Future Students
Every year APA welcomes over 150 students to its program. We do not necessarily expect our students to pursue a career in the performing arts, but we do expect them to take their arts education seriously. As with any other endeavor effort, commitment and teamwork and dedication will achieve results. Our students enjoy a community of friends and a wonderful support system of faculty, staff and volunteers.

APA provides an intensive pre-professional performing arts program, placing demands on a student's schedule outside of their academic core curriculum. We expect that students pay equal attention to their academic classes and performing arts classes. We require regular progress reports and academic records, especially prior to auditions for APA's main stage productions. Admission is through competitive live auditions. APA's faculty evaluates applicants' academic records, recommendations from teachers and instructors, prior experience, portfolios, artistic samples, videos, extra-curricular activities and interests.APA evaluates the talent of each student and looks not only for ability but also for hidden potentials. We often direct students to one of APA's programs that best fits their ability, talent and potential.

All APA students must attend one of the six comprehensive high schools of the Huntington Beach Union High School District. Out-of-Disctrict as well as inter-district transfers are possible as space permits.

APA's Shows
APA is committed to providing many opportunities for students to perform or apply their technical skills. In addition to the ten annual main-stage productions each department offers recitals, studio evenings, play festivals and concerts in our 2nd Stage Production series. Additional creative outlets and performance opportunities are provided by student produced works, community outreach performances, competitions and our Way Off-Broadway series.


Leadership Opportunities
APA provides students with a comprehensive high school experience. Through Huntington Beach High School students have the opportunity to provide leadership in clubs, the Associated Student Body and various committees. Students can serve on HBHS' School Site Council and the Strategic Planning Committee among others.

APA's Student Council represents each of APA's departments. The APA council meets weekly and acts as liaison between APA's student body and the administration, plans student events, such as the annual APA Academy Awards, dances, and fundraisers that span all departments.


The Commitment
APA has growing steadily since 1993, attracting interest and students from the entire United States. Judging from demand and inquiries this growth will continue.

Students and their families contribute greatly to APA's financial resources, APA's programs and performances. Community support is critical to continue one of Orange County's most unique educational opportunities.

APA's families contribute financially through the Annual Family Pledge of $650 per student for the 2009-2010 school year. Students raise funds at the annual Walk for the Arts and various other fundraisers. Parent'd5s employers may contribute through matching funds and community businesses provide financial assistance and in-kind donations. The following are some of the employers who have recently contributed matching funds; Boeing, UPS, Sharp Corp, Tenent Healthcare, BP Corp, Sony Pictures, ExxonMobil and Honda. Contributors provide field trip opportunities, volunteer time, and donations of production and classroom equipment, school supplies, and grants.

Donations processed through the HB APA Foundation or the Huntington Beach Union High School District are tax-deductible and once made, are not refundable.
Application Download (for 2009-2010 School Year)
 • 2009-2010 Application [Word Doc]
 • 2009-2010 Application [PDF]

Application deadline March 31st, 2009
Application Procedure
  1. Complete the Application for Admission.
  2. Start preparing and learning for the audition.
  3. Request the required Letter of Recommendation right away.
  4. Follow all instructions carefully and submit the completed application with all supporting documents by the posted due date.
  5. Incomplete applications delay the process and will not be accepted.
  6. Mark your calendar and reserve the ENTIRE audition day.
  7. During the week prior to audition day you will receive a phone call or a post card with your appointment time and other details.
  8. This appointment cannot be changed. Please do not ask.
  9. Often DCAT (PDF) placement testing is scheduled on the same day. Please check with your residence schoolfor make-up dates.
  10. You may audition for two disciplines/departments. Please note your 1st and 2nd choice on your application.

On Audition Day
  1. Follow the instructions you received with your application packet and your appointment letter.
  2. Arrive at APA early enough to check in 1/2 hour prior to your first audition appointment. Follow the instructions.
  3. Be prepared. Our APA volunteer staff will tell you where you have to go. Students from the APA Student council will also be there to assist you, so please don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you like.
  4. Parents may wait outside the APA building in the parent hospitality area. This is an opportunity to meet other APA families and ask questions of our APA volunteers
  5. After you have completed your auditions you go to the checkout counter where you turn in your paperwork. You MUST COMPLETE this VERY IMPORTANT LAST STEP of the audition process.
  6. You will receive a complimentary ticket to one of our shows.

After the LAST CHANCE Auditions on April 18 & 25
  1. Students who auditioned at the LAST CHANCE Auditions on April 18 & 25 and HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED into APA will have their name listed on the APA web site. This list will be posted on May 15th @ 5pm. An official letter will follow. This letter is important if you want to transfer from your residence high school to Huntington Beach High School.
  2. Students who auditioned on April 18 & 25 and have NOT been accepted into APA will be SENT written notification postmarked the week of May 15th.
  3. Applicant and parents must complete, sign, and submit their Acceptance Agreement one week after being accepted to secure placement into the program.
  4. Parents of students who have been accepted during the LAST CHANCE Audition must attend a New Parent Acceptance/Funding meeting June 8th at 7pm). At this meeting or before, parents must complete, sign, and submit a Parent Funding Contract, Emergency Card, and Volunteer Card to secure their students' placement in the program. Parents must attend a New Parent Acceptance/Funding meeting.
TIMELINE of WHAT to do and WHEN to do it so you can audition.
NOW
  1. Download application
  2. Request your letter of recommendation (do it NOW, this may take time!)
  3. Start preparing for your audition now
  4. Look at the website for audition requirements for each department
March 31st, 2009 application deadline for LAST CHANCE AUDITION
Turn in your completed applications to the APA office no later than today. If you plan to mail them, they must be postmarked by today (March 31st)

THE WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2009
The APA office will contact you prior to your audition with your audition time and location.

MARCH 31st
Deadline for ALL new (Students who auditioned in February) and returning APA students to turn in:
  1. 2009-2010 Acceptance Agreement signed by Student & Parent
DURING March and April
There will be a MANDATORY Freshman & New Student Parent Funding Meeting. The last meeting is June 8th at 7pm. Parents of ALL incoming freshmen and parents of newly accepted APA students MUST attend this meeting if they have not attend one of the prevoius new student meetings in March or April.

AT NEW STUDENT PARENT FUNDING MEETING IN MARCH & APRIL
Deadline for freshmen, new APA students, and returning APA students who auditioned in February to turn in:
  1. Family pledge contract
  2. Emergency form
  3. Parent volunteer form
  4. Family pledge money

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