is from a current popular show. If you are using piano accompaniment, rehearse with your accompanist before your audition so you are familiar with the accompaniment.
If you would like to hire an accompanist to record a piano track, NESA recommends Lyn Rousey (210-843-0632).
Monologue
Prepare a one-minute monologue from a published play.
- Poems
- Monologues from musicals
The audition panel will look for natural delivery and a clear understanding of the text. Choose material that is appropriate for your age and avoid frequently performed selections, including those from St. Joan, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and The Wizard of Oz.
Audition Introduction
Begin your audition by introducing yourself:
"Hi, my name is (first and last name). First, I'm going to perform (song title) from the musical (show title). Then I'll present a monologue of (character name) from the play (play title)."
You may perform your song and monologue in either order.
Technical Theater
Be prepared to present a portfolio and/or examples of your technical accomplishments, any creative artwork, photos of work accomplished, or performances you have worked on, and photos of scale models you have built, if available. This is optional, and students should not be discouraged from auditioning because of a lack of experience in the technical field.