HIGHSCHOOL + COLLEGE audtion coaching
AUDITION COACHING
Your journey to the perfect program starts here.
Audition success isn’t just about talent—it’s about preparation, confidence, and having the right support. Navigating high school and college auditions is often a student’s first real step toward their future, and it can feel overwhelming. From selecting the perfect monologues to mastering interview techniques, our coaching goes beyond simple acting tips. We take a strategic approach to help you craft compelling audition packages, build a strong repertoire, and confidently step into the next chapter of your artistic journey… with expert guidance every step of the way.
Our proven methods have helped countless young performers, whether they’re preparing for high school theater auditions or navigating the competitive college audition process. We ensure each student showcases their unique talents with clarity and confidence.
Through personalized college audition prep in NYC, we work closely with both students and parents to:
Find the right program that matches your artistic goals and academic ambitions, while staying true to your unique path
Craft standout audition packages tailored to your strengths
Build a versatile repertoire that showcases your unique talent
Gain confidence to shine under pressure
Navigate the complex application and audition process
Our students don't just get accepted, they find their perfect artistic home.
STUDENT REVIEWS
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![Scott Weinstein College Student in Acting at USC]()
While auditioning for a variety of programs, including BAs and BFAs, Denise helped me to present a range of skills in my acting repertoire. Her support alleviated many of the stresses that appeared in my college audition process and made me feel better prepared to audition for so many schools. Committing to USC for a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre was the best decision I made because it allows me to have access to incredible acting teachers while maintaining the flexibility of taking film, dance, voice, and other academic classes that align with my interests. I’ve also had the opportunity to learn about lighting design and other elements of technical theatre through student productions!
Scott Weinstein
USC -
![Photo of Carly Gold DSAC Alumni accepted into Syracuse]()
I’ve known Denise since I was 10 years old and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend my very first workshop with her. Over the years she has not only been an amazing audition coach, but a mentor and friend. Most recently, Denise was instrumental in guiding me through the daunting college process, helping me reach my goal of seeking a BFA degree in acting. She helped me select THE perfect audition material showcasing my individual strengths, and fostered a collaborative work environment culminating in the production of professional quality audition tapes I was proud to submit. I will be forever grateful to Denise for her patience, kindness, expert guidance and invaluable mentorship.
Carly Gold
Syracuse -
![Portrait of a woman with blonde hair, wearing earrings and a nose ring, dressed in a light-colored V-neck top.]()
Our family moved to New York City 3 years ago with the ultimate goal to get my daughter into NYU Tisch to fulfill her lifelong dream of being on Broadway. We signed her up for an acting school only to learn she was too young to attend so they recommended us to Denise. 3 years in, our daughter has learned so much from Denise and her team that she absolutely nailed her audition to NYU Tisch and has been accepted to the Class of 2029. I would recommend Denise Simon and her program to any parent looking to put their child on the right path to success. Follow Denise's methods, listen, participate and be willing to truly be coached and the sky is the limit. Thank you Denise for putting together a program to enable kids (of all ages) to excel in their craft.
Parents of Julia Erwin
NYU Tisch -
![Young woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and wearing a blue top smiling slightly at the camera.]()
Denise has truly been instrumental in accomplishing all of my goals in my college process. Beginning my intimidating college audition journey, I was confused on how to approach the environment I was about to encounter. I’m so grateful for Denise’s guidance and help in navigating the experience. Denise gave me a variety of different monologues to find a connection with and I loved my material because of this. Using this material so repetitively, this was so important and she taught me to keep it fresh and new every time. She also helped me grow tremendously as an actor, teaching me new techniques and strategies I did not know prior to her teachings. She is an amazing educator and I became so much more of a confident actor because of her.
Haleigh Mish
University of Central Florida -
![Smiling young man wearing a plaid jacket with a hood, close-up portrait.]()
Denise is always completely honest with you. She doesn’t treat you like a kid, she treats you like a colleague, and if you make a choice that doesn’t work, she will tell you, and on the flipside, if you make a choice that does work, she will tell you. This industry can be full of facades and working with Denise is a breath of fresh air. I also don’t live in NYC, and Denise was always incredibly accommodating, offering online versions of her classes, allowing me to still work with her, even if not in person 100% of the time. She utilized her connections, and I can say with complete certainty that in the past few years having worked with her, she opened the door to countless opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. Thank you for everything, Denise. You have truly helped shape who I am not only as an artist, but also as a person, and for that, I owe you the world.
