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. _______________________________________________________________________
2025 Fall Auditions
Auditions will be held at the following dates/times:
The Wizard of Oz
LIVE:
Audition Date(s): Wednesday • August 27 • 6:00-9:00PM
Wednesday • September 3 • 6:00-9:00PM
Callbacks: Friday • September 5 • 6:00-9:00PM
For all audition and callbacks please plan on staying the entire time, though you may be released early.
Applicants must submit the following:
The Wizard of Oz
Ages 10-18 • September 10 - November 23
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00pm, Fridays from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturdays 11:00am-3:00pm*
*Exact times for Saturday rehearsals may change depending on cast availability
Performances: November 14-16 and November 21-23
Tuition: $945.00 *SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE*
Follow the yellow brick road to Patel Conservatory Theater’s production of the beloved classic in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless story, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide.
LIVE:
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Prepare 32 bars of a musical theater song. Something that shows vocal range and the ability to make strong acting choices through song. Please bring the sheet music for your selection for our piano accompanist.
VIDEO:
- Completed digital application, which includes submitting a resume and headshot and conflict sheet.
- Upload a video singing your 32 bars of your audition song.
- VIDEOS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 2.
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.