Pre-Professional Company

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 Musical Theater Ensemble (formerly called “Apprentice Company”).  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.

Zach offers a PPC prep camp each summer. Registration information will be available on February 1, 2026

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.