Alex Massarotti
Pace University -
![Portrait of a woman with long brown hair and blue eyes, wearing gold earrings, looking directly at the camera.]()
Denise is such a special teacher and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity and pleasure to work with her. She is always committed to my growth and development, and her personalized teaching style is extremely effective. Throughout the college process she helped me pick out repertoire and monologues that showcased my strengths and coached them with a dynamic and specific approach. In lessons Denise is committed to working on a piece until I am happy and feel confident with my performance and delivery. Additionally, her teaching extends above and beyond acting, I learned how to present myself in an audition and in a professional environment. Without Denise I wouldn't have learned well-rounded skills to bring with me at NYU Steinhardt and in my future career.
Juliet Cama
NYU Steinhardt -
![Young woman with curly brown hair wearing a light green ribbed sweater, sitting against a textured background.]()
I am extremely grateful for Denise as she was instrumental in making my college audition process less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Her knowledge was valuable from narrowing down colleges, to selecting and performing monologues that resonated with me, to reviewing essays. With her expertise, and techniques, I was prepared and confident and had excellent results in my prescreens and in-person auditions. I received multiple offers and am attending one of the top Musical Theater programs at Temple University. Denise is a phenomenal teacher, funny, insightful, and encouraging. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting to improve their craft, regardless of age or experience.
Graziella Imperato
Temple University -
![A young woman with long wavy hair and a white top, looking at the camera.]()
Denise Simon is a coach like no other. She truly takes the time for every single student to help them find the right school and the right material. Denise uses her industry connections to fully support all of her students. Denise goes above coaching her students on their monologues, she helps them remain organized with all their auditions and times with spread sheets, docs, etc. Musical Theater and Acting have some of the most rigorous applications and Denise is there to aid but also keep you sane! Her commitment to every single student demonstrates her wonderful character.
Eowyn Young
NYU Tisch -
![Young person with long dark hair and eyeglasses, wearing a blue shirt, smiling.]()
I feel very fortunate to have had Denise coaching my daughter Sophia during college applications. It was a very challenging start. Denise helped Sophia find the right college and best monologues for her personality. She prepared her with technique, pre-screen tapings and how to audition. I could not believe the improvement Sophia made in just a few months. And the best part... Sophia was accepted into West Conn’s BFA Acting department. Denise, we are grateful beyond words.
Mother of Sophia
Western Connecticut BFA -
![Portrait of a young woman/actress with red hair and brown eyes, smiling slightly, wearing a black top.]()
I attended Denise Simon’s pre-college intensive in the summers before my junior and senior year. Before I started the program, I was plagued with anxiety over the college audition process, but Denise and the amazing coaches made me feel comfortable and confident in the audition room. I felt fully prepared for all of my auditions and walked in knowing exactly what to expect. Through the workshop, I made incredible friendships and industry connections that will stick with me for life. In the fall, I’ll be attending my DREAM program at Boston Conservatory for a BFA in Musical Theater, and I couldn’t have done it without Denise’s help.
Katie Grgecic
Boston Conservatory -
![A young woman with curly hair smiling against a magenta background, wearing a colorful, floral-patterned top.]()
The inexperienced, overdramatic, eager little ten year old that worked under the direction of Denise as Dorothy in a production of the "Wizard of Oz" never imagined that seven years later, she would be accepted and committed to one of the top college musical theatre programs in the country. Yet here we are! Having grown up with Denise's wisdom and guidance, I have developed not only into a more well-rounded, self-aware artist, but human being as well. Denise has always cultivated an environment of loving honesty that pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me into a more truthful performer. She is a beam of support throughout all the ups and downs of auditions for professional work or college and engages with her students in a manner that enacts noticeable change. I thank Denise for all she has done for me over the years, and am excited to embark on this new chapter of my professional career with her training under my belt.
