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Open Space for the Performing Arts

Open Space for the Performing Arts is a summer immersion program provided by Hastings College and the College’s Department of Music and Theatre. It’s specifically designed for future college performers who are currently juniors in high school.

Open Space for the Performing Arts is a five day, four night immersion experience.

Open Space is Tuesday, June 18 through Saturday, June 22, 2024 on the Hastings College campus.

To apply, follow the link below, create an account, select Open Space and begin. Applications are due March 25.

The application is open!

What will students experience?

Selected students will participate in a master class experience with Hastings College faculty and alumni, focusing on advanced technique and styles within their main area, as well as individualized lessons. The week culminates with a performance for family, friends and the community.

Students will spend much of their work time in the Scott Studio Theatre, a black box theatre, and the Fuhr Hall of Music. Both facilities are outfitted with the elements necessary for advanced instruction across a multitude of performing arts fields. 

Master Classes Offered This Year

  • Creative Writing
  • Instrumental Music (Brass Quintet, Percussion Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble)
  • Piano
  • Speech
  • Theatre/Acting
  • Voice (Chamber Choir)

Amenities included with Open Space for the Performing Arts

  • Lodging in Hastings College residence halls
  • Instruction and supplies
  • Meals and entertainment

Who are we looking for?

The Open Space Performing Arts experience is highly competitive. We are in search of students currently in high school  who:

  • Have exceptional talent and interest in studying or participating in music, theatre, writing or speech in college
  • Provide necessary audition materials (see below), and supplemental materials as requested
  • Good academic standing demonstrated through GPA and/or test scores.
  • Optional: A letter of recommendation from a teacher or director is optional to submit your application and be considered, although we may request a letter at later date

Fees and scholarships

The cost to attend Open Space for the Performing Arts is $250 per person.

This program is valued at more than $1,000. The Jackson Dinsdale Endowment at the Hastings College Foundation has generously granted each student a $750 scholarship for every student selected. No selected student will be turned away due to finances, as financial aid is available to families who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program.

Audition Materials and Requirements

Videos or a digital portfolio and other materials can be uploaded as part of the application.

Music
  • Instrumental: A video recorded audition with two selections in contrasting styles.
    • Participation is limited to a brass quintet (two trumpets, one horn, one trombone/euphonium, one tuba/bass trombone), as well as a percussion ensemble.
  • Piano: A video recorded audition with two selections in contrasting styles, preferably memorized.
  • Vocal: A video recorded audition with two memorized selections in contrasting styles.
Creative Writing
  • Submit 3-4 writing samples from at least two genres (e.g., fiction and poetry, personal essay and drama), with a maximum of 2,000 words per sample.
Theatre
  • Acting: A headshot (professional shot not required – just take one!) , resume and a video of two contrasting pieces (off book) — comedy, dramatic or musical theatre. These should be no more than 2 minutes in length per piece (4 minutes total).
Speech (forensics)
  • A video-recorded audition that is no longer than 10 minutes total with one selection (literature, oratory, extemporaneous speaking or impromptu speaking).
  • Submit a resume of previous speech participation and experience.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Open Space for the Visual Arts, please contact Sarah Nottage-Tacey at 402.461.7777 or sarah.nottage-tacey@hastings.edu.

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