Dr. Phillips High School
Visual and Performing Arts Magnet
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to provide high quality, innovative performing and visual arts instruction that is designed to meet the unique needs of artistically gifted and talented students. It is our vision that students participating in this dynamic, autonomous, and student-centered model will graduate with the exemplary academic foundation necessary for success in higher education and future careers in the fine arts.
The Visual and Performing Arts Magnet program offers what can be the most exciting educational experience students may ever have! We believe the arts are vital to a rich and rewarding life, and together we will strive to develop the artistic talents and abilities. Dr. Phillips High School is the ideal location for Orange County’s only high school level Visual and Performing Arts Magnet. Amidst numerous performance, digital and creative-based companies, the VPA Magnet enjoys opportunities not afforded to most high schools. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Hard Rock Live and charitable organizations such as the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips provide support and performance opportunities. The Magnet traditionally encourages regionally and nationally known artists to volunteer at the school to mentor and perform directly with students.
Theatre Magnet Audition Information
AUDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
WILL BE HELD IN FEBRUARY AT DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
VISIT SCHOOLCHOICE.OCPS.NET TO APPLY
Students seeking admission to the Theatre Program will be screened by a panel of theatre instructors. The process consists of the following elements:
Applicants will perform two memorized, one-minute monologues from published plays. Please do not use any monologues from a monologue book or found online. The monologues should be contrasting pieces, one serious and one comedic. The panel will be looking for naturalness, honesty, evidence of a true understanding of both the character and the full context of the monologue, good vocal projection, clear diction, and character-driven physicality. Do not use accents or dialects. The applicant is advised to have a clearly defined focus in each of their pieces: To whom is the monologue being delivered within the context of the play? Where is this person standing or sitting in relation to who they're speaking to? Time is not to exceed 2 minutes; applicants' performances will be stopped if they go past that time.
Applicants will have a dance call, where they will be taught a routine, have time to practice it, and then run it in front of the panel. No preparation is needed other than to be adequately dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. Jeans and opened toed shoes like flip flops or slides are not appropriate attire for this audition.
Applicants have the option to prepare a 32-bar cut of a song from a musical. Please do NOT prepare a pop song. If applicants choose to bring in a song cut, they must have musical accompaniment for their cut ready digitally (there will be a speaker available for phones to get plugged into). Songs sung a capella with no accompaniment will not be accepted. This audition component is OPTIONAL.
After the performance portion of the audition is over, applicants will complete a writing component. They will have time to write a short, thoughtful reflection on a given prompt. There is no preparation needed for this part of the audition; all necessary materials will be provided to the applicants to write their responses.
2025-2026 Magnet Application Process
Magnet Application Due February 17, 2025
https://schoolchoice.ocps.net
Questions? Contact Mr. Whitehead at jason.whitehead@ocps.net