Rising Artists Musical Theater Intensive

The Precollege Musical Theater Intensive runs from Monday through Friday on the following schedule:

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Work with faculty

12 – 1 p.m.
Lunch (included in tuition)

1 – 3 p.m.
Work with faculty and teaching assistant and/or music director

3 – 3:30 p.m.
Break

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Work with teaching assistant mentor / choreographer

Over three weeks, students develop skills in:

• Script and song analysis
• Acting through song
• Character development in musical theater
• Vocal health and vocal production
• Ensemble singing
• Choreography and storytelling through movement
• Rehearsal practice and collaboration
• Building truthful performances grounded in text and circumstance

The curriculum is aligned with current industry standards for both college auditions and the professional theater landscape in New York City. Students are encouraged to think of themselves first and foremost as storytellers, with singing and movement in service of character and dramatic intention.

The core instruction is led by Sarah Lawrence faculty, including theater faculty with professional directing, choreography, devising, and teaching experience. The curriculum also includes work with a music director and a teaching assistant mentor/choreographer who provides focused coaching in choreography and individualized feedback.

Students will produce:

• Monologues
• Solo numbers
• Duets
• Group musical numbers
• An original musical revue presented to families
• Recorded clips for use in actor reels and college applications

There is a maximum of 15 students in the program. This small class allows for the personalized attention that is a hallmark of a Sarah Lawrence education.

Yes. By the end of the program, students will present an original musical revue open to parents and families. They will also leave with recordings of individual pieces that can support audition and application materials.

Students will:

• Develop text analysis skills
• Learn to craft a set of given circumstances
• Strengthen their ability to take direction
• Learn how to work one on one with a music director
• Hone choreography and performance skills
• Build confidence in performance
• Improve their ability to choose material that suits them
• Sharpen collaboration and critique skills
• Learn how to participate in an artistic community in a productive, generous, and joyful way

Because the program runs Monday through Friday for three weeks, students have time to build real skill, rehearse deeply, receive meaningful feedback, and grow through repetition, revision, and performance. The schedule allows students to move beyond quick exposure into a fuller artistic process.

Tuition is $6,150 for the three-week program.

A deposit of $500 is required upon acceptance into the program to hold your spot. The balance is payable by May 24, 2027.

Tuition includes:

• Five hours of instruction per day (Monday - Friday) with experienced faculty who are professional artists
• Two additional hours per day (Monday – Friday) with a teaching assistant mentor / choreographer
• Lunch
• Use of college-level performing arts studios
• Three college credits (upon successful completion of the program)
• Shuttle to/from the Bronxville Metro North train station (commuter students)
• Parking during course hours (commuter students)

Yes. Upon successful completion, students receive an official transcript with three college credits. These credits can be used at Sarah Lawrence College or transferred to most other colleges and universities, at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Yes. All materials are included in the tuition price.

Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors or students who will graduate high school in 2027 who are passionate about musical theater and ready for an intensive, college-level experience.

The program is tailored for the students who are in the program. So, we need to know your experience level and your singing voice, so we can choose appropriate material and level of instruction for the course participants.

We seek motivated, curious, and engaged students. Admission is also limited by class size. We encourage any student who is interested in musical theater to apply, though having some experience in high school will help!

Applicants for whom English is not their first language and who have not studied in an English language curriculum for the past four years should take one of the following tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Duolingo English Test

Applicants should have a TOEFL score of 100 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) or 5-5.5 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026), an IELTS score of 7 or higher, or a Duolingo score of at least 130.

You can submit this via email to precollege@sarahlawrence.edu after submitting your registration/ application form.

Because students in our precollege programs are eligible to earn college credits, you should come on an F1 student visa.

There are residential and commuter options available.  

You can choose to commute to our campus daily or you can choose to stay on campus and truly experience what college life is like. Students who stay on campus must be 16 years of age at the start of the program. 

Learn more about residential options on our student life page. 

Yes, lunch is provided for all students in the on-campus dining hall, with vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options available.

The residential cost (includes accommodation in an air-conditioned single room, 3 meals/ day, 24-hour supervision, evening activities, and two weekend trips to New York City) is $3,585 ($1,195/ week).

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration.

Students must be aged 16 years or older to stay on campus.

Housing applications open November