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:

 

 

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

Grades 6-12

Musical Theater Track

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

 

Grades 3-6

Musical Theater Ensemble (PPC Jr.)

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. 

Pre-Professional Company

FAQs