The Stage and Beyond: Bridging the Gap Between Stage and Media.

Transcription

1 Dear New England Secondary School Educators, It is with great excitement that we announce our 64th New England Theatre Conference and Convention on October 23-25, 2015 at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center in Westford, Massachusetts. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you and your theatre students to join us and participate in the many rich and rewarding programs that will be offered at this years convention. This convention promises to be an exciting event. Our theme of this years convention is The Stage and Beyond: Bridging the Gap Between Stage and Media. On Friday, October 23rd we will once again be holding our high school Olympiad competition where students can compete in the following events: *Musical Theatre Vocals *Acting *Dance *Costume and Set Design *Stage Management...(NEW THIS YEAR) The Olympiad will allow students to perform and create works for a panel of responders who specialize in the above areas of theatre. This year we are currently in negotiations with the amazing Ms. Betty Buckley as the honoree of our 2015 Major Award for her lifetime contributions to the American Musical Theatre. Ms. Buckley may join our panel of judges in determining who will win the honors of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in each of the areas above.. In addition, three $500 college scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors, one each in acting, musical theatre and design/tech. Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, we will be holding a college fair in which students will have the opportunity to speak with college representatives about their programs in Theatre, Music, Dance and Film. Saturday, October 24, we will be holding our Undergraduate college auditions/interviews where junior and senior students may take part in Auditioning/Interviewing for colleges around the country for acceptance into their degree programs. A list of colleges and universities who have been invited to participate in this college fair and undergraduate audition/interview programs are listed in the materials attached.

2 During both Friday and Saturday, workshops will be sponsored and offered for all your students regardless of their level in all aspects of theatre, music, dance and film. So whether your student wishes to participate in the Olympiad or not, there will be something for everyone at this years convention Teachers can choose to take part in an Applied Theatre and Drama Master Class, taught by Bethany Nelson, Ph.D., on Friday, October 23 rd. In addition this master class, there will be a numerous assortment of professional development programs that will provide tips on best practices and on how to improve the theatre community in your school. In the enclosed packet of materials, you will find information to help you begin your planning for attending this year s convention. Additional materials will be sent out several times over the upcoming months detailing more information We look forward to your participation at our 2015 convention. If you have any questions about the events or registration please contact our office: mail@netconline.org or call We hope to see you in Westford on October 23-25, 2015!

3 The New England Theatre Conference invites your students to go for the gold (and CASH) at the 2015 NETC Theatre Olympiad! Friday, October 23, 2015 In addition to the regular workshops and presentations, this year s convention will be filled with fun and challenging events for high school students. The, 2015 NETC Theatre Olympiad specifically designed for students in grades 9 through 12, will provide students an opportunity to showcase songs, monologues, dance routines and set and costume design skills in this all-day festival. Each participant and school will receive a certificate of participation and students will also compete for special awards from NETC. School theatre programs as well as other youth theatre organizations are invited to participate. College theatre faculty and/or theatre professionals will serve as respondents. The Theatre Olympiad will begin with an opening meeting and warm-up at 8:30 a.m. At that time, general information will also be given. Students will receive written feedback on their work. The Olympiad will conclude with an awards ceremony where gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded. And this year, three $500 college scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors, one each in acting, musical theatre and design/tech. Seniors awarded scholarships must eventually be accepted and confirm attendance to a college theatre program or the scholarship will be invalid. Those participating must be registered for the conference. In addition to the Olympiad events, students may attend other convention sessions and presentations. Musical Theatre Vocal Students competing must prepare for this event in advance. Students must prepare two songs, a musical theatre ballad and up-tempo song. The combination can last no longer than five minutes. Song must be from the Broadway musical theatre repertoire only, no movies or pop songs. An accompanist will be provided. Students should bring two copies on their music in the proper key, one with the beginning and ending clearly marked for the accompanist. A cappella singing will not be allowed. Acting Students competing must prepare for this event in advance. Acting students must bring two stand alone contrasting monologues, one dramatic and one comedic. The combination can last no longer than five minutes. Dance In this simulated dance audition, students will be given a dance routine to learn before performing for respondents, who will be looking for accurate execution as well as presence and style. Wear dance clothes and dance shoes if you have them. Set Design

