Performing Arts and Visual Arts Applications are now CLOSED. Next year's application will be available online in mid August 2008.

We recommend that you read through the entire log in and application process before beginning your application. Once you are prepared to submit your application, allow yourself at least 20 minutes to complete the process. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Once an application is submitted, revisions are not possible. You may want to print this page to guide you through the process.

Before you log in and apply, please read the Rules and Category Guidelines.

First Time Users: How to Log In and Apply
Returning Users: Performing Arts and Visual Arts Applications are now CLOSED.
Paper Applications: Instructions for Mailing

How to Log In and Apply

Confirmation e-mails will be sent to you throughout the process. Please add spotlight@musiccenter.org to your e-mail safe list to ensure that you receive all the pertinent information.

1.) There will be several pop-up windows during the log in and application process. If you have Pop-Up Blocker enabled on your browser, you must either disable for the duration of the application process or add us to your allow pop-ups list.

To allow pop-ups for http://spotlight.musiccenter.org in Internet Explorer:

• Select "Tools" in the toolbar, select "Pop-Up Blocker" and then "Pop-up Blocker Settings".
• Type in spotlight.musiccenter.org in the field titled "Address of Web Site to Allow" and then click the "Add" Button.

2.) The registration process and log in process will allow you to:

• Submit online applications
• Schedule and re-schedule auditions (for Performing Arts)
• Upload artwork (for Visual Arts)
• Change your personal information.

3.) After you have read through the instructions, click on "Log In Now" at the bottom of these instructions to register.

4.) You will arrive at the log in page. Click on "Register Now." The next page will allow you to enter your personal and school information as well as choose your username and password.

• Create a username and password that is easy to remember becasue you will use this account every year you apply.
• Please make sure that every field is filled out including your teacher's and principal's name.
• If your teacher is not listed, choose "Other" from the list. A pop-up window will allow you to enter your teacher's name. After you have closed the window, you will need to click on "Refresh Teachers". Now select your teacher name from the list.
• After you fill out the fields, click "submit".
• You will be taken back to the log-in page. Enter your username and password that you have just created to log in so that you may fill out an application for your category.

5.) After you have logged in, click on the category for which you will be submitting your application. You may apply in both Performing and Visual Arts.You may apply to as many categories as you want but only once in each category. For instance, you cannot apply twice to ballet.

6.) Once you click on your category, you will be taken to the application page.

• Non-Classical Voice and Non-Classical Dance - choose a sub-category from the pull-down menu.
• Classical Instrumental - choose a sub-category, followed by your instrument.
• Jazz Instrumental - choose your instrument and then indicate whether your ensemble will include a drummer by checking the box.
• 2D Art and Photography - choose a sub-category.

7.) After choosing your category, select your grade level underneath your school information already provided.

8.) Next, fill out your essay questions. The limit is 50 words (400 characters).

9.) After you have filled everything out, hit submit at the bottom of the page. Once you have submitted your application successfully, the following message will appear:

Thank you for your Performing Arts/Visual Arts Application.

10.) An email confirmation and consent form will be sent to the email account with which you registered.

11.) From here, you can now schedule your audition (Performing Arts) or upload Artwork (Visual Arts). For instructions, see below.

Performing Arts Auditions
Visual Arts Artwork Submission

Performing Arts Auditions

You can now schedule your audition:

• Click on "Schedule Audition".
• A pop-up window will appear which will show all available audition dates and locations.
• Once you select the date/location on the left, the available time slots will appear on the right.
• Choose a time slot that works best for you, your accompanist/ensemble (if required for your audition), and whoever will be bringing you to your audition.
• Highlight the time-slot that you would like, and then click submit.
• Once you have closed that window, your audition information should show up on the next page.
• You can schedule or reschedule your audition later by logging in. Select "Schedule or Reschedule" from the Artist Web Account menu on the left.

If you'd like to apply to another category, choose the category from the left hand Web Artist Account menu.

If you are finished and would like to view your application/audition/artwork, you can select "My Artist Home Page" from the Web Artist Account menu to see this information as well as your personal information.

Visual Arts Artwork Submission

You have two options for submitting your artwork. You can either click "Upload Artwork" to submit it online or you can click "Send Your Artwork by Mail" to obtain instructions.

1.) Upload Artwork
A pop-up window will appear that allows you to attach your artwork from your files. If this is a 2D Art, you can also submit a detail, if you wish. After you have attached the file(s), hit submit to upload. Once you close the window, you will be able to view your artwork on the next page.

2.) Send Your Artwork by Mail
Read the instructions in the pop-up window carefully before mailing artwork.

If you'd like to apply to another category, choose the category from the left hand Web Artist Account menu.

If you are finished and would like to view your application/audition/artwork, you can select "My Artist Home Page" from the Web Artist Account menu to see this information as well as your personal information.

Paper Applications

Mailing in Paper Applications
If you'd prefer to mail in an application, please call the Spotlight Office (213) 972-3300 to have a paper application sent to your house. Remember, a perk of applying online is that you can schedule and reschedule your own audition! If you apply by mail, the Spotlight Office will schedule your audition for you. Please do not print out pages from the online application as they will not be accepted as an application.

For more information, visit the online FAQ, If you have consulted the FAQ and you still have questions, call the Spotlight Hotline at 213.972.3300 or email us at spotlight@musiccenter.org.