Sophia O’Brien
Baldwin Wallace -
![A smiling young woan with long hair, wearing a beige coat and jeans, standing by a tree in a park setting.]()
Denise has taught me so much over the years, but some of her greatest advice got me into the college of my dreams. She took the overwhelming, daunting process of the college search and applications and made it intelligible. She suggested schools for me based on my personality as well as my performance ability. Denise worked one-on-one with me on my audition pieces, taking me through the entire intimidating audition process until it seemed like a walk in the park. As I narrowed down my choices, she connected me with her previous students to help me get more information about the programs and student life. I highly recommend working with Denise to help navigate the college process. I am very grateful to Denise Simon, as she helped me find the perfect school where I will be able to soar academically and artistically.
Fifi Fernandez
Elon University -
![A smiling young woman with medium-length brown hair, wearing a blue top and small hoop earrings on a neutral background.]()
I am beyond grateful for Denise's guidance throughout this college process. Denise truly cares about her students and their needs. We worked together to pick schools that fit my interests and a program that supported my career ambitions. She also helped me choose unique pieces that aligned with me personally. Because of her, I developed confidence in my acting abilities and myself. I can't thank her enough for all she has done for me!
Sofia Slaman
Syracuse University BFA -
![Young woman with long brown hair wearing a green tank top, standing against a yellow background.]()
I wanted to reach out and thank you for the help you provided me for my college auditions. I took everything you said to heart, made some changes - and then auditioned for over 25 schools for musical theatre. They said you only need 1 to say yes - you know how competitive it can be! Well, I got my one yes!!! I got admitted into the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in Boston for MT! I didn't sing that Dream with Me song - thank gosh! That was all because of you! Thank you for the quick tips, brutal honesty, and for your time! Without you, I'm not sure I would have made the changes I needed to get in. You're awesome, and I just wanted you to know. - Jersie Joniak
Jersie Joniak
Boston Conservatory -
![Close-up portrait of a young girl with long, curly dark hair and blue eyes, wearing a leopard print top with a gray collar, against a dark background.]()
Parents, kids, and the industry love Denise because she is not only so good at what she does, but she’s incredibly down to earth and relatable. And efficient—I was amazed by how quickly she found monologues suitable for Clementine, and her critiques were spot on. The HS audition process is stressful, and it was a relief to feel in such good hands the whole way.
Aleba, Mom of Clementine K
2019 & 2018 National Tours
"A Christmas Story, The Musical” -
![A young woman with dark hair wearing a black zippered jacket, standing with arms crossed, looking at the camera.]()
My daughter Beatrix and I both agree that working with Denise for her High School auditions was a great decision. Denise absolutely delivered on all fronts. She helped Beatrix pick strong material that showcased her talent and range perfectly. She prepped her thoroughly which allowed Beatrix to have complete confidence in her delivery. The final pieces were extremely well done and she received multiple offers as a result. Denise has a true gift when it comes to helping young talent get noticed!
Marcy J. Wang
Mother of Beatrix -
![Brooke Cox Actress from DSAC to Texas State Univeristy]()
So grateful to have had Denise Simon’s coaching, guidance, and wisdom during my college audition process. She takes time to know her clients, and aids in finding the most fitting and unique material to them. She helped me enter the audition room with full confidence in my ability to produce a mastered monologue. I am honored to say that, with Denise’s help, I will be attending one of the top music theatre programs in the country at Texas State University.
Brooke Cox
Texas State University -
![Portrait of a young person with wavy brown hair wearing a black shirt, looking at the camera, against a dark background.]()
I would be lost without Denise. She not only helped me find and connect to my audition pieces, but her guidance was integral to me having the confidence to succeed in a college audition. Working with Denise made me feel secure in my acting abilities and her teaching style encouraged me to keep improving and reminded me to enjoy the acting process through the stress of auditions.
