Audition Information
2026 LaVilla Cinematic Arts Audition Requirements:
Cinematic Arts is the term used to describe the art of filmmaking. This art area focuses on everything required to make a movie, starting with the idea for a film and writing the script, through filming, editing, and distribution, where we show our completed films at our Film Premiere events!
Before attending the live audition:
Families must complete the School Choice Application through DCPS for their student.
Students must get (1) Letter of Recommendation via this form: https://forms.office.com/r/b8h9nXqQbN (QR Code attached)
Letters of Recommendation must be from a teacher.
Please have the teacher recommending you utilize this form to complete the letter of recommendation by Friday, January 9th .
What happens at the live audition?
Students will be given a writing prompt to come up with a film idea and include character descriptions, a plot summary, and some idea of how they would like the audience to feel when watching this film.
Students will be led through a short storyboarding exercise where they will be creating a simple storyboard using stick people to illustrate how they would want to film a scene.
While students are working on their writing and storyboarding, they will be pulled to be interviewed by one of the Cinematic Arts Teachers. This will be a discussion of their interest in film and what their expectations are and what questions they have about our program.
Sample interview questions:
What is your name and why are you auditioning for Cinematic Arts here at LaVilla?
What inspired your interest in filmmaking?
Film is a very collaborative medium. What do you think are some of the benefits of working in a group?
What are some challenges to working in groups, and how do you think you will handle those challenges?
There is no prior movie making experience required! We are looking for students who are passionate about movies and excited to learn the steps in the filmmaking process.
Projects created in the Cinematic Arts department are almost always in groups, large & small. Students succeeding in our program usually possess strong social skills for collaboration, communication, conflict resolution, and commitment to a team.
