Admissions

Admissions

Thank you for your interest in applying to
Denver School of the Arts! 

The application window for school year 2023/2024 admissions is now closed.
Please check back later this fall for information about applying to audition for the 2024/2025 school year.

Students seeking a chance to be a part of our nationally-recognized school should review the general information on this page regarding our admissions process. We offer intensive studies in band, creative writing, dance, guitar, orchestra, piano, stagecraft & design, theatre, video cinema arts, visual arts, and vocal music.
We look forward to meeting you at your audition!

Step 1
Complete the online application
Step 2
Attend or watch the pre-audition meeting
Step 3
Complete all audition components
Step 4
Complete the DPS School Choice form

Step 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION

The online application will be open October 31, 2022 through January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm. The online application is now closed.

We will not accept any late applications, so please ensure you have completed this step no later than 5:00pm on January 4, 2023. Only completed online applications will be considered for auditions.

Please make sure that you complete the entire online application and click “submit.” You will receive an auto reply to the email address you provided. This is your documentation that the online application has been successfully submitted. Once you’ve applied, the school will not call or email you to confirm that the application was submitted. Please use the email confirmation, as explained above, as your confirmation. Only completed online applications will be considered for auditions.

You will be prompted to first create an account. This online application will ask for basic information about your child: name, current grade, address, parent/guardian name. If your child is a current DPS student, it will ask for their 6 digit ID. No other preparation or materials are needed to fill out this online application and it will only take two to three minutes to complete.

If you would like support in completing the online application, or do not have access to a computer/internet, you may come to DSA during the online application window and we can help you. 

Students may apply and audition for one major only.

Note – Stagecraft and Design will only be accepting applicants for grades 9 through 12.

You do NOT need to sign up for the pre-audition meeting because your online application (step 1) is your sign up. All pre audition meetings will take place in-person at the Denver School of the Arts (7111 Montview Blvd., Denver, CO 80220). Please ensure that you arrive on time. If you will need interpretation services at the pre audition meeting, please indicate so in the application or by emailing AP Anna Conley at aconle2@dpsk12.net at least one week prior to the meeting.

Step 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING

Pre audition meetings for 23/24 admissions have concluded.

Step 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION

Each department will explain their audition process at their pre-audition meeting and more information. Please scroll down to access specific audition information for each major. Auditions are by appointment only.

Audition Feedback
Due to the large number of applicants and students who go through the audition process, we do not offer written or verbal feedback.

IEP/504 Accommodations for Auditions
If a student will need special consideration or accommodations in the audition process, the student (or parent/guardian) must request the special considerations sought or accommodations needed and must provide supporting documentation (such as an IEP or 504 plan). It would be discriminatory for the District to assume that special considerations or accommodations are necessary without first receiving such a request and appropriate supporting documentation.
At least one week prior to the audition, please provide a copy via email of the 504 or IEP to the following DSA staff members depending on grade level of the student: 
All 504s to: stefanie_limberger@dpsk12.net
Middle school IEPs to: nichole_mango@dpsk12.net
IEPs for students entering grade 9 &10 to: jeana_mustain@dpsk12.net
IEPs for students entering grades 11 & 12 to: justin_kirkland6@dpsk12.net

The admission of an identified student with disabilities eligible for special education and related services is contingent upon the determination of an IEP Team that the student can receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment at the school.

Interpreter Support for Auditions
If the family would like interpretation services available at either the pre audition meeting or audition itself, please email AP Anna Conley at least one week prior at aconle2@dpsk12.net and be sure to include what language interpretation services are needed for.

Step 4: COMPLETE THE DPS SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION

Applicants to DSA must complete the DPS SchoolChoice enrollment as a part of the application process. The DPS SchoolChoice enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Go to https://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org to log in or to create an account. The DPS SchoolChoice form will ask you to rank your top 12 preferred schools within DPS, including charter schools and magnet programs such as DSA. When completing this form, please make sure to mark Denver School of the Arts as your 1st choice. The only students who will be enrolled at DSA will be those who are determined to be eligible after their DSA audition (step 3) AND selected DSA as their 1st choice on the DPS SchoolChoice form (step 4).

If you are a current DPS family and have a Parent Portal account, you will use this login to apply for SchoolChoice online (date range to be added here soon). To create a Parent Portal account, go to https://myportal.dpsk12.org/ and click Create an Account, or if necessary, you can retrieve/reset your password so you are ready to participate in Choice. It does not matter when during the Choice window you apply, so long as it is submitted by (deadline to be added here soon).

If you are an out-of-district family, go to http://schoolchoice.dpsk12.org/ and create an account. Be sure you get confirmation of your application which is in the form of an email and/or text, whichever you select.

If you do not select DSA as your 1st choice school, please know that it is possible that your child may get their MORE preferred choice and not be assigned to DSA. You do not have to list all 12 schools, and if you are from outside of Denver County and only interested in DSA, then just list DSA as your sole choice.

You can contact DPS SchoolChoice at 720-423-3493 or schoolchoice@dpsk12.org if you have any questions about this specific portion of the application process.

NOTIFICATION PROCESS

All students who audition will be notified by email on February 7, 2023 about the outcome of their audition (either accepted, waitlisted, or not accepted).
If you are accepted and have selected DSA as your 1st choice on the DPS SchoolChoice form, you will have a seat at DSA next school year.
If you are waitlisted, we will contact you if openings become available. (Please note: this may not be until the start of the 2023 school year.)
If you are not accepted, we thank you for taking the time to audition, but we will not be able to offer you a seat at DSA for the next school year.

DPS Office and Choice and Enrollment Services will also notify all students of their 2023/2024 school assignment through the DPS online system (email and/or text) in late March 2023.

We are not holding Round 2 auditions for the 23/24 school year.

If you have general questions (after reading through all of the information on this page and linked under the specific major you are interested in), you may contact Assistant Principal Anna Conley at aconle2@dpsk12.net or 720-424-1807.
Questions specific to the major and its audition process will be addressed at the pre audition meetings.

All information is subject to change. Please visit this site regularly for updates.

Audition Information by Major

Bands

DIRECTOR
David Hammond

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.

Audition times are by appointment only.
Woodwinds: Saturday, January 7, 2023
Brass and Percussion: Saturday, January 14, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Creative Writing

DIRECTORS
Moss Kaplan and Miranda Popp

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts

STEP 3: ATTEND THE LIVE WRITING AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.
Saturday, January 7, 2023
9:00am via link on CW homepage

Callback interviews by appointment only.
January 31, February 1, 2, or 4, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Dance

DIRECTORS
Terrell Davis and Rachel Oliver-Young

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Thursday, January 5, 2023
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.

Thursday, January 26, 2023 or Friday, January 27, 2023

Callback auditions by appointment only.
Saturday, January 28, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Guitar

DIRECTOR
Natasha Olson-Smith

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Monday, December 5, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.
Audition times are by appointment only.
Saturday, February 4, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Orchestra

DIRECTOR
Dr. Enrique Lasansky

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.

Audition times are by appointment only.
Saturday, January 14 and Saturday, January 21, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Piano

DIRECTOR
Ji Hyun Kim

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Thursday, January 5, 2023
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.

Audition times are by appointment only.
Saturday, January 7, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Stagecraft & Design

DIRECTORS
Jason Ducat, Cory Gilstrap, Lara Kirksey, and Keith Rice

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.
Audition Part 1 – Portfolio Submission Deadline: Saturday, January 7, 2023

Callback interviews by appointment only.
Saturday, January 14, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Theatre

DIRECTORS
Shawn Hann and André Rodriguez

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Callback interviews by appointment only.
February 4, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Video Cinema Arts

DIRECTORS
John Aden, Tory Maurer, and Amy McGrath

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Thursday, January 5, 2023
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.
Audition Part 1: Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Audition Part 2: January 31, 2023 (high school) and February 4, 2023 (middle school)

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Visual Arts

DIRECTORS
Jim Cliff and Marty Loftus

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Monday, December 5, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.
Audition Part 1 – Portfolio Submission Deadline: January 26, 2023

Callback interviews by appointment only.
Saturday, February 4, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

Vocal Music

DIRECTORS
Dr. Ryan Garrison and Meaghan Quigley

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
Complete the online application anytime between November 1, 2022 – January 4, 2023 at 5:00pm

STEP 2: ATTEND THE PRE AUDITION MEETING
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
6:00pm at Denver School of the Arts
Applicants will receive their audition appointment time at the end of the pre audition meeting.

STEP 3: ATTEND THE AUDITION
Important: Read through the audition requirements here.
Audition times are by appointment only.
January 12, 17, and 18, 2023

STEP 4: COMPLETE THE SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment window opens at 10:00am on January 13, 2023.

Audition outcome notification emails will be sent to applicants and their families on February 7, 2023.

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