Performance Scholarship – Performing arts

Pymble Ladies’ College offers a small number of Performance Scholarships – Performing Arts, providing full or part remission from academic tuition fees (excluding extras) to students entering Years 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 in 2027 who have demonstrated excellence in one or all of the following disciplines: Dance, Drama and or Music (vocalist). 

Please note that the scholarship selection process is competitive and not all candidates who meet the criteria proceed to the second round to be considered for a scholarship.

Applications are now open for 2027 scholarships and close on Friday 27 February 2026.

Criteria and Expectations

Candidates must be Australian Citizens or International students who have a valid Australian visa. Overseas Student subclass 500 visa holders are not eligible to apply.

Applications are open to current Pymble students and external students.

Candidates must:

• show a level of commitment to their academic studies.
• demonstrate outstanding achievement in at least one discipline within the Performing Arts: Dance, Drama and or Music (vocalist).
• exhibit a strong passion for the Performing Arts through extensive training and active involvement in recognised competitions, examinations, performances (professional or non-professional), or creative projects that reflect a high level of artistry and engagement.
• provide a list of achievements in their Performing Arts discipline/s with proof of performance (see Supporting Documentation).

Candidates may submit information from the previous 24 months.

Successful candidates will be required to participate in the College’s Co-curricular Performing Arts program and will undertake academic studies as an elective subject through until the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in their chosen discipline. 

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 $2000 bond when accepting the scholarship within 48 hours of offer. This Bond will be put towards the Term 2 Fee Instalment in 2027. The Bond will be forfeited if the student does not commence at the College.

Successful scholarship recipients who are not current Pymble students are also required to submit an online Enrolment Application form and pay the Application fee of $440 within 48 hours of offer and the Enrolment Entry Fee of $4400 within two weeks of the scholarship acceptance. These fees are not refundable.

Scholarship recipients are expected to uphold Pymble’s five core values (Care, Courage, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility) and represent the College with pride.

Scholarships will be reviewed on an annual basis 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.

General Guidelines

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.

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).

Drama: Candidate demonstrates 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.

Steps to Apply

First Round: 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:

1. Completed online 2027 Performance Scholarship – Performing Arts application (including photo)
2. Copies of their Semester 1 & 2 2025 school reports and NAPLAN results.
3. Two reference letters supporting the candidate’s chosen discipline. Current Pymble students do not require a reference. However, candidates are welcome to provide a reference from an external teacher/adult.
4. A current CV listing relevant training history and achievements 
5. A short personal statement (200 words) outlining their current and future goals and how they could contribute to the life of the College.
6. Video Submission – provided as a hyperlink in the online application form to a private YouTube or Google Drive link. The video submission may be in the form of a compiled showreel of various performances / exam / rehearsals (Maximum 3 minutes) demonstrating the candidates level of ability. Candidates wishing to apply for more than one discipline must include relevant excerpts.

NB – Should videos be group performances, information should be provided about how to identify the candidate in the group example: Opening formation front centre / end of line 2 / screen shot an image and circle candidate and include in submission.   

Successful first round candidates will receive an invitation to a second round which includes an audition.

Second Round: Auditions will be conducted within 2 weeks of applications closing. Auditions 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. These candidates 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: Present two contrasting dance routines that differ in style.
• Drama: Present two contrasting monologues that differ in tone and or character type, each approximately one minute in length.
• Vocal: Present two contrasting musical theatre works that differ in style, mood, genre, and or tempo.

Dancers are required to provide their music on a device that can be plugged into AUX (Laptop) or USB, 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. 

Important Dates

Applications for a 2027 Performance Scholarship – Performing Arts are now open and close on Friday 27 February 2026.