Behind the Curtain: College Admissions Officers Talk Performing Arts Applicants

A Live Panel Discussion Webinar for High School Students and Families

Applying to theater, music, or dance programs is a "double hurdle." You must navigate university admissions while simultaneously proving your talent in an audition room. What are admissions officers actually looking for? How do you stand out in a sea of talented applicants?

📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 🕡 6:30 PM EST (Live Virtual Event)

Join JRA Consultants’ Ann LaFemina and Ellen Valladares as they moderate a candid, practical conversation with a panel of experts. This session goes beyond the basics, bringing you directly into the minds of the professionals who make the decisions and a recent graduate who successfully navigated the journey.

Meet the Panel

  • Max Gold, Regional Admissions Counselor (Florida), Montclair State University

  • Brendan Nabozny-Zagorski, Associate Director of Regional Admissions (Southeast), Muhlenberg College

  • Michael Valladares, BFA Graduate, Boston University

What You’ll Learn

In this session, you’ll discover:

  • Application Strategy & Program Fit: The key differences between BA, BFA, and BM programs and how to find your "right-fit" environment.

  • The Dual Decision Process: How admissions work for both the university and the arts program, and what happens if you get into one but not the other.

  • Auditions & Portfolios - Behind the Scenes: What makes an audition stand out, how they are evaluated, and common mistakes to avoid.

  • Virtual vs. In-Person: What has changed in the audition landscape and how to present your talents effectively through a screen.

  • A Preparation Roadmap: What high school students should be doing now to prepare for the rigors of the application season.

  • Parent Guidance & Financials: How families can navigate the emotional "ups and downs" and understand talent awards and program costs.

Register Now!

Reserve Your Spot:

Ann LaFemina is a seasoned educator and college admissions consultant with a rich background in supporting college-bound students. Starting her career in Long Island, New York, she initially assisted students and families navigate the college admissions process, later enhancing her role by teaching future educators as an adjunct professor. Moving to southwestern Florida in 2008, Ann founded a private consulting practice, specializing in guiding students through college admissions, particularly those in visual and performing arts. Her experience spans working with creative students in Sarasota and Manatee County high schools to directing a college counseling program at Cardinal Mooney High School, where she was celebrated for her dedication with The Outstanding Service Award in 2022. Ann's commitment to staying abreast of the evolving requirements for university admissions has led to hundreds of students successfully presenting their unique selves to colleges. A passionate professional, Ann is also active in mentorship roles and has been featured on the College Scoops podcast. She is thrilled to leverage her strategic, innovative counseling expertise to support JRA client families in making pivotal educational decisions.

Ellen Valladares is a seasoned college essay coach and award-winning author with a passion for storytelling and over 30 years of professional writing experience. With a Journalism degree from the University of Florida, her career spans roles as an editor, public relations professional, and author of notable works including "Crossing the Line" and "Filbert the Lonely Flamingo." Ellen's journey into college admissions began with her own family's experience, leading her to join Score at the Top as an Essay Expert in 2019. Her approach to coaching is deeply personal, focusing on uncovering each student's unique story to craft compelling essays. Ellen's effective guidance has helped students gain admission to top universities such as Duke, Cornell, and Vanderbilt. Residing in Weston with her husband and two sons, Ellen is dedicated to assisting students in presenting their best selves through the college application process.

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