Information For Students
The following review procedure is designed to assist each student to assess:
- Current preparation for the Theatre Laboratory
- Aptitude for Theatre Studies
- Seriousness for completion of the Theatre Major Department.
It is also the beginning of the student’s thinking about the Senior Theatre Project. The Review will be initiated and completed normally during the first term of the sophomore year, but definitely before the Theatre Faculty approve and sign the Admission to Major forms from Academic Services (This normally takes place in the spring of the sophomore year, or following the student’s successful completion of 15 credit hours.). The presentation of portfolios or auditions will take place on Reading Day before final examinations. Below, is defined the specific areas, in addition to requirements that must be met by all students
For All Students
Five copies are to be submitted to the Director of Theatre by the Monday before Reading Day before the final examinations.
- Submission of a statement describing the one aspect of Theatre which the student would most like as a career emphasis (Acting, Design, Dramaturgy, Directing, Playwriting, Administration, Stage Management, etc.). This statement should include a self-assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in this area.
- Submission of a statement describing another aspect of Theatre the student will have as a career support or secondary interest. For example, would-be actors may be encouraged and expected to select an area in Dramaturgy, Technology or Administration as a companion area of interest. This statement should include a self-assessment of the student’s strengths and weaknesses in this area as well.
- Submission of a statement indicating the reading in Theatre already accomplished. The student should use class reading and the Reading List as a guide.
- Submission of a projected reading list based on the works cited in the Reading List with the student will read before the first term of his/her senior year. The Reading List should be balanced between the main career interest and the career support interest. The proposed reading list should be both ambitious and realistic.
- Submission of a proposed course plan for the junior and senior years, indicating the Theatre courses which are to be taken each of the four terms, as well as which support courses from other disciplines are to be taken each of the four terms. This proposed course plan should also be given to your advisor upon entrance into the Theatre major.
- Submission of a summer work plan, indicating desired theatre employment possibilities for the sophomore summer and the junior summer. The student will consider the possibility of off campus internships and/or independent study during one or both of these summers. A long-term proposal indicating the student’s post-graduate plans should also be included, particularly if the student is considering postgraduate studies.
Individual Presentations To take place on Reading Day before final examinations. Actors will be required to present two contrasting 60-second monologues and a scene, each suited to the student’s potential. Scene partners are self selected and must be available during the review. The entire audition is to take no longer than five (5) minutes. They will be self-selected and rehearsed. A headshot and resume listing previous experience and bibliography of readings which have assisted the preparation of monologues should be submitted. Directors will be required to present a short discussion of script analysis and a production concept for a self-selected play with a bibliography of readings which guided them in developing this concept. Dramaturgs will be required to present a short discussion of dramaturgical research for a self-selected play with a bibliography of readings which guided them in developing this concept. Playwrights will be required to present a sample of their writing and a short discussion of script analysis for the play with a bibliography of readings which guided them in developing this concept. Designers ans Technicals will be required to present a portfolio of designs from one area (scenery, lighting, costumes, etc.), focused on one self-selected play, with a bibliography of research materials supporting their choices. Theater Administrators will be required to present a season of plays, rationale, themes and ideas for promotion. Stage Management will be required to present a portfolio of forms, schedules or articles relevant to their interest centered on a self-selected play or from a production in which they served as an assistant stage manager. All students are required to consult with appropriate faculty and/or staff to assist them with their statements and presentations on or before mid-term examinations. All students are required to take into consideration the faculty/staff feedback submitted during the Sophomore Review and be able to address any concerns and recommendations during the Senior Theatre Project. Work submitted for the sophomore review will remain in the office of the Director of Theatre until the students have completed their Senior Theatre Project.