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Ruth Asawa School of the Arts (SOTA) is more than a traditional high school. It is a place where young artists learn, create, and grow. As a San Francisco public arts high school, SOTA offers daily training in your chosen artistic discipline alongside a rigorous college-preparatory education. Here, you will strengthen your craft, discover your creative voice, and build the skills needed for success in college, your career, and beyond. If you are a current eighth grader ready to take your artistry seriously, apply and audition for a place in our incoming ninth-grade class!
We are looking for curious, expressive young artists who are ready to discover and strengthen their voices. No previous poetry or public-performance experience is required. Our audition process is designed to help us learn how students think, write, communicate, collaborate, respond to feedback, and engage with creative challenges.
During the audition, students will participate in a group warm-up, poetry discussion, creative writing activity, and written reflection. They will also complete a private interview and perform one original poem and one published poem. We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for students who are prepared to participate, open to growth, and excited to become part of the Spoken Arts community.
Requirements
Prepare an original poem: Write and memorize one original poem of at least 15 lines. Your poem may explore any school-appropriate topic, experience, identity, memory, or idea that matters to you.
Select a published poem: Choose one poem by another poet, rapper, singer, or spoken-word artist. Bring a printed copy and prepare to perform it aloud. This poem does not need to be memorized.
Prepare both performances: Each poem should be approximately one to three minutes. Become familiar with your selections and be ready to discuss why you wrote or chose them.
Participate in the audition: Come ready to take part in a group poetry experience, complete a short writing activity and reflection, perform both prepared poems, and participate in an interview with the Spoken Arts Department Head and an Artist-in-Residence.
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