RSA welcomes applications to the Diploma program (Mentorship level 1) by applicants who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the Theatre Foundations program or equivalent training elsewhere. Theatre Foundations students already complete most elements of the Diploma application process to conclude their first-year studies.

Transfer students may apply for direct entry into Mentorship level 1 by completing:

1. A full application (Application Process - Rosebud School of the Arts)
2. A Discovery Weekend (RSA Weekend - Rosebud School of the Arts)
3. Audition and Interview as outlined below
4. Evidence of previous training

Entrance into the FRSA program (Mentorship level 2 and 3) is by invitation extended to students who have completed (or are in the process of completing) the Diploma program or equivalent training elsewhere.

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Diploma Application - Three Components

1. Statement of Purpose - April 11, 2026

A four-page Statement of Purpose (1000-1500 words) invites you to consider your next step by articulating:

• A realistic understanding of your gifts and aspirations
• A commitment to growth: "Who do I wish to become and what growth will I commit to next year?"
• The instructors you wish to study with or be mentored by
• Contributions you can make to offer RTSA
• Thoughts about how you wish to participate in two THR 359 shows, for example: acting, music, building, stage management, etc.
• Two or three classes you would be particularly interested in taking, for example: scene study, playwriting, design, songwriting, voice and text, etc.

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2. Audition - April 15, 2026

• Monologues – two contrasting monologues, two to four minutes in length, at least one of which is drawn from contemporary repertoire
• Song – 32 bars or 60 seconds of a musical theatre song, highlighting the natural quality of the voice, clear tone, pitch and indication of range
• Cold Reading – the applicant may be asked to do some exercises that cannot be prepared, such as a cold reading, musical sight-reading, and tone recognition
• Music - If you have indicated a particular interest and talent in music, your are welcome to demonstrate your competency on an instrument
  
  The audition panel consists of the RTSA Artistic Director, Head of Acting, and Head of Music. The panel considers the merit of the audition based on confidence, honesty, a realistic interpretation of the pieces, a connection to the heart of the characters, physical embodiment, communication of story, and an understanding of character within the context of the play as whole.

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3. Interview - week of April 21-25, 2026

A 20-minute interview with members of the education team. The main topic of discussion will be the Statement of Purpose and your educational and career goals. If you have demonstrated interest and aptitude in a field other than acting, you may be invited for a second interview with a Head of Program (e.g. Music, Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre) to assess your competency and discuss opportunities and goals for the Diploma year.

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Decision

The decision for Diploma acceptance rests with the Education Team with input from instructors and other education staff. The decision is based on the criteria listed below and is communicated with the applicant a week after the completion of winter term.

‍Talent

• The audition panel observes talent and potential and/or the Head of Program sees competency in field of interest
  
• Given the training offered at RTSA, the applicant shows ability to participate in Studio Stage shows

‍Teachability

• Instructors have confidence in their ability to teach the applicant
• The applicant has shown growth in their education thus far
• The applicant brings their full self to the process of learning and training

‍Professionalism

• The applicant takes responsibility for learning
• The applicant thrives in an ensemble setting
• The applicant demonstrates adult learning skills

‍Lifestyle

• The applicant shows an active interest in art and spirituality or matters of faith
• The applicant thrives in an ensemble setting
• The applicant contributes constructively to the organization and the hamlet

‍Purpose

• The applicant has a reasonable understanding of their gifts
• The applicant is focused and realistic about their goals
• The statement of purpose makes a convincing case for continuing education at RTSA

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