High School Audition Information. Everything you need to know about your high school PVA Magnet Program Audition

Transcription

1 High School Audition Information Everything you need to know about your high school PVA Magnet Program Audition

2 Dear PVA Magnet Applicant and Family, Thank you for signing up for a High School Performing and Visual Arts Audition. These auditions will give us the opportunity to get a glimpse of the talents that PVA applicants are hoping to foster in this Magnet Program. All students expressing an interest in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Please take a few moments to review this guide to learn important information about the format of your audition day, specific audition details for each Arts Major, and the criteria used to score the auditions. If you have questions about any of the information in this guide, please contact the PVA Department Chair specific to your arts major: Instrumental and Vocal Music: Paul Dembowski, PVA Department Chair: pdembowski@aacps.org Creative Writing, Dance, Film, Technical Design and Theatre Production/Arts Management, Theatre, Visual Arts: Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org Sincerely, The AACPS Magnet Office Note: Registration for and participation in an audition does not guarantee eligibility for a Magnet Program. 2

3 Table of Contents An Overview of the Day Specific Audition Information Creative/Dramatic Writing 8 Dance.. 12 Film 16 Instrumental Music 21 Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management Theatre Acting 33 Visual Arts 38 Vocal Music..43 Where to go for More Information

4 An Overview of the Day 4

5 General Information You will have one audition for each Arts Major that you applied to. This means that you may complete up to two auditions. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled audition. Each Arts Major has different audition requirements. It is your responsibility to understand the requirements of each audition and bring the necessary materials when you arrive to your audition. All PVA applicants will have a brief interview before or after their audition (with the exception of Film, and Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management applicants who will have an extended interview instead of an on-site audition). The purpose of this interview is to learn about the students passion in the arts and in the PVA program. Students who have been designated as Pathway II students may also be asked to complete a brief Academic Interview as part of their PVA interview on the day of their PVA Audition. All auditions are closed to observers. Parent/Guardians are not permitted to wait with their child after the student is registered (Dance applicants will be separated from their parents after their Dance orientation); parents choosing to stay will wait in a designated Parent Waiting Room. 5

6 What to bring to your Audition Your Student ID #/SIF/Lunch Number/PermNum/UserName. The Magnet ID(s) you were given when you completed the online application. You may view your Magnet IDs by logging onto your Application Account using your Student ID/UserName and Password at: Specific requirements vary among Arts Major auditions. Please see the Specific Audition Information for detailed information about each type of audition (page 8). Non-AACPS applicants who have not yet submitted their Transcripts, Test Scores, and/or Proof of Residency (i.e. electrical bill) can scan and upload these documents on the day of their audition. 6

7 An overview of the day On the day of the audition you will register in the main lobby at the designated school and be directed to your audition space. Dance, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music students will have the opportunity to warm up before their audition. Before or after your audition, you will be directed to the PVA interview where you may be asked any of the following questions: Why are you applying for the PVA Magnet Program? What skills do you possess or what experiences have you had that would make you a good candidate for this program? Do you believe your current grades are an accurate reflection of your ability to master material? Why or why not? What challenges do you experience in the traditional classroom? What are your academic goals for next year? If offered a seat in a Program of Choice, what strategies would you use to keep your grade above the minimum GPA required? Students may not use prepared notes during their Interview. Interviewers may ask additional follow up questions as deemed appropriate. The length of time from the time you arrive to the time you are ready to leave will vary by Arts Major, available staff, and each individual student. 7

8 Specific Audition Information Creative/Dramatic Writing 8

9 Creative/Dramatic Writing Auditions: General Information You will deliver your portfolio on the day of the audition. You will have a short orientation before your on-site audition. An instructor will guide you through the on-site writing process in a class setting. No preparation or material is needed for the on-site creative writing audition. All students expressing an interest in creative/dramatic writing in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Contact Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 9

10 Creative/Dramatic Writing Auditions: Portfolio Requirements On the day of your Creative/Dramatic Writing Audition you must submit the following work: 1. Two strong narrative writing samples these can be from any form of narrative (poem, short story, fiction, non-fiction, play, etc). 2. A printed or electronic sampling of any New Media Communication you have been working on. The submission must be related to creative writing or creativity in general. This may include, but is not limited to: A blog A podcast, A website, Any film, documentary, short footage you have worked on Digital or traditional photography that accompanies a piece of writing Please complete the selections on separate pieces of paper and place in a folder. These entries must be typed. Each entry cannot be more than one single-sided page in length. Label the back of each submission with your name and school. You may write about anything on any topic as long as it is school appropriate. Entries must be your own, original work (not copied!). 10

11 Creative/Dramatic Writing Auditions: Scoring Criteria You will be scored on the following criteria: Organization 2 points Creativity 2 points Content/style 2 points Mechanics 2 points Meets the Requirements 2 points Creative/Dramatic Writing applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition (including on-site audition and portfolio) to be eligible for this program. Questions? Contact Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 11

12 Specific Audition Information Dance 12

13 Dance Auditions: General Information There is a limit to 30 dancers per audition due to studio space. There will be a short orientation for parent/guardians and dancers before your audition. Parent/guardians are not allowed to stay with their child after the orientation. You will warm-up immediately after orientation. You will be guided through the audition by a dance teacher who will demonstrate all parts of the audition. You do not need to prepare any choreography in advance. You may not bring food, gum, or drink to the audition. If needed, you may bring a leak proof container of water into the studio. The same audition material will be presented at all auditions. All students expressing an interest in dancing in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Contact Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 13

14 Dance Auditions and Scoring: What to Expect Your audition will consist of several sections. All movement will be demonstrated by a dance teacher. You need to prepare no choreography. You will be taught movement phrases and presented with opportunities for improvisation that emphasize and assess: Alignment and Physical Structure 2 Points Control and Balance 2 Points Accuracy in Learning, Performing and Style 2 Points Creativity 2 Points Energy, Communication and Performance Quality 2 Points Dance applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition to be eligible for this this program. 14

15 Dance Auditions: Dress Female Dress Code Solid, dark colored, tight fitting clothing such as black solid leotard, footless black or pink tights/leggings Ballet shoes (or non-skid socks) Hair must be secured up off of neck and out of face and not need adjusting during the audition No cover-ups or jewelry Male Dress Code Black or white tight-fitting T-Shirt or tank top with footless black tights (leggings) or mid-thigh shorts or black/dark solid unitard Ballet shoes (or non-skid socks) Long hair must be secured up off neck and out of face. No cover-ups or jewelry 15

16 Specific Audition Information Film 16

17 Film Auditions: General Information On the day of your audition you will be asked to submit a portfolio containing a script for a five minute film and an accompanying storyboard. This film can be of a narrative, documentary, animation, or experimental genre. In your script: Describe the setting, character movements, camera movements, and any dialogue. Denote which parts apply to each cell of the accompanying storyboard. If the scene/movie does not have dialogue, describe how the subject matter interacts within the context of a script. Show us your creativity and imagination. A sample script and storyboard are provided on page 18 and 19. A template storyboard has been posted on the PVA website at (PDF Format). On the day of your audition you will have an extended, one-on-one interview to give you the opportunity to talk about your passion to explain your portfolio submission. This interview will take approximately minutes to be completed, and will include other questions about your interest in the program. All students expressing an interest in film in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Contact Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 17

18 Film Auditions: Example Script Below is a small part of what would be a larger script to give you an example of a script s structure. Setting It s the bottom of the ninth and final inning of the Stanfield Little League Championship. Stanfield is a small town in rural Maryland. The Championship game is one of the main highlights for the town. The winning team is celebrated with a parade, awarded trophies, and praised as champion for an entire year. This year the Tigers have made it to the championship for the first time to face the three time champions the Cubs. The Tigers are a good team with a good coach. One player on the team, Jimmy, is not exactly the best player but dreams of being a professional baseball player. Jimmy seldom plays and coach only puts him in when the team has already secured a victory. Jimmy finally gets that chance. Scene The camera pans the entire baseball field from the catcher s point of view. There is no one on the base path. UMPIRE: Two Outs The camera cuts to a close-up of the Tigers coach as he squints. COACH: Craig, take a seat I m putting up a pinch hitter Jimmy, get your helmet! You are going to bat for us. The camera quickly cuts to Jimmy s face, which portrays an expression of confusion and surprise. JIMMY: Coach!!! I I I I can t it s a tie game, I mean why? The camera cuts back to the field waiting for Jimmy to come in. COACH: Son you are due. The field morphs into Yankee Stadium as a vignette. The camera fades in on a man holding a baseball bat at the plate. You can hear the crowd changing as the camera fades onto a man sliding onto home plate. 18

19 Film Auditions: Example Storyboard Below is an example storyboard for an animation created by a student at the Wiley H. Bates Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School. Your storyboard should accompany and be referenced in your script. You may use the available storyboard template posted online at (PDF format) to create your storyboard. If extra squares are needed, please use boxes of the same size on white paper. 19

20 Film Auditions: Scoring Criteria & Rubric PVA Film applicants will be judged on the following criteria: Clarity of drawing storyboard and script Creativity and imagination Use of character Camera movement and description PVA Film applicants will be scored using the following rubric The storyboard and script demonstrate advanced knowledge of film structure, the use of character and/or subject matter within a narrative as well as camera movement and direction. The storyboard and script portray creativity and imagination, are clearly written/drawn, and are easily understood. The storyboard and script demonstrate above average knowledge of film structure, the use of character and/or subject matter within a narrative as well as camera movement and direction. The storyboard and script portray creativity and imagination, are clearly written/drawn, and are easily understood. The storyboard and script demonstrate basic knowledge of film structure, the use of character and/or subject matter within a narrative as well as camera movement and direction. The storyboard and script do not portray creativity and imagination and are not clearly written/drawn. Some of the elements are unclear. The storyboard and script does not demonstrate knowledge of film structure, the use of character and/or subject matter within a narrative or camera movement and direction. The storyboard and script are unclearly written/drawn and are difficult to understand. Film applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition to be eligible for this this program. 20

21 Specific Audition Information Instrumental Music 21

22 Instrumental Music Auditions: General Information Your ten minute audition (twenty for percussion) will consist of prepared selections, scales and brief sight-reading examples. You will be