• 2025-2026 Creative Writing Audition Requirements

     

    Overview

    The mission of the Kinder HSPVA Creative Writing Department is to give students a strong foundation of writing craft and literary history so that they can develop their unique voices.  Additionally, we aim to give students the skills they need to produce and publish their work using technology, performance, or traditional pen and paper, all while nurturing an appreciation for the arts in all its forms. We give students the space to work independently and collaboratively, allowing them to develop skills that help them become productive, responsible citizens at HSPVA and beyond. 

     

    When are auditions and callbacks?

     

    The first stage of auditions for the 2025-26 school year will be virtual. 

     

    Submissions will be accepted from December 10, 2024 – February 21, 2025.  For the written exercises, we suggest completing the assignments in one document.  You will then copy and paste each prompt into the submission platform.  You can NOT upload documents for the written exercises .  The submission deadline for materials is Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM CT. 

    Callbacks are by invitation only.  The format of callbacks is to be determined.  You will be notified if you have received a callback no later than February 26, 2025.  Callback instructions will be provided to students at that time.  Hold the date of Saturday, March 1, 2025, for a possible in-person callback.

     

    What do I need to prepare?

    1. Six-word Memoir: Write a 6-word memoir that tells us a little bit about who you are, what you do, and/or what you hope to become. You must use six words; no more, no less. Be sure to make each word count.

     

    Here are a few examples:

    Some cross-eyed kid, forgotten then found.
    - Diana Welch

     

    Born in the desert, still thirsty.
    - Georgene Nunn

     

    No future, no past. Not lost.
    - Matt Brensilver

     

    1. Complete the Metaphor: A metaphor is a comparison of 2 unlike things. For example, “my backpack is a treasure chest” or “my sister is a shooting star.”

     

    Please fill in the following blanks to create your own metaphors,

     

    1. __________________________ is a ________________________________________.

    (person who cares for you)

     

    1. __________________________ is a ________________________________________.

    (object)

     

    1. __________________________ is a ________________________________________.

    (free choice)

     

    Choose A, B, or C and explain how that metaphor is true. Your response should be between 150-250 words.

     

    1. Invent Definitions: Make up a definition for the words listed below. Use your imagination to create whatever meaning you would like for the words. Think about whether you think it is an object, an action, or an adjective.  We are looking for your creativity.

     

      1. profunkular

      2. frippet

      3. husborde

     

    Choose A, B, or C to include in a poem, a short story, or a short script that you write about anything of your choosing.  Your response should be between 150-250 words.

     

     

    1. 60-90 second video – “Why do I want to be part of HSPVA’s Creative Writing department?

    Create a 60-90 second video where you explain what you love about writing, what you like to read, and anything else you feel you should share with us. You can use the genre of your choice, but the video should just be you – no editing, special effects, music, etc.  You can do this as a straight “about me” piece, or you can turn it into a spoken word performance.  We want to see the authentic you, and we know that for many, showing that to us via a video may feel scary. If you’d like to turn it into more of a performance, go for it! Otherwise, just relax, smile, and tell us a little bit about yourself. 

     

    How do I upload my materials?

    Submissions will be accepted from December 10, 2024 – February 21, 2025.  Each assignment and video will be uploaded individually.

     

    Helpful Tips:

    • Formatting – Formatting your work is not necessary.  You must copy and paste your work into the submission platform.  DO NOT STRESS about format.  We are interested in your writing.
    • Read! The more you read - poetry, fiction, non-fiction- the better your writing will be. You’ll have a better sense of rhythm, and you’ll expand your vocabulary. 
    • Write! Keep a journal. Write about your day or observations. Create stories and poetry. The more you write, the more comfortable you’ll be when writing for an audition.
    • Practice!  Work with your English teacher to prepare for the audition.  Ask your teacher for feedback.
    • Relax! We hope that you will enjoy this process. Please don’t try to write like what you think we want you to sound like. We want to hear your voice. You’re the only one who can sound like you.  

  • Audition materials for the 2024-25 school year will be accepted at https://app.getacceptd.com/kinderhspva beginning January 18, 2024.  The deadline to submit materials is February 23, 2024. 

    Instructions:

    1. If you have not already created an account with Acceptd, you will need to do that first.  Acceptd is a platform used by some of the best colleges, universities, conservatories, summer programs, and competitions.  This platform is NOT connected with CHOOSEHISD.org and your username and passwords do not need to match.  We suggest that you sign up as a parent, and when adding your student, indicate that the student does NOT have an email account.  If you include your student’s email address, they will need to verify the account before you submit their application.
    2. After creating an account, you’ll need to browse programs and search for “HSPVA” or make sure you are logged in and click HERE
    3. Complete the application and upload materials as directed.

    For technical questions, please visit Acceptd's Applicant Help Desk.