Rising high school seniors: get an inside look at what college vocal and musical theatre programs are really looking for — before audition season begins.

Join voice teacher and college program administrator Ryan Townsend — Instructor and Coordinator of Musical Theatre Voice at Florida Atlantic University — for an intimate afternoon master class at the Rivertown Inn in Stillwater, MN. Ryan has taught in BFA programs, regularly sits on audition panels, and has a gift for replacing audition anxiety with clarity and a real plan.

This 90-minute session is designed for students heading into their senior year who are preparing to audition for college vocal or musical theatre programs. Whether you know exactly which schools you're targeting or you're still figuring out your path, you'll leave with more answers than questions.

What You'll Experience

The application landscape (20–30 min) — Walk through the process of submitting college applications and performance prescreens, including the Acceptd platform and the MTEA common prescreen requirements.

Smart cuts (15 min) — Learn what makes a strong 16–32-bar cut for songs and monologues, and how to decode what "two contrasting pieces" actually means.

Live audition coaching (~60 min) — Student singers perform their prepared material and receive real-time feedback on their singing, acting, cuts, and coachability.

Open Q&A (15 min) — Ask anything about auditions, programs, campus life, nerves, and what to expect.

This Isn't About Being Perfect

"I want to invite fun, interesting, and kind people to our program. No divas. I want to see students build a community of learning that supports one another." — Ryan Townsend

Ryan isn't looking for the most polished performance in the room. He's looking for curiosity, kindness, and the willingness to be coached. If that sounds like you, you belong here.

Who Should Attend

• Current high school juniors heading into their senior year
• Students planning to audition for any college vocal or musical theatre program
• Parents who want their student to approach audition season with confidence
• Voice teachers, choir directors, and anyone who loves watching young artists grow

About Ryan Townsend

Ryan Townsend is the Instructor and Coordinator of Musical Theatre Voice at Florida Atlantic University. He holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and an MM from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He has performed with Florida Grand Opera, OperaDelaware, and created roles in multiple world premieres. Ryan is also a Certified Personal Trainer with expertise in nervous system regulation for performers — giving students practical, body-positive tools for managing the anxiety that comes with high-stakes auditions.

For Registered Singers — What to Prepare

If you register as a student singer, please come prepared with:

• One age-appropriate monologue (plus the script or page it's from)
• Two 16–32-bar cuts: one classically sung, one non-classical
• The full songs from which your cuts are taken
• Your current book of songs, if you have one

Not sure if your material is right? Bring what you have. That's part of why you're here.

Part of SCVO's Master Class Series

St. Croix Valley Opera's Master Class Series brings working professionals and distinguished educators into intimate settings for hands-on sessions with emerging singers. Hosted at the Rivertown Inn in Stillwater, MN.

Learn more at scvopera.org