Entertainment

Changes to 2026 VAPA Auditions

By Valerie Merkowitz

Every year, certain classes from the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) at Einstein require auditions in order to enroll in the class due to limited spaces in the higher-level courses. This year, some of these audition-based classes made changes to their audition process. 

In the dance program within VAPA, there are two classes that are audition-based: Junior Dance Company and Senior Dance Company. Typically, to audition for these classes, dancers fill out a Google Form answering a few questions about experience and reasons for wanting to join, along with submitting a video of a one to one and a half minute dance to showcase their skills. This year, that same process was required, but with an additional, in-person audition. This audition took place two days after the form was due, and everyone who submitted the form was invited to participate in the second part of the audition. 

Prior to the audition, a dance combo was released for dancers to learn beforehand, and they were expected to know it by the day of the audition. The audition itself included a warm-up, across the floor, a review of the combo, and then performing the combo in small groups. This in-person section of the audition was a great way for the dance staff to see how the dancers work in a group setting, which is a very important part of the dance companies. 

The Chamber Choir also made changes to its audition process this year. Similar to dance, in the past, the audition had usually been a video including sight singing. This year, all current high schoolers interested in being part of Chamber Choir had an in-person audition. This audition included rhythmic and melodic sight reading given by Einstein’s choir teacher, Rachel Herman. Additionally, it included a song instructed by Herman to perform. 

While this new process is longer and more work for students, many believe that it is also beneficial. “These changes are an improvement to the system we previously had, as it is more thorough and ensures a fair judgment of the students who submit,” said sophomore Indira Trovillion, who is involved in both the dance and choral programs at Einstein. The new audition process will be a better way to assess students, as the VAPA program is growing.