Arts Submissions

If you would like your artistic work to be considered in the application process, you may submit recordings or portfolios electronically by your application plan credentials deadline, and the Office of Admission will share your materials with the appropriate department for review. If you wish for your portfolio to be considered for scholarship consideration for the Richmond Scholars Program or Presidential Scholarships, your portfolio must be on file by December 1.

Please submit the following depending on area of interest:

  • For musicians, an audio or video recording or link containing a recorded audition of two contrasting solo pieces, lasting no more than ten minutes total for both pieces.**
  • For composers, an audio or video recording or link containing three or four original compositions.**
  • For theatre designers, an electronic portfolio (media file or link) containing up to 12 photographs of theatrical design work that includes at least one photo of a realized design or portion thereof.
  • For actors and dancers, an audio or video recording or link containing a recorded audition of two contrasting solo pieces, lasting no more than five minutes total for both pieces.
  • For visual artists, an electronic portfolio (media file or link) containing up to 12 original pieces of artwork or a video under 10 minutes.

To submit, please upload your portfolio via your Spider Portal. You will receive instructions on how to access your portal after your application is received. More specific instructions on submitting your portfolio are available in your portal.

**If would like to be considered for a merit-scholarship awarded through the music department, please follow these more specific guidelines that will still be submitted through your Spider Portal.

  • Brief music bio (which will be submitted after uploading your media file or portfolio link)
  • More specific portfolio instructions for vocalists and pianists:
    • Vocalists: Two contrasting art songs. It is preferred that both pieces are performed from memory and one song is in a language other than English. One piece may be an opera/oratorio aria or piece from the musical theatre repertory.
    • Pianists: One polyphonic work by J.S. Bach, one Classical-era allegro, and one other piece of the applicant's choice; memorization is preferred.