Performing Arts Department: Auditions

Below is a summary of the offerings and the audition requirements for the MPS Performing Arts 2025-2026 school year.  The auditions are for the following: Fall Musical, Concert Choir, Show Choir, Dance Company, and Tech Theatre.

Fall Musical: The Fall Musical is a fully staged musical production which is produced in November of 2026.  Rehearsals are held after school from 3:15-5:30 on various days throughout the months preceding the show.  Participation in the musical is open to all MPS students.  Musical Production class is reserved for the principal characters of the show to help enhance their preparation. (The title of the show will be determined at a later time).

Concert Choir: This is a course designed for any student with the desire to sing.  The student will work on music in preparation for performances at MPS, the all-school liturgies and in the community. The student will learn correct techniques for posture, breathing, diction, tone production, and blend as well as how to read music.  The music performed will encompass a variety of musical styles from the Renaissance to the 21st century.  You will also have the option to travel with this group to perform at Disney World next March.

Show Choir: This course is designed to teach the student to combine the art of dance with singing.  The student will be taught the basics of vocal technique, i.e., pronunciation, breathing, tone production, and memorization.  Each student will also acquire independence in dance, individually being responsible for knowing his/her movement in relationship to others.   This course also fulfills the physical education requirement for the current year for students in grades 10-12.  The students will also have the privilege of traveling outside of the school to perform for various children, adult, and senior citizen events in the Erie area. You will be REQUIRED to travel with this group to perform at Disney World next March if you are accepted.

Dance Company: Dance Company is a course designed to strengthen and improve the work of the already trained dancer through in-class work and performance opportunities.  The main emphasis of the course is to improve the technical performance of the dancers in several different dance genres.  Other aspects such as choreography, terminology, and dance history will also be incorporated.

Placement of students into the divisions of the Mercyhurst Dance Program is determined by the instructors based on the students’ abilities.

You will also have the option to travel with this group to perform at Disney World next March.

Tech Theatre: This class will be the production crew for our theatre productions and various school events.  This course may be taken as either a term or yearlong elective.  Content includes set design & construction; building materials; tools; set painting; lighting concept, design and implementation; learning our light system; audio design; and use of our audio board.  The student will also be required to crew some of our public performances during and outside of the school day.