What are the requirements to enter the Palmetto Center for the Arts?

Students must be rising freshmen in Richland School District Two and complete an application process that includes acceptance to a specific arts area by audition. Sophomores may also audition. Contact the PCA Director.

For what art areas may students audition?

Students may audition for dance, music (vocal, band, and strings), theatre and visual arts.

What does the audition process involve?

Audition requirements are based on state guidelines for each arts discipline, and require completion of an application and an audition that includes a performance or portfolio demonstration of the student's potential, as well as recommendations from a teacher and a guidance counselor. Auditions will be adjudicated by a panel of professionals. The decision of the judges is final. Natural talent, prior training, level of interest in and commitment to the arts are evaluated. Previous training or experience is not required to be accepted.

When and where will the auditions be held?

All PCA Auditions will be held at Richland Northeast High School. Audition dates for the Choice I applicants for the coming school year will be determined on an individual basis for the student by the art area teacher. Auditions dates and times for 2021-2022 are posted on the IMPORTANT DATES page.

Are students permitted to audition for more than one art area?

Yes, students may audition for as many as three art areas, but can be accepted into only one. Students auditioning for multiple art areas must indicate their preference on the application by ranking their choice of art areas as 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

What is required of students accepted into the arts magnet?

Students accepted into the arts magnet must earn a minimum of 6 arts credits in their major arts area. They must also complete a senior project and an extended-hours requirement to be determined by instructors in each arts discipline. PCA students who complete all requirements of the arts magnet will receive a fine arts certification with their diploma upon graduation.

Can students in another Northeast magnet participate in the arts magnet?

Yes. Richland Northeast High School offers dual magnet participation. Students in Horizon or Convergence Media may also participate in PCA. Students wishing to participate in two magnets at Northeast, however, must apply for both PCA and Horizon or Convergence Media.

How can I become a candidate for the Palmetto Center for the Arts?

Admission is by application and audition. Interested students are asked to apply for the Palmetto Center for the Arts online at www.richland2.org. by the January 2022 deadline for CHOICE 1. Applications may be made online during the month of January for the 2021-21 school year for CHOICE 1 . A link to PCA audition requirements is available on the application site. Be sure to check the audition requirements of each art area for which you wish to audition. We encourage interested students to shadow a PCA student for a day to get a feel for the program during the CHOICE I season. You may contact Indira Cureton-Cummings, Director of the Palmetto Center for the Arts, at 699-2800 ext. 79833, or e-mail her at indiracummings@richland2.org to arrange a shadowing experience and/or to ask any questions you may have about PCA.