Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center
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Patel Conservatory, located in Downtown Tampa as part of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, provides the finest performing arts training in an inspirational setting by giving students the tools to: dream, reach, discover and create the performing arts; integrate them into everyday life; and contribute to the community.
The Straz Center is the fourth largest performing arts center in the nation and one of the only performing arts centers with an on-site, accredited, performing arts conservatory. Auditioned pre-professional training is offered throughout the summer and school year to students in grades 7-college in theater, music, and dance. Dance students, please apply through Next Generation Ballet's Acceptd site.
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Patel Conservatory Theater (PCT) productions provide focused production-based training in theater for accepted students. Acceptance is based on auditions, which are selective. Students experience a professionally produced production experience and gain understanding of best practices in the performing arts. _______________________________________________________________________
2024 Fall Auditions
Auditions will be held at the following dates/times:
PCT Ensemble: Friday, August 23 from 5:00-7:00pm
Elf, Jr. - Session 1: Wednesday, September 4 from 6:00-8:30pm
Much Ado About Nothing - Session 1: Friday, September 6 from 6:00-8:30pm
Elf, Jr. - Session 2: Saturday, September 7 from 12:00-2:00pm
Much Ado About Nothing - Session 2: Saturday, September 7 from 2:00-4:00pm
Elf, Jr. & Much Ado About Nothing - CALLBACKS: Wednesday, September 11 from 6:00-8:30pm
Applicants must submit the following:
LIVE:
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Prepare 32 bars of a modern musical theater song. Please bring the sheet music for your selection for our piano accompanist.
- Be prepared to participate in a dance call at auditions.
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Upload a video singing your 32 bars of your audition song.
- Upload a video dancing the choreography from the dance tutorial video.
Elf The Musical, Jr.
LIVE:
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Prepare 32 bars of a modern musical theater song. Please bring the sheet music for your selection for our piano accompanist.
- Prepare a one minute comedic monologue.
- Be prepared to participate in a dance call at auditions.
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Upload a video singing your 32 bars of your audition song.
- Upload a video of your one minute comedic monologue.
- Upload a video dancing the choreography from the dance tutorial video.
LIVE:
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Prepare a one minute character monologue
- If any students have a strong background in guitar, ukulele, or mandolin please prepare an 8-bar instrumentalist audition piece.
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Upload a video of your one minute character monologue.
- If any students have a strong background in guitar, ukulele, or mandolin please upload a video of an 8-bar instrumentalist audition piece.
Much Ado About Nothing
Ages 13-18
Rehearsals: September 25 - November 20 - WED, FRI, SAT (WED & FRI • 6:00-8:30PM, SAT • 12:00-4:00PM)*
*Saturday’s rehearsal dates will alternate according to each show’s rehearsal schedule.
Performances: November 21-24
Tuition: $750
Young lovers, virtue, villainy, and charming naivete abound in one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies. Produced in the Straz Center's Shimberg Playhouse, students will delve into the text with an eye for character development as hijinks ensue. This professionally-produced show will give young actors the opportunity to bring this tale of romance and deception to life.
Elf The Musical, Jr.
Ages 10−14
Rehearsals: October 16 - December 10 - WED, FRI, SAT (WED & FRI • 6:00-8:30PM, SAT • 12:00-4:00PM)*
*Saturday’s rehearsal dates will alternate according to each show’s rehearsal schedule. THERE WILL BE ONE SUNDAY REHEARSAL ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8**
Performances: December 12-15
Tuition: $750
This hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity. Students ages 10-14 bring this modern-day holiday classic to the TECO Theater while embracing their own "inner elf" with plenty of large ensemble numbers featuring elves and (New Yorkers) of every type.
If you have any questions, please contact theaterprogram@strazcenter.org.
The Patel Conservatory is accredited by the Southern Association of College and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI) under the division of AdvancED.
Patel Conservatory website
If you have any technical questions, please check out the Acceptd Applicant Support Help Desk.