Focused artistic development
The Corps Program
Rigorous training. A generous community. Nine months of artistic development for students in grades 7–12.
Request more infoTHE EXPERIENCE
Develop the artist. Prepare the person.
The nine-month Performing Arts Corps program provides students in grades 7–12 with rigorous, performance-based training in theater, musical theater, dance, and film, guided by experienced industry professionals. Students develop their artistry, confidence, creativity, collaboration, and leadership skills while gaining real-world experience through the Leadership Institute and College & Career Counseling programs in a supportive, professional environment.
- Students
- Grades 7–12
- Training
- 9 months
- 2026–27 admission
- Virtual applications open
Training
Train the whole artist.
Acting, voice & dance
Weekly instruction, individualized coaching, and mentorship build craft, confidence, collaboration, discipline, and professionalism.
Stage & screen
On-camera classes include film-set experience and opportunities to build a reel, alongside live-performance work.
Your creative community
Join like-minded young artists who take creative risks, support each other, and grow together. Individual mentorship, performance, and entertainment-industry skills complement the weekly training.
Beyond performance
Build a life around your possibilities.
The Corps connects artistic training with leadership, business skills, community service, and internship and volunteer pathways.
Performing Arts Corps students have access to full-service, individualized college counseling at a substantially reduced rate, exclusively available to Corps participants.
Full-Service College Counseling is $750 for Corps students and $2,925 for non-Corps students. The Corps benefit is access to this reduced rate; counseling is not free or automatically included at no additional cost.
Performance
Put the work on stage.
The announced 2026–27 season includes Shakespeare in Love, Mary Poppins Jr., Come From Away, and Shrek Jr. Shakespeare in Love and Come From Away have Corps-only casting. Production participation has its own requirements; admission to the Corps is not a promise of a particular role.
Dear Evan Hansen, performed July 31–August 3, 2026, is a past production.
Audition preparation
Prepare for your next chapter.
Admission is by audition for students entering grades 7–12. In-person auditions and information sessions are closed for 2026–27, but virtual applications remain open. Acceptances are offered on a rolling basis, so earlier submissions have a better chance of being considered for a place.
A one-minute monologue
Memorized, of your choosing; no self-written monologues.
An optional one-minute song
Memorized; sing to a track or a cappella.
A résumé & recent photo
Include a theatre résumé and a recent photo or headshot.
A recommendation
A letter from a teacher or mentor.
Your reason for joining
A brief statement about your interest in the program.
Your recent grades
The detailed Corps checklist also requests a transcript of your most recent grades.
The application opens in Google Forms and requires Google sign-in. Review the application requirements before submitting.
Request information
Let’s talk about what comes next.
Explore full in-person Corps membership, payment plans, and scholarship eligibility. Virtual applications are open with rolling acceptance. Corps students have access to full-service counseling with Vicki Johnson at the exclusive $750 rate, compared with $2,925 for non-Corps students. Financial assistance and places are not guaranteed.
Corps FAQs
A clearer picture of the Corps.
Do I need previous theatre or performing arts experience?
No. Previous experience can be helpful, but it is not the only thing we consider.
We are looking for students who are passionate about learning, willing to take direction, able to work as part of an ensemble, and committed to their artistic growth.
What do students learn in the Corps?
Training may include:
- Acting and scene study
- Audition technique
- Voice and musical theatre
- Dance and movement
- Improvisation
- On-camera acting and film
- Performance technique
- Theatre and entertainment industry skills
- Leadership and professional development
- College and career preparation
- Individualized coaching and mentorship
Students also have opportunities to participate in productions, workshops, masterclasses, internships, and other artistic experiences.
Do Corps students perform in productions?
Yes. Performance is an important part of the Corps experience.
Students have opportunities to apply their training through productions and other performance experiences. The specific productions and casting opportunities vary by season and are announced as part of the annual Corps programming.
What makes the Corps different from a typical theatre class?
The Corps is designed as a long-term training community, rather than a single class or production.
Students train throughout the year, work with multiple professional teaching artists, receive mentorship, perform, develop professional skills, and build relationships with other young artists.
The goal is not simply to prepare students for one show. It is to help them develop the skills, habits, confidence, and artistic perspective they can carry into future performances, auditions, college, careers, and life.
Do students receive individual attention?
Yes. In addition to group training, the Corps incorporates individualized coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for students to receive feedback on their artistic development.
Students are encouraged to ask questions, advocate for what they need, and take an active role in their own growth.
What are the expectations for Corps students?
We ask students to:
- Show up.
- Be prepared.
- Be willing to participate.
- Bring ideas.
- Listen and collaborate.
- Treat others with kindness and respect.
- Ask questions.
- Advocate for what they need.
- Support their fellow artists.
- Take responsibility for their own growth.
Students are works in progress. We do not expect perfection—we expect a willingness to learn.
Does the Corps help students prepare for college?
Yes. College and career preparation is an important part of the larger NorCal Arts experience.
Performing Arts Corps students have access to full-service, individualized college counseling at a substantially reduced rate, exclusively available to Corps participants.
Full-Service College Counseling is $750 for Corps students and $2,925 for non-Corps students. The Corps benefit is access to this reduced rate; counseling is not free or automatically included at no additional cost.
Does a student have to major in theatre to benefit from the Corps?
Absolutely not.
The skills developed through the Corps—communication, collaboration, creativity, confidence, leadership, discipline, self-awareness, and presentation—can benefit students regardless of the career path they ultimately choose.
Can students audition virtually?
Yes. NorCal Arts currently offers a virtual audition option in addition to its in-person audition process, depending on the enrollment period and season.
Is financial assistance available?
NorCal Arts offers different payment plans and scholarships for eligible students.
Families who have questions about tuition, payment options, or financial assistance should contact NorCal Arts for the most current information.
How do I learn more or get started?
Families can request more information, review current audition requirements, and begin the application process through the NorCal Arts Performing Arts Corps page.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Contact the Program Director: taylor.burris@norcalsota.org