Giving Your Leadership Skills a Boost: For Visual and Performing Artists

You’ve probably heard about or seen a section on a college application that asks about your leadership experience. Leadership is a key element that college admissions officers look for in their applicants along with qualities such as responsibility, time management, dedication, and hard work. Leadership is one of the best and most impactful ways to show character and exceptional extracurricular involvement.

Why is leadership experience so important?

Colleges aim to not only educate their students and hand them a diploma, but guide them to become leaders in their various fields. Colleges are seeking to make the next generation better —and so finding leaders among the students applying is important.

Leadership is demonstrated in a multitude of ways—not all of them flashy or coming with an official title. Schools ask themselves these type of questions while reviewing applications:

• How has this student made lasting change to their activity through leadership?

• Where has he inspired others with his attitude?

• How can this student bring that spirit to my university’s campus?

Participating in clubs and activities at school:

It’s great to be involved in lots of activities, but schools want to see that you can become deeply involved. Consider taking on a leadership role as founder, president, secretary of one of these organizations. Your leadership role can depend on the type of organization.

Performing Arts: Music, Theater, & Dance

• A Cappella/Glee Club

• Chamber Orchestra/Pit Orchestra

• Chorus

• Jazz Ensemble

• Marching Band

• Music Production Club

• Pep Band

• String/Percussion Ensemble

• Dance Team

• Drama/Musical Theatre Club

• Hip Hop Club

• Improv Club 

• Latin Dance Team 

• Set Design/Tech Production Club 

• Sketch Comedy Club 

• Stage Combat Club 

• Stage Crew 

• Urban Dance Team

Visual Arts

• Anime or Comic Book Club

• Broadcast Club 

• Calligraphy Club

• Ceramics Club

• Cinema Club

• Figure Drawing Club

• Filmmaking Club

• Origami Club

• Painting Club

• Photography Club

• Video Production Club

• Woodworking Club

Participating in activities outside of school:

• Audition for a role at a community theater or summer programs.

• Apply to music competitions or summer festivals and camps.

• Apply for local and national competitions.

• Volunteer to organize a music program, an art show or do improv at a nursing home

• Volunteer at an art gallery or museum.

Self-Directed Activities

If there aren’t any clubs you want to join at your school, and you aren’t interested in starting one, consider taking on a self-directed activity! These extracurriculars are personal projects where you have a great deal of freedom to do what you want.  

Performing Arts

• Teach lessons. Offer private or group lessons for students of all ages in instrumental or vocal music, dance, acting, or improvisation.

• Perform live online—gain followers through Reddit, Twitch, Tik Tok, or YouTube.

• Volunteer as section leader in a community marching band.

• Volunteer to lead or assist in leading a music-based youth group.

Visual Arts

• Start a photography or film business. Offer your services for senior photos, engagement, or wedding photos; Create an online portfolio & market your business.  

• Teach art lessons. Offer private or group lessons for students of all ages.

• Start your own channel on YouTube or Tik Tok.

• Design graphics and logos for businesses and events. Offer to design posters and websites for school events or clubs.

Contact Best Fit Education if you are looking for advice on boosting your leadership skills for your college applications.