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 $550 per student for the 2008-2009 school year. Students raise funds at the annual Walk for the Arts and various other fundraisers. Parent’s 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, 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 2008-2009 School Year)
 • 2008-2009 Application [Word Doc]
 • 2008-2009 Application [PDF]

Last Chance 2nd Audition: 05/04/08 with application deadline 04/15/08
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. 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 2nd Auditions on 05/04/08
  1. Look at the Application Time-line below that explains all of the dates.
  2. Students who auditioned on 05/04/08 and HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED into APA will have their name listed on the APA web site. This list will be posted by 05/12/08 @ 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.
  3. Students who auditioned on 05/04/08 and have NOT been accepted into APA will be SENT written notification postmarked the week of May 12th.
  4. Applicant and parents must complete, sign, and submit their Acceptance Agreement two weeks after being accepted to secure placement into the program by 05/26/08.
  5. Parents must complete, sign, and submit a Parent Funding Contract, Emergency Card, and Volunteer Card by the designated deadline of 05/30/08 to secure their students' placement in the program. Parents must attend a New Parent Acceptance/Funding meeting during the last week of May (date and times to be annoucned).
TIMELINE of WHAT to do and WHEN to do it so you can audition.

**** Please note: The deadlines below DO NOT pertain to you if you were accepted from the February auditions. They concern the LAST CHANCE auditions happening in MAY. ****
NOW
  1. Download application
  2. Request your letter of recommendation (do it NOW, these things take time!)
  3. Start preparing for your audition now
  4. Look at the website for audition requirements for each department
APRIL 16th, 2008
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 (04/16/08)

PRIOR TO MAY 4th, 2008
The APA office will contact you prior to 05/04/08 with your audition time and location. ALL auditions will happen May 4th.

MAY 1st
Deadline for ALL returning students to turn in:
  1. 2008/2009 Acceptance Agreement signed by Student & Parent
  2. Family pledge contract
  3. Emergency form
  4. Parent volunteer form
  5. Family pledge money
May 4th, 2008
Last Chance Second Auditions happen today.

MAY 12th, 5 pm
Last Chance Second Audition results posted today on APA website at 5pm. Only the names of accepted students will be posted.

A mailing will go out to all applicants by the week of May 12th in which accepted students will receive an acceptance letter and and acceptance agreement (which must be signed by students & parents & returned by 05/30/08) and students NOT accepted will be informed as such.

Accepted students will need their acceptance letter for inter-disctric or out-of-district transfers. Though you may apply for a transfer now, please note on your district transfer application that your request is pending your audition and acceptance into the APA program.

MAY 30th
Newly accepted students and parents must sign and return the acceptance agreement today (05/30/08).

LAST WEEK IN MAY
There will be a MANDATORY “Freshman & New Student Parent Funding Meeting” (you only need to attend one meeting on the day of your choosing – dates and times to be announced later). Parents of ALL incoming freshmen and parents of newly accepted APA students MUST attend one of these meetings.

MAY 30th
Deadline for freshmen and new APA students who auditioned on May 4th to turn in:
  1. Signed New Student Acceptance Agreement
  2. Family pledge contract
  3. Emergency form
  4. Parent volunteer form
  5. Family pledge money

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