Do you want to be an actor, dancer, musician, or all-around performer? Are you already an actor, dancer, or musician, and want to become an all-around contemporary performing artist? Explore your creativity with us.
The Berklee City Music Preparatory Academy is for performing artists in the fourth–eighth grade. Newly redesigned, the Preparatory Academy provides multidisciplinary instruction in the contemporary performing arts. This program takes place from September through May and meets on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Weekly classes rotate among music, dance, and theater, with time for weekly performance workshops, creative management, and master classes. Utilizing a troupe model that focuses on community and connectivity, the Preparatory Academy puts on an annual Completion Showcase each May.
Entering fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth grade as of September 2024
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have at least one year of experience in their discipline and live in the Boston or Greater Boston area.
Program Cost
This program is scholarship-based. All admitted students are fully funded, and there are no fees to enter the program.
What is the schedule?
The Preparatory Academy and High School Academy both begin in September and run through the first weekend in May. The programs are closed for winter break from mid-December through mid-January. The Preparatory Academy meets for 24 Saturdays a year.
What if I don't have experience in music, dance, or theater outside of my speciality?
That’s okay. The new Preparatory Academy is designed to introduce students to all areas of the performing arts while providing quality instruction in their primary instrument or field. This gives students the space to continue to grow as artists while learning how their work fits into the larger picture as each ensemble works towards a final performance.
What are the performance opportunities?
In addition to the program instruction, each semester students have performance opportunities at our programs’ open house and completion ceremonies. Students may also attend master classes, jam sessions, college workshops, community-building events, concerts, and various other performance opportunities.
How do I apply?
Submit the online application, along with an artist reference and optional performance video by the deadline. Applicants who submit the application and reference will be scheduled for an audition.
Do applicants need to audition in all three disciplines or only in their specific field?
Applicants will audition in their specific field. All applicants should have an interest in exploring their creativity in all disciplines as instruction will cover each area.
Why was this change made?
Following the merger between Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory, this new program has been designed to grant students world-class training in a wider range of performing arts disciplines. For 30 years, City Music Boston has utilized a holistic approach to train performing artists, build leaders, and foster community development. This program expansion further supports our mission of paving pathways to success for our young artists and now includes a breadth of musicians, dancers, and actors.
