Berklee City Music Preparatory Academy enrolls performing artists in grades 4–8 and offers multidisciplinary instruction in contemporary performing arts. Students rotate through classes in music, dance, and theater; participate in performance workshops and master classes; and engage in creative development within a collaborative troupe model that emphasizes community and connection. The program meets weekly on Saturdays and culminates in a Completion Showcase each May.
Your path to performance, growth, and opportunity begins here.
Applicants must have at least one year of experience in their discipline and live in the Boston or Greater Boston area.
Program Cost
None. All admitted students are fully funded by Berklee City Music, and there are no fees to enter the program.
What is the schedule?
The Preparatory Academy begins in September and runs through the first weekend in May, meeting on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program meets for 24 Saturdays and observes a winter break from mid-December through mid-January.
What are the performance opportunities?
Students perform at the Winter Showcase in December and the Completion Concert in May, giving them the chance to share their work and develop as live performers. Additional performance opportunities may take place throughout the program year.
Do applicants need to audition in all three disciplines or only in their specific field?
Applicants only need to audition in their primary discipline. However, all students should have an interest in exploring their creativity across music, dance, and theater, as instruction includes all three areas.
What if I don't have experience in music, dance, or theater outside of my specialty?
The Preparatory Academy is designed to introduce students to all areas of the performing arts while providing focused instruction in their primary discipline. Students continue to grow in their specialty while gaining experience across music, dance, and theater as they work together toward a final performance.
How do I apply?
Submit the online application, along with an artist reference and a performance video, by the deadline. Applicants who submit the application, reference, and video will be scheduled for an audition.