Rayna Frantz
NYU Tisch -
![Portrait of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a green shirt, smiling.]()
The process of auditioning for colleges can be stressful and even emotionally challenging at times. However, after I started working with Denise, I felt as though I finally had a sense of security and reassurance. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication is second to none. I am extremely lucky and grateful to have found a coach who gave me insight into what a successful college audition is, which has allowed me to enter my auditions, knowing that I had nothing to worry about, after working with her. She’s an amazing, smart, dedicated, and honest acting coach and a wonderful person.
Marcelle Guilbet
NYU Tisch -
![Woman with long brown hair and black turtleneck leaning against a black lamppost, with a blurred background of greenery and a building.]()
The precollege summer program not only just prepared me for the college audition process, it left me with the ability to learn at fast paces and to think on my feet. I couldn’t be more grateful for the exposure and workshops given to me by numerous professors and Denise Simon! I would highly recommend participating in this program as I wouldn’t be committed to Manhattan School of Music for musical theater without its help. Thank you.
Lily Flynn
Manhattan School of Music -
![A Smiling young woman with long dark hair against a neutral backdrop.]()
Working with Denise throughout my college audition process made a potentially very stressful time period very exciting and relaxing. Denise is patient with all of her students and works to find pieces that speak to us as individuals. Her guidance and advice gave me the tools to navigate my audition process, and will aid in a fruitful career in the industry. I can’t thank Denise enough for her role in my acceptance to NYU Tisch!
Marisa Caputo
NYU Tisch
PERFORMANCE ART IS ABOUT JOY, ABOUT MAKING SOMETHING THAT’S SO FULL OF KIND OF A WILD JOY
THAT YOU REALLY CAN’T PUT IT INTO WORDS.
- LAURIE ANDERSON
COLLEGE AUDITON COACHING PACKAGES
Strategic guidance for your college audition journey.
ACTING MASTERY
(Up to 6-month commitment)
12 Sessions
✔ 1:1 Acting Coaching
✔ Acting Song Coaching
✔ Interview Skills
✔ Wild Card Video Prep
✔ Slate Preparation
✔ School List Creation
✔ School Counselor Coordination
✔ College Faculty Vault Access
✔ Ongoing Email Support
✖️ Letter of Recommendation
✖️ Pre-Screen Taping
✖️ On-Demand Coaching Support
✖️ College Intensive Access
✖️ Waitlist Follow-Up Letter
✖️ Sophomore Year Support
✖️ Pre-College Summer Consulting
✖️ Pre-College Prep & Taping
ACTING MASTERY PLUS
(Up to 12-month commitment)
15 Sessions
✔ 1:1 Acting Coaching
✔ Acting Song Coaching
✔ Interview Skills
✔ Wild Card Video Prep
✔ Slate Preparation
✔ School List Creation
✔ School Counselor Coordination
✔ College Faculty Vault Access
✔ Ongoing Email Support
✔ Letter of Recommendation
✔ Pre-Screen Taping
✔ On-Demand Coaching Support
✔ College Intensive Access
✔ Waitlist Follow-Up Letter
✖️ Sophomore Year Support
✖️ Pre-College Summer Consulting
✖️ Pre-College Prep & Taping
ACTING MASTERY DELUXE
(Up to 24-month commitment)
20 Sessions
✔ 1:1 Acting Coaching
✔ Acting Song Coaching
✔ Interview Skills
✔ Wild Card Video Prep
✔ Slate Preparation
✔ School List Creation
✔ School Counselor Coordination
✔ College Faculty Vault Access
✔ Ongoing Email Support
✔ Letter of Recommendation
✔ Pre-Screen Taping
✔ On-Demand Coaching Support
✔ College Intensive Access
✔ Waitlist Follow-Up Letter
✔ Sophomore Year Support
✔ Pre-College Summer Consulting
✔ Pre-College Prep & Taping
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Voice, Dance, Photography, and Essay Coaching
Looking for expert support beyond acting? I’m happy to connect you with trusted professionals in any area to help build a well-rounded portfolio.
SEE WHERE DENISE’S STUDENTS ARE GETTING IN
| COLLEGE AUDITION COACHING
PROFESSORS THAT TRUST DSAC’S COLLEGE AUDITON COACHING
Denise Simon inspires her emerging actors with empathy and compassionate rigor. The outcome of her coaching is a flexible actor that is hungry, dynamic, and unique!
Kenneth Noel Mitchell
Professor of Theatre Practice, University of Southern California
With 30 years experience, Denise is a trusted resource. I've worked with Denise's students multiple times and can confidently say she shares my passion for truth and individuality in her students. It's clear they are talented but Denise always has them prepared, open and ready to take and understand adjustments. I look forward to meeting them every year.
Grant Kretchik
Head of BFA Acting, Pace University
Every time I work with Denise Simon's students, I am struck by their confidence, professionalism, and readiness to present their talents on prescreens and in-person auditions. As anyone reading this knows, applying and auditioning for university theatre and musical theatre programs can be a confusing and complicated process, but Denise Simon's website, book, private lessons, podcasts, classes, and master classes help in giving parents and students all the support needed to navigate a path to success
Mark Madama
Professor of Musical Theatre, University of Michigan
Denise Simon Coaching supports young artists in navigating the path to following their dreams, providing up-to-date information, strategies, and skill-building to help them succeed. Her website, materials, and workshops are student-centered, and she creates a safe, dynamic learning environment where they can explore and grow. Whether the goal is preparing for college auditions or a professional opportunity, Denise offers ways to build skills and confidence in what seem like an overwhelming industry. Her focus is on process and developing a growth mindset – something applicable to any chosen major or profession. Her book provides essential guidance for parents of young performers, perhaps the only resource of its kind available.
Catherine Weidner
Ithaca College Professor of Theatre Arts
COLLEGE AUDITION WORKSHOP
with Denise Simon
Don’t let the highschool or college audition and application process overwhelm you; Denise is here to help guide you to your dream acting program.
SEE WHERE DENISE’S STUDENTS ARE GETTING IN
| HIGHSCHOOL AUDITION COACHING
HIGHSCHOOL AUDITION COACHING
In New York City's competitive performing arts high school landscape, exceptional audition preparation isn't just helpful—it's essential. At Denise Simon Acting & Coaching, we understand that gaining admission to prestigious theater programs requires more than just talent; it demands strategic preparation, expert guidance, and a deep understanding of what top schools are looking for.
From LaGuardia to Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS), each institution has unique requirements and expectations. Our tailored acting tips for high school auditions ensure you're thoroughly prepared for every aspect of the audition process.
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New York's performing arts high schools seek students who demonstrate not just talent, but potential and authenticity. Our coaching focuses on three critical elements that admission panels evaluate:
Material selection that perfectly matches your age and type
Development of strong, appropriate acting choices that showcase your potential
Authentic emotional connection that makes your performance memorable
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Understanding that this journey involves both parents and aspiring actors, we offer:
Detailed consultation on school selection
Flexible in-person and Zoom coaching options
Strategic audition scheduling guidance
Expert advice on the entire application process
The best performing arts high school programs are at your fingertips with the support of Denise Simon.
HIGH SCHOOL AUDITON COACHING PACKAGES
ACTING MASTERY
(Up to 2-month commitment)
8 Private Coaching Sessions
✔ 2 monologues from 500+ collection
✔ 1:1 Acting Coaching
✔ Song Coaching
(for musical theatre)
✔ Student/Parent Consultation
✔ Interview Prep
✔ Slate Coaching
✔ Improv & Cold Read Practice
(for callbacks)
✔ School Selection Advice
✖️ Recommendation letter
✖️ Pre-screen taping
✖️ On-demand coaching
ACTING MASTERY DELUXE
(Up to 3-month commitment)
10 Private Coaching Sessions
✔ 2 monologues from 500+ collection
✔ 1:1 Acting Coaching
✔ Song Coaching
(for musical theatre)
✔ Student/Parent Consultation
✔ Interview Prep
✔ Slate Coaching
✔ Improv & Cold Read Practice
(for callbacks)
✔ School Selection Advice
✔ Recommendation letter
✔ Pre-screen taping
✔ On-demand coaching
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:
Voice, Dance, Photography, and Essay Coaching
Looking for expert support beyond acting? I’m happy to connect you with trusted professionals in any area to help build a well-rounded portfolio.