4 Set design students will be given the challenge to design a set for a play from craft materials supplied by NETC. Students will be asked to explain the idea behind their set and how it would be used for various scenes. The play will be announced in advance. Costume Design Costume design students will be given the challenge to create two-dimensional designs for two characters fro a play. Students will be asked to explain the ideas behind their designs. The play will be announced in advance. Stage Management Stage management students will be given multiple challenges that a stage manger would be required to do for a production. These challenges will range from taking stage blocking notations, prop table set-up, calling and creating cues for sound and lighting and basic knowledge of the backstage and onstage areas. The Olympiad will begin with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude with an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Those participating in the Olympiad must be registered for the convention and may attend other convention sessions (see conference website for more information). Please complete the Olympiad registration form (below) and return by October 1, 2015 to: The New England Theatre Conference, Inc. 215 Knob Hill Drive Hamden. CT Friday, October 23, 2015: Theatre Olympiad Olympiad Schedule (subject to change) 7:30 a.m. Convention registration table opens 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Opening meeting and warm-up 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Theatre Olympiad Group A 10:45 to 12:15 p.m. Theatre Olympiad Group B 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Lunch with Exhibitors and Raffle (lunch included in convention registration fee) 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Theatre Olympiad Group C 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Theatre Olympiad Group D 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. Theatre Olympiad Award Ceremony and Recognition 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. No-Tech Presentation Showcase

5 2015 NETC Theatre Olympiad Registration Form Faculty Contact Person Phone School Name School Address Individual Events: List of students Musical Theatre Vocal Acting Dance Set Design Costume Design Stage Management Please use an additional sheet if needed. Register early. Spaces are limited!

6 Please attach an individual registration/parental permission form for each student attending the conference. High school seniors, who would like to be considered for a college scholarship, must read and complete the attached form.

7 2015 NETC Theatre Conference Registration and Parental Consent, Release, Waiver of Liability, and Grant of Permission Form Student Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone Student s High School Name 1. Consent By signing below, I,, (Custodial Parent/Guardian) of, (Student) acknowledge and grant consent for Student to participate in the 2015 New England Theatre Conference Convention and Theatre Olympiad (Program), on October 23-25, 2015, at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA. 2. Release and Waiver of Liability By signing below, I acknowledge that there are risks inherent in any Program, including, but not limited to, risk of serious injury or death arising from: participation in outdoor and indoor activities; the conduct of children in general, particularly children s failure to follow instructions of teachers and adult supervisors; the risk of inappropriate behavior; communicable illness; and independent acts of third parties not under the control of the New England Theatre Conference, Inc. and/or its employees, agents or staff. In order to minimize risks to participants, the Custodial Parent/Guardian identified below will take responsibility to see that the Student is properly prepared for all activities and is in good health each day of the program. In consideration of the opportunity for the Student to participate in the Program I, on behalf of myself, the Student, and the Student s next of kin, legal representatives, and assigns, do hereby waive and release from liability and covenant not to sue the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., its Board of Trustees, officers, agents, employees, representatives, volunteers, servants, affiliates, students, and any other person acting for or on behalf of the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., for any loss, damage, or claim of any type, both present and future, including, but not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury, illness, accident, death, medical costs, and any other claims arising out of or relating to the Student s participation in the Program and/or arising from the acts of any person or entity not affiliated with or under the control of the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., while the Student is in enrolled in the Program. 3. Grant of Permission By signing below, I grant the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., (and/or those acting on their behalf) permission to record and to use photographs, videos, or record the Student s image, voice and/or name in connection with the Program and to use the resulting materials in NETC publications, websites, CDs, DVDs, and/or other media, for all purposes and in all media including, without limitation, website, brochures, advertisements, and other promotional materials. Custodial Parent/Guardian Name Custodial Parent/Guardian Signature Date

8 2015 NETC Theatre Conference College Scholarship for High School Seniors Registration Form Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone High School Name Indicate on this line that you are a high school senior. I am auditioning for a scholarship for (check all that apply), and I understand that I must eventually be accepted and confirm attendance to a college theatre program or the scholarship that I might be awarded will be invalid. Acting Musical Theatre Design/Technical Signature Signature of Parent/Guardian Parent/Guardian Phone Cut here and return above form with your registration NOTE: Additional Audition Requirements Acting: Please provide a headshot/photo (does not have to be professional) and résumé of your theatrical experience. *Please prepare a standard audition introduction. Musical Theatre: In addition to your two songs, please prepare a two-minute monologue. Please provide a headshot/photo (does not have to be professional) and résumé of your theatrical experience. *Please prepare a standard audition introduction. Design/Technical: Photos and/or a portfolio of your work are encouraged. Please provide a headshot/photo (does not have to be professional) and résumé of your theatrical experience. Be prepared to make a two-minute oral presentation. * A standard audition introduction can be found on our website: (or) ask your drama teacher for assistant.

9 The New England Theatre Conference invites your school to participate in the NO-TECH PRESENTATION SHOWCASE FRIDAY, October 23, :00 8:00 p.m. Register early. Spaces are limited The 2015 conference is fast approaching and a new program is being introduced to our high school theatre groups. A NO-TECH SHOWCASE PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION FORUM This no-tech presentation and discussion forum invites the first four (4) high school groups who wish to participate to present a 20 minute performance of a piece from a recent production performed, or from a production currently in rehearsal for. Each participating school will be given an area to perform along with two tables and a couple of chairs to use and that is it. No props, no costumes, no lights or sound, and will have a 30-minute time slot to present their work. Following all of the presentations will be a moderated open forum discussion. Those in attendance can talk about the piece they performed, answer questions from others in the room about the process, discuss choices each actor made in their character, and share their experience of performing and watching each production. This is a great opportunity for high school groups to see what other high schools are doing and be able to learn from each other. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US FOR THIS FUN EVENING OF PERFORMANCE SHARING! Cut here NO TECH SHOWCASE High School Name Drama Instructor Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone

10 The Stage and Beyond New England Theatre Conference Convention October 23-25, 2015 Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA REGISTRATION INFORMATION The New England Theatre Conference Deadline for pre-registration is October 1, Knob Hill Drive Register by mail or online Hamden, Connecticut Mail this registration form with a check or credit card number to: Register online at Registration fees include all workshops, performances, exhibits and general social events. Quantity Member Student Total (Membership not required) Full Convention $80 $60 Friday Only $50 $35 Saturday Only $50 $35 Friday Master Class $175 $150 (In addition to convention registration) Saturday Master Class (In addition to convention registration) $250 $225 SPECIAL TICKETED EVENTS Friday Night Dinner $15 Saturday Awards Banquet $45 Annual Sunday Brunch $25 NETC MEMBERSHIP Individual $50 Student $35 Group $100 TOTAL $ PAYMENT INFORMATION ( ) I have enclosed a check or money order made payable to NETC in the amount of $ ( ) Charge $ to my: ( ) Master Card ( ) Visa ( ) AMEX CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE SIGNATURE NAME ORGANIZATION ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE PHONE High School Groups: Please attach an individual registration/parental permission form for each student attending the conference. Questions: phone weekdays or mail@netconline.org

11 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, SENIORS, TRANSFER STUDENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD...COLLEGE FAIR 11:30 AM 1:30 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER Auditions Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA NETC 64 th Annual Convention: The Stage and Beyond BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 and Class Ranking High School Guidance Counselor Recommendation Drama Teacher/High Teacher Recommendation Applicants must register for the NETC 64 th Annual Convention For further details, please visit our

12 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION APPLICATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, SENIORS, TRANSFER STUDENTS Full Name: Last (family name) First Middle Age: Mailing Address: City State Zip Cell Phone: Other Phone: Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s): Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Contact Phone: I am currently a: High School High School Transfer Student (2 or 4-year I will be presenting: A Musical Theatre Audition An Acting Audition A technical/portfolio interview I am attaching my: Resume Headshot (need not be professional) Current official transcript Letter of Recommendation from high school teacher, director, or guidance counselor All applicants must be registered for at least the Saturday of the Convention Return completed application with your convention registration to: New England Theatre Conference 215 Knob Hill Drive Hamden, CT APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 1 ST, 2015

13 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS 1). Please read all the attached materials. 2). Completely fill out the audition application/registration form. 3). Have school guidance counselor fill our required recommendation form (Part I). 4). Have theatre teacher or Outside Director fill out required recommendation form (Part II). 5). Attach a copy of your resume showing all productions you have worked on and participated in both on and off stage. 6). Attach a recent headshot to the application (does not need to be a professional photo). 7). Fill out convention registration form. All applicants must be registered for the convention for at least Saturday, October 24th. 8). Make checks payable to NETC 9). Please mail all materials along with your check to: New England Theatre Conference 215 Knob Hill Drive Hamden, CT ). All materials must be received by October 1, ). NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 1, ). Once your materials have been received and processed, you will receive an conformation. Please hold onto this conformation for your records. 13). During the first week in October, you will receive an additional reminder. 14). If you have any questions about the event or registration please contact our office: mail@netconline.org or call

14 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION GUIDELINES Audition Requirements: Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 Guidance Counselor Recommendation High School Director Recommendation or Outside Theatre Director Recommendation 1). The undergraduate Auditions are specifically designed for students who are interested in a theatre degree. You may be a high school Junior or Senior or be a Transfer student from a 2 or 4 year college or university. 2). Applications are to be submitted via mail and must be received on or before October 1, Applications can be found online at netconline.org 3). Any student auditioning must be registered for the NETC convention for at least Saturday, October 24, 2015 and must be a student member of NETC. 4). NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2015 THE AUDITION: 1). Students must prepare their audition pieces to the fit the following time limits allowed *If Acting only, Students must prepare two contrasting monologues totaling no longer than 2 Minutes. *If Singing only, Students must prepare two contrasting songs totaling no longer than 2 Minutes. * If Singing and Acting, Students must prepare one monologue and one song totaling no longer than 2 Minutes. *YOUR TIME BEGINS WHEN YOU SAY YOUR NAME AND NUMBER 2). If time is called, please stop, repeat your name and audition number and return to your seat. 3). An audition accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own accompanist. Bring sheet music with beginning and ending measures clearly marked and any cue lines noted. Music must be in the correct key; the pianist will not transpose. 4). No one may sing without accompaniment. Auditionees cannot accompany themselves on a musical instrument, nor are taped accompaniment or acapella singing permitted. 5). Props are not allowed. A chair may be used and will be provided. THE PROCEDURE: 1). All students must attend a mandatory briefing at 8:00am on Saturday, October 24th which will be followed by a group physical warm-up and vocal warm-up. 2). NOTE: Many people will be moving in and out of the audition and holding areas. NETC is not responsible for personal belongings, phones, tablets, music players, etc. Please leave these items with a friend or family member while you are auditioning. If you must keep these items with you, please make certain they are OFF before entering the audition room.

15 3). Audutionees should report to the holding area near the audition room no later than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled audition time. Auditionees who miss their time slot will be rescheduled at the END of the day. 4). Auditionees will be escorted into the audition room and sit in the chairs provided. 5). When signaled by the timekeeper, auditionee will proceed to the stage where they will state their name and audition number, and present his or her audition piece(s). 6). NOTE: Each auditionee should wait briefly for a signal from the timekeeper before beginning. 7). After everyone in your group has performed, the group will exit the audition room. 8). A list of students that schools would like to meet with will be posted. Specific locations will be posted with the callbacks. The location of these postings will be announced at the 8:00am briefing. Callbacks will continue to be posted throughout the day. 9). Auditionees are to check callback posting throughout the day as some colleges may not post callbacks after each group performs. 10). Callbacks may continue until the end of the day of Saturday, October 24th at the discretion of the college or university. Specific information will be noted along with callback locations on the callback boards. Any follow-up is the responsibility of the student and/or college or university concerned. AUDITION TIPS & THINGS TO REMEMBER 1). Every college watching auditions wants you to be the one; every college wants you to succeed; every college is looking for students who might be a good match for their specific program. 2). Not every college is going to be right for every student and no student is going to be right for every program. All colleges may not be present for all auditions. Enjoy the attention of the schools that are looking for you. 3). Audition with your strengths. If you are a strong comedic actor, choose a comedic monologue. If you are a strong character actor, choose and appropriate piece. If you are not a strong singer, it is better not to sing. 4). Choose characters as near to your age as possible and within your age range. 5). Avoid unnecessary vulgarity. College professors are rarely shocked, but they can be turned off. 6). Memorize and rehearse your pieces exactly as you intend to perform them INCLUDING YOUR NAME AND NUMBER. 7). Avoid sitting, kneeling or lying on the floor as these choices may present sightline problems. 8). If singing, get help picking as selection(s) that shows your strengths. Perhaps choose the end of a song or a climactic vocal passage. If you wish to demonstrate choreographic skills, do so while you sing. 9). Dress professional. Avoid jeans, sneakers, t-shirts. Look your best.

16 UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL DESIGN/TECH INTERVIEW GUIDELINES Interview Candidate Requirements: Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 Guidance Counselor Recommendation High School Director Recommendation or Outside Theatre Director Recommendation 1). The Undergraduate Design/Tech Interviews are specifically designed for Design or Technical students (including directors, playwrights, stage managers, etc.) who are interested in a theatre degree. You may be a high school Junior or Senior or a Transfer student from a 2 or 4 year college or university. 2). Applications are to be submitted via mail and must be received on or before October 1, Applications can be found online at netconline.org 3). Any student interviewing must be registered for the NETC convention for at least Saturday, October 24, ). NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2015 THE PROCEDURE: 1). Students will be assigned a shared table (approximately 30 inches of space) on which to display their work. 2). Set-up will be 8:00am -8:30am on Saturday, October 24, ). There will be a mandatory briefing at 9:00am for all Design/Tech candidates. 4). Your display must be freestanding; do not assume that wall space will be available to you. Your display should be easy to transport and should include your name and relevant information. Electricity is not a guarantee but may be available to you. 5). Your space will be marked with your interview number, which NETC will give to you upon check in. 6). College and university reps will have an opportunity to view displays before your presentations/introductions. Some schools may leave information or invite candidates to talk to them later in the day. 7). All design/tech applicants should be in the designated holding area no later than 30 minutes prior to your presentation/introduction time. You should prepare a 90 second (maximum) speech to introduce yourself, describe your area of interest, goals, experience, and what you are looking for in a theatre program. It is a good idea to practice what you are going to say - if you have trouble with public speaking, consider using notecards (this will make you look more prepared).

17 8). A list of students each school would like to see will be posted following your presentation. Specific meeting times and location will be indicated on the callback boards. Some schools may talk to you at your display after your presentation. 9). Because displays may not be removed until the end of the day, some students may wish to bring evidence of their works that can be shown to college reps throughout the day. 10). All materials will need to be removed from the display area by the end of the day on Saturday, October 24, 2015.