The TGI Experience for BIPOC Art Students
The Theatre Gap Initiative is a vital first step in producing America’s next generation of BIPOC visual artists and performers. While our curriculum may be rigorous and intensive, the resulting TGI experience is life-changing. TGI students also receive comprehensive guidance through the college and conservatory program application process, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), headshots, resumes, and audition preparations. But we don’t stop there. We continue providing support and mentorship during their college years and early careers.
Our Confrère
We invite 24 students annually to join us from August to March. Classes run Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, focusing on classroom learning, dance, and theatre instruction. In January and February, TGI students attend National Unified Auditions, the cooperative, simultaneous auditions, and interviews by the nation’s BFA theatre programs, which are held in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The program culminates in March with an exciting end-of-program showcase.
About the TGI Curriculum
The TGI curriculum is crafted to develop each student’s tool kit and book over several months. Our 360-degree approach emphasizes our commitment to fostering students’ personal growth and honing their technical skills. TGI students benefit from diverse experiences, such as theater arts skills training, mental health sessions, and college application process support, to prepare them for excellence in BFA programs.
Program Eligibility
With an intentional focus on supporting BIPOC and economically challenged students who are interested in Acting and Musical Theatre BFA programs, TGI is open to:
High School Graduates with at Least a 2.75 GPA Who Are Taking a Gap Year
College Students on Leave Who Are Planning to Return or Reapply
Application and Audition Process
TGI has partnered with Acceptd to make the application and audition process easier. Click here to apply online.
Audition Requirements
Video Recordings of Two Songs and One Monologue
Recent Photographs and a Resume of Relevant Training and Experience
One Letter of Recommendation from an Arts Educator or Director
250-Word Statement of Artistic Purpose
Campus Life at CPCC
The Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) – Levine Campus offers a vibrant setting for students in their business, international, general education, college preparatory, high school equivalency, college transfer, corporate, and continuing education programs. With facilities for arts, technology, sciences, physical health, general education, and academic support, it provides a full-service campus experience. Their diverse programs enable students to earn degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional certifications.
The TGI-CPCC Partnership
Our partnership with CPCC enables the dual enrollment of TGI students, allowing them to gain college or continuing education credit in Music Theory for Singers, Public Speaking, and College Readiness. This dual-enrollment status helps TGI students acclimate to college/campus life and take advantage of CPCC’s many facilities and resources.
CPCC Student Experience
CPCC boasts over 70 officially sanctioned student organizations that TGI students can participate in. They also have a Service-Learning Center that serves as a liaison between instructors, students, and placement site coordinators for a wide variety of service opportunities.