Admissions
How to apply
To apply to The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, students must follow the steps outlined below. Any questions about the application process or requirements should be directed to the Office of Admissions: admissions@thenorwalkconservatory.org
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In order to be admitted as a student, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent by the time you enroll. At this time, we are unable to accept international students who require a student visa to study in the U.S.
If you apply to this degree program and are denied admission, you may apply again in the following application cycle. After three unsuccessful attempts across one or multiple majors, you are no longer eligible to apply.
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The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts requires no specific standardized test scores or class rankings for acceptance. However, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and we will evaluate your required personal statement to make sure you have the scholastic competence necessary to succeed in college-level coursework.
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In auditioning prospective students, the NoCo Admissions team looks for the following qualities:
▶ A raw ability and artistry that suggests a future as a leading professional in the arts
▶ An internal fire to succeed in a competitive industry, paired with a willingness to evolve and grow continuously
▶ A champion of others’ successes and a desire to contribute positively to a collaborative artistic community
▶ Punctuality, preparedness, respect, and a willingness to put in the work (both on stage and off) with discipline, focus and accountability
Application Timeline
Applications open on August 1 each year for enrollment the following fall.
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Early Application allows PreCollege applicants to apply without having to re-audition, and receive an admissions decision on an accelerated schedule, while still having until May 1 to submit a tuition deposit. This application will only be made available to eligible PreCollege 2025 participants.
Key Dates
August 1
Application AvailableNovember 1
Application Deadline. Late applications will NOT be accepted. PreCollege students wishing to submit an application after the November deadline will need to complete a regular application and re-audition.December 31
Notification of AdmissionsMay 1
Final Decision Day — Deadline to submit deposit for fall enrollment -
Regular Application refers to the conservatory’s traditional timeline for receiving applications and issuing decision notifications.
Key Dates
August 1
Application OpensMarch 1
Application Deadline
Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.April 1
Admission Decisions ReleasedMay 1
Enrollment Deposit Deadline
NOCO does not require prescreens. We believe in the power of a live audition for a live art form, and therefore we give every applicant the opportunity to audition in person. However, we require all applicants to submit pre-recorded material with your applications for the admissions team to have on file.
Once you have submitted, an admissions officer will reach out to schedule your audition.
Auditions
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Audition Materials
Applicants are asked to prepare two songs, no longer than 60 seconds each. We provide live accompaniment for all on-campus auditions and for many of our regional auditions, but any student attending a regional audition should have a pre-recorded accompaniment on hand in case. The audition panel may ask for additional prepared material that you may have in your book. We do NOT require a monologue for in-person auditions.
Audition Scheduling
You must register for and attend one of the scheduled in-person auditions. After submitting your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your in-person auditions (some locations may not require additional registration). Auditions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who have submitted an application but not scheduled an audition by March 15 will be automatically rejected.
Callbacks
Students that the Admissions team would like to see again may receive a callback request. All callbacks will be scheduled directly with the student.
Audition guidelines
These guidelines may continue to evolve and are subject to change. Any and all updates will be posted on this page as we near audition dates.
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Each video should be 30-60 seconds in length.
▶ 1 or 2 song cuts, in contemporary styles (MT or pop/rock/etc).
▶ You may also choose (but NOT required) to submit 1 monologue and/or dance video.
▶ If submitting a monologue, it should be contemporary material (1980s or later).
▶ If submitting a dance video you must be easily identifiable.
For more detailed information about the program, please visit the Musical Theatre Performance Webpage.
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Each video should be 30-60 seconds in length.
▶ 1 song cut, in contemporary styles (MT or pop/rock/etc).
▶ 1 or 2 dance videos - at least 1 should be MT/jazz or similar style (any additional videos may be any style of your choosing)
▶ You may also choose (but NOT required) to submit 1 monologue.
If submitting a monologue, it should be contemporary material (1980s or later).
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Each video should be 30-60 seconds in length.
▶ 1 or 2 monologues or sides, in contemporary/cinematic styles (1980s or later, and may be from a play, movie or TV show)
▶ You may also choose (but NOT required) to submit a video with any marketable skills you think the admissions team should see (dance, singing, tumbling, etc).
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Each video should be 30-60 seconds in length.
▶ 2 or 3 dance videos in the style of your choosing (at least 1 should be hip hop or similar style)
▶ You may also choose (but NOT required) to submit a video with any marketable skills you think the admissions team should see (singing, acting, etc).
Major Specific Requirements:
tuition and fees
These deposits are non-refundable, but will be applied as credit toward the student's tuition and housing charges.
Book a campus tour
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. At NOCO, senior showcase starts semester 1. Auditioning during term time is not only encouraged, it is required.
It is our job to get you booked.
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Yes, in fact it is encouraged. We have many students who are on Broadway, on national tours or filming on location who remain in school.
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NOCO combines intensive conservatory training with direct access to industry professionals. Students work with faculty who are actively engaged in theatre, film, television, music, and dance, and regularly train with agents, casting directors, directors, and other working professionals throughout their degree.
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Absolutely. Our programs are designed to prepare students for today's entertainment industry, where performers often work across multiple mediums. Students receive training in live performance, screen performance, audition technique, and professional development throughout their studies.
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NOCO produces 4 mainstage productions a year, and auditions for all 4 are open to all year groups.
There are also many other performance opportunities throughout the year, including concerts, student directed plays, new work workshops, and many more.
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Yes. Housing is available for eligible students. Information regarding residence options, costs, move-in procedures, and housing policies is provided to admitted students prior to enrollment.
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Once your application is received, the Admissions Office will review your materials and contact you regarding the next step in the process. Depending on your program of interest, this may include an audition, interview, or additional documentation. Applicants are notified of admissions decisions as quickly as possible following the completion of all requirements.