In addition to other forms of Financial Aid available to students, each year, the Indian Hills Community College Performing & Visual Arts Department awards over $100,000 in tuition scholarships, with over half awarded to first-year students.
Incoming students are encouraged to meet individually with Performing & Visual Arts faculty to showcase their talents through performance auditions and/or portfolio presentations.
Scholarship information:
- The first Performing & Visual Arts Scholarships are awarded in May of each academic year and depending on funding availability, scholarships are awarded throughout the academic year.
- Be admitted to Indian Hills Community College. Contact the Admissions Office for application procedures.
- Audition or present a portfolio for a scholarship by appointment with faculty. Auditions or portfolios may be submitted via internet link (You Tube, Dropbox, or other electronic portfolio). In some cases, appointments may occur virtually via zoom. Complete the Online Registration Form (link below) to schedule an audition or portfolio presentation for a Performing & Visual Arts Scholarship.
- Agree to participate in assigned Indian Hills musical ensembles, theatrical productions, and art club activities during the entire academic year.
- Maintain good academic standing of 2.0 GPA minimum while participating in the Indian
Hills Performing & Visual Arts program. Participation may include classes, recitals,
ensembles, or club activities.
Acting Audition: Prepare two contrasting monologues (approximately 5-10 minutes). You may use a piece from the IHSSA contest, Thespian Festival, or a high school play. You will also be interviewed by the faculty after your audition. You will also be interviewed by the Theatre faculty at your audition.
Designers/Technicians: Students interested in theatrical design and production should plan to interview with Indian Hills faculty in those areas. If you have a portfolio or electronic portfolio, please bring them to the interview or provide a link to an electronic portfolio. You will also be interviewed by the Theatre faculty at your presentation.
Piano Audition: Prepare two or three selections of contrasting styles. Standard repertoire pieces by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, etc., as well as 20th Century composers, are acceptable. You may use a contest piece. You may be asked to sight read and play a selection following your audition. You will also be interviewed by the Music faculty at your audition.
Voice Audition: Prepare two songs of contrasting style. Art songs, arias, and Broadway selections are acceptable. Songs may be sung in the original foreign language, but English translations are acceptable. You may use a contest piece. You will also be interviewed by the Music faculty at your audition.
Jazz Band Audition: Prepare two selections in the jazz style. You may use a contest piece. You may be asked to sight read and play a selection following your audition. You will also be interviewed by the Music faculty at your audition.
Art Portfolio: Students interested in Visual Art (drawing, painting, ceramics, digital art, 3D design, graphic design, animation, photography) should plan to interview with Indian Hills Art faculty in those areas. If you have a portfolio or examples of your work, please bring them to the interview or provide a link to an electronic portfolio. You will also be interviewed by the Art faculty at your presentation.
More than one Performing & Visual Arts area: You are welcome to audition or provide a portfolio in more than one Performing & Visual Arts area. Many of our students participate in a combination of Art, Theatre, and Music depending on background, interest, or career ambition.
Letter(s) of Recommendation:
Submit at least one letter of recommendation from a high school theatre, music director,
art teacher, counselor, principal, or community organization music/theatre director.
You may upload your letter in the application, email to [email protected], or letters should be addressed to:
Performing Arts Scholarship
Attn: Jennifer Boyenga
Arts & Sciences
Indian Hills Community College
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Online Scholarship Audition and Interview Registration Form
Please complete and submit the Scholarship Application Form below: