OVERVIEW
ADMISSIONS
Admissions Overview
Be Part of the Next Generation of Student-Artists
Do you want to be part of the next generation of student-artists? Audition at Ellington!
Do you spend your free time exploring Smithsonian museums? Do you dance to the beat of a different drum? Are you drawn to the written word? Are your days filled with music? Are your doodles works of art?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it may be time to put your creativity in motion and become the artist you know you can be. Duke Ellington School of the Arts can help you take that next step.
Ellington provides students in grades 9–12 with a rigorous academic education alongside intensive pre-professional arts training. Students pursue an arts major in one of the following departments: Cinematic Arts & Media Production, Dance, Museum Studies, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre, Technical Design & Production, or Visual Arts.
You can also learn more about our Open Houses and Workshops (hyperlink to: https://www.ellingtonarts.org/open-house-and-workshops), designed to introduce prospective students and families to Ellington and help students prepare for the audition process.
Completing Your Application
Submitting your application does not necessarily mean your application is complete.
Some arts departments require additional materials as part of the admissions process. Applicants are responsible for submitting all required materials by the published deadlines.
Visual Arts, Cinematic Arts & Media Production (CAMP), and Technical Design & Production (TDP) applicants must submit a separate portfolio.
Vocal Music applicants must submit a video as part of the application process.
For Vocal Music and Visual Arts, applicants are invited to audition only after their required submission has been reviewed. Students selected to move forward will be contacted with information about their in-person audition.
Please carefully review the admissions requirements for your chosen arts department to make sure your application is complete.
Visit MySchoolDC to Apply!
Our Application Window is OPEN NOW!
Make your online application and upload all supporting materials to secure your audition spot – click here to view the audition schedule & process page. Each department has its own audition process.
Students should upload all their application materials through My School DC as soon as possible. Please be sure to review all the requirements outlined on each department page.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@ellingtonarts.org first, or call 202-807-0538.
Explore Arts Majors
You’re welcome to audition for one or two artistic fields. However, while attending Ellington, you will major in a single art. Preview our arts majors by clicking on an arts area below.
CINEMATIC ARTS & MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
DANCE
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
MUSEUM STUDIES
TECHNICAL DESIGN & PRODUCTION
THEATRE
VISUAL ARTS
VOCAL MUSIC
Workshops & Auditions
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All departments offer Audition Workshops will help students prepare for their official audition. Students who participate will be able to learn what to bring, review the audition procedures, learn how to build a portfolio, present their work with confidence and prepare their work for the audition. Visit the Open House & Workshops page for more information and how to sign up.
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Auditions begin after the application deadline! Make sure to visit the Schedule & Process to review the audition schedule.
Duke Ellington School of the Arts does not discriminate in the admissions process based on an applicant’s disability in conformance with the District of Columbia Human Rights Act. Admissions candidates who have passed their audition are requested to submit their IEP or 504 Plan prior to testing in order that we may be sure to give an applicant their appropriate testing accommodations.
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If your student is in need of any accommodation with the application, audition, testing or family interview, please let Admissions know as soon as possible so we can ensure all needs are met in a timely manner.