Performing Arts Scholarship

The scholarship covers full or part remission of tuition fees (excluding extras) for the duration of the student’s enrolment at the College. All other expenses are to be met at the full rate. Expenses such as textbooks, music tuition, co-curricular sport and activities/lessons, uniforms and laptop levies are not covered under this scholarship.

Successful scholarship recipients who are not current Pymble students will be required to:

• Pay a $2,000 bond when accepting the scholarship within 48 hours of offer. This bond will be put towards the Term 2 Fee Instalment in 2028. The bond will be forfeited if the student does not commence at the College.
• Submit an online Enrolment Application form and pay the Application Fee of $440 within 48 hours of offer, and the Enrolment Entry Fee of $4,400 within two weeks of the scholarship acceptance. These fees are not refundable.

All supporting documentation and material must be submitted along with the application form. These will be reviewed, and all candidates will be contacted advising if their daughter has been selected to audition. Online submissions must include:

• Completed online 2028 Performance Scholarship – Performing Arts application (including photo).
• Copies of their Semester 1 and 2 2026 school reports and NAPLAN results.
• Two reference letters supporting the candidate’s chosen discipline. Current Pymble students do not require a reference, but are welcome to provide one from an external teacher/adult.
• A current CV listing relevant training history and achievements.
• A short personal statement (200 words) outlining current and future goals and how the candidate could contribute to the life of the College.
• A video submission provided as a hyperlink in the online application form to a private YouTube or Google Drive link: a compiled showreel of performances/exams/rehearsals (maximum three minutes) demonstrating the candidate’s level of ability. Candidates applying for more than one discipline must include relevant excerpts.
• Videos of group performances must include information on how to identify the scholarship candidate, for instance: opening formation front centre / end of line two / a screenshot with the candidate circled, included in the submission.
• Successful first-round candidates will receive an invitation to a second round, which includes an audition.

Auditions will be conducted within two weeks of applications closing and will be 10 minutes in duration. Candidates should prepare two contrasting pieces, aiming to spend 5–6 minutes performing. Those presenting more than one discipline must carefully consider the overall time constraint, and may choose to present a short third piece to show their skills across multiple disciplines, but must adhere to the total performance time.

Costuming is not permitted for auditions. Candidates should wear appropriate clothing that allows for ease of movement during their performance. Small props may be used where relevant to the piece.

• Dance: two contrasting dance routines that differ in style.
• Drama: two contrasting monologues that differ in tone and/or character type, each approximately one minute in length.
• Vocal: two contrasting musical theatre works that differ in style, mood, genre and/or tempo.

Dancers are required to provide their music prior to the audition, while vocalists must provide their own live piano accompaniment. Following the performance component of the audition, the candidate will participate in an interview with the audition panel.

As a general guideline, candidates must have completed the following grades (or equivalent), or demonstrate the following experience, within their selected discipline(s). Successful applicants will be performing at an elite level for their age and must be able to show evidence of strong commitment, artistry and technical skill within their field(s).

Dance 
Candidates are expected to be working at or have achieved RAD Grade 5 (or equivalent), or demonstrate significant experience performing in high-level eisteddfod teams and solo events, with evidence of achievement or recognition in competitions. Candidates should display technical excellence, refined performance quality, musicality and artistry, supported by consistent dance training and regular participation in both solo and ensemble performances or competitions.

Drama 
Candidates demonstrate significant experience performing in professional, school or community theatre, festivals or drama companies, with evidence of achievement or recognition in performances or competitions. Candidates should display confident characterisation, expressive vocal and physical control, and sophisticated stagecraft, supported by consistent acting training and regular participation in both solo and ensemble performances.

Voice 
Candidates are expected to be working at or have achieved AMEB Grade 5 (or equivalent), or demonstrate significant experience performing in solo or ensemble vocal events, with evidence of achievement or recognition in performances or competitions. Candidates should display technical excellence, expressive musicality and refined performance quality, supported by consistent vocal training and regular participation in both solo and ensemble performances.

• Successful candidates will be required to participate in the College’s Co-curricular Performing Arts program and undertake academic studies as an elective subject through until the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in their chosen discipline.
• Scholarship recipients are expected to uphold Pymble’s five core values (Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility) and represent the College with pride. Scholarships are reviewed annually, and it is the College’s expectation that students maintain their high-performance levels and represent the College as and when requested.
• The College Board reserves the right to withdraw a scholarship from any scholarship holder. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the College. Feedback for unsuccessful applications will not be given.

• Applications for a 2027 Performing Arts Scholarship are closed.
• Applications for a 2028 Performing Arts Scholarship open on 3 November 2026 and close on 10 March 2027. Auditions will be held on Saturday 20 March 2027.