About the

Pre-Professional Company

Zach's Pre-Professional Company (PPC) is an audition based program offered at our Downtown and Cedar Park campuses for students who are ready to commit to serious, professional level training in musical theater. The program follows a year round conservatory style structure, where students work closely with Professional Teaching Artists in classes and rehearsals. During the fall semester, students focus on technique and skill building across multiple disciplines. During the spring semester, the emphasis shifts to rehearsal and performance, giving students the chance to apply what they have learned in a supported and professional environment culminating in the end of year showcases, IGNITE & ILLUMINATE.

Their Talent. Their Growth. Their Time to Shine.

2025-2026 Showcases

Illuminate (North Company 1 & 2) May 20 - May 24
Ignite (Downtown & North Advanced Students) June 5 - 7

Tickets for all shows will be available in early April.

Pre-Professional Company

Auditions

Audition Dates:

Rising Seniors - Saturday, April 25th, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Downtown Campus
Saturday, June 20 at the Downtown Campus
Saturday, July 18 at the Downtown Campus
Saturday, August 22 at the North Campus

PPC Audition Requirements:

Auditionees should prepare material from published Broadway musicals.

Students will present:
- A verse and a chorus of two contrasting songs (about a minute). Students will need to supply their own accompaniment tracks, as well as a bluetooth speaker from which to play it.
- One monologue (about a minute) from a published play.

Two dance calls will be offered at each audition - one for those who identify as beginners and one for those who identify as advanced dancers. Students must attend one of these.
We encourage students to arrive early to stretch. Students should be dressed in appropriate dance clothes and shoes, or clothes that you can move in.

Students will be assigned to a company following the audition and acceptance process.

Monthly payment plans and financial aid are available.

For more information about the Pre-Professional Company program, please email Charles Swan, Associate Director of Advanced Training, at [email protected]

Pre Professional Company

Training Levels

The MT Track is for students who have a serious desire to pursue in-depth training in Acting, Dance, Voice and Music. MT students are offered a well rounded and professional training experience that prepares them for College Auditions and a career in the Arts.

Musical Theater Classes Include:
- MT Scene Study
- Dance: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Theater Dance
- Acting and Monologue Coaching
- MT History
- Production Project (This involves researching a specific Musical, presenting research about the Production and performing material from the Production.
- Choreography Lab
- Acting the Song
- Audition Technique
- Nutrition for Performance Athletes
- College Audition Preparation
We are excited to offer a new musical theater training program for students in grades 3–6! This performance ensemble is designed to provide training in acting, dance, and voice for upper elementary students who are ready to begin expanding their skills in musical theater. Throughout the fall, young performers focus on training and skill-building.

Learn More

Students will be assigned to A, B, or Elite Company following the audition and acceptance process. Monthly payment plans and financial aid are available.

For more information about the Pre-Professional Company program, please email [email protected]

Pre-Professional Company

FAQs

The Pre-Professional Company is Zach Theater’s advanced performing arts training program for students in grades 6–12 who are seriously pursuing acting or musical theater. Admission is by audition. Students train year-round in voice, acting and dance with professional artists. Fall focuses on building core technique, while spring shifts to rehearsals and live performance.

For students grades 3-6 interested to begin their training journey, Zach offers PPC Jr. Information can be found here.
The PPC curriculum grows with the student. Younger performers focus on skill-building in dance, acting and vocal training. High school juniors and seniors shift toward audition coaching, performance feedback and college prep. For many seniors, PPC provides structured support for college auditions, including monologue and song selection, coaching and taped submissions.
Auditions for the 2025–2026 season will be held at Zach Theater’s downtown campus, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. Students must prepare:
- Two contrasting songs from musicals (32-bar cuts, bring your own tracks)
- One 60-second monologue (one for musical theater track)
- Attendance at a dance call (beginner or advanced)
Audition dates:
- Seniors: Monday, June 30 | 4–9 p.m.: Audition Link
- Grades 6–11: Friday, August 15 | 2–6 p.m: Audition Link
- Grades 6–11: Sunday, August 17 | 10 a.m.–7 p.m.: Audition Link
Students can express interest to audition with a preferred date immediately through the links above. Specific audition appointment times will be set a week before the audition date. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
2025–2026 tuition:
- A Company: $2,200
- B Company: $2,400
- Elite Company: $2,500
Monthly payment plans are available. Financial aid is offered based on demonstrated need. To apply, families must submit a short application. Contact [email protected] to begin the process or ask questions.
PPC students train inside one of Austin’s most respected professional theaters. Classes and master classes are taught by industry professionals, including working actors, directors and choreographers, many of whom appear on Zach’s Mainstage. Students benefit from hands-on access to the industry, consistent mentorship and year-round performance opportunities in a creative, supportive environment.
Yes! Students attend masterclasses led by directors, choreographers and cast members from Mainstage and Family Series productions. Every year, there are roles in our professional season for students and we encourage and prepare PPC students to audition, an effort to give them real-world stage experience and exposure to creative teams.
Seniors have the option to participate in out-of-town college audition platforms with support from Zach faculty.

All trips are optional. Details on chaperones, housing, and travel logistics will be shared well in advance.
Our education team is here to help. Email Charles Swan, Associate Director of Advanced Training, at [email protected] with any questions about auditions, tuition, financial aid, college prep or the program transition. Families are also welcome to request a one-on-one meeting.

Pre-Professional Company

2025-2026 Showcases

Auditions

Training Levels

Musical Theater Track (Grades 6-12)

Musical Theater Ensemble (Grades 3-6)

FAQs

What is the Pre-Professional Company?

How is the program structured for each grade level?

What are the audition requirements and key dates?

What is the tuition and how does financial aid work?

What resources are available for audition prep?

What makes Zach Theater's PPC program different?

Will students work with Zach Mainstage artists?

FOR SENIORS: What college audition trips are available?

Who do I contact with more questions?