The Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, VA has launched a new College Prep Program designed for students who plan to apply to colleges and universities focused on the arts.

Director of Education Corey Holmes shared insight into how the program was developed and how it aims to support students and their families through the complex application process. Corey explained that the idea came from seeing students struggle to navigate the audition and application requirements for competitive arts programs. “Over the past couple of years, students have been sending me their videos to review and help them prepare for pre-screen and unified auditions,” she said. “Lesley Larsen, our Artistic Director, was talking to one of our students who was applying to colleges. He and his mom were looking at hiring one of the massive corporations that do this kind of coaching, and it made us realize that we could do this here, locally, and offer something even more personalized.”

What sets the Wayne Theatre College Prep Program apart is its individualized approach. Each student receives a custom plan based on their current strengths and areas where growth is needed. The program begins with an initial meeting between the student and their support network to assess performance skills, academic standing, and organizational habits. From there, the team at Studio Wayne builds a plan that includes regular one-on-one or small-group lessons focused on acting, singing, dancing, or any combination of these based on the student’s goals.

Holmes emphasized the value of ongoing evaluation. “We continually assess progress and adjust the plan to strengthen the student’s skills. Everyone has a different learning style and a unique journey to the arts. This program meets students where they are and helps guide them to where they need to be.”

Throughout the program, students receive support selecting monologues and songs that reflect their goals and the culture of the schools they are targeting. They prepare audition materials, participate in workshops, and receive coaching to improve their performance level. The program also includes resume building, professional headshots, and prescreen video recording.To help students stay organized, Studio Wayne creates a personalized spreadsheet tracking application deadlines and requirements for each school. “We also prepare a cloud-based digital drive for each student,” Holmes said. “It contains everything needed for each college in clearly labeled folders. That way, students can easily upload the required materials for each school. We want them to be prepared and confident.”

The College Prep Program is intensive but designed to reduce the stress of the process and allow students to enjoy their senior year. In addition to performance preparation, Studio Wayne helps students evaluate whether attending a unified audition event makes sense for them and handles many of the logistics involved.

The program is already making an impact. One recent student, Will Otto, applied to more than 30 performing arts schools and was accepted into 12. His success story is helping to launch the program as a trusted and much-needed resource for students in the region.

To learn more or to enroll, contact Corey Holmes at education@waynetheatre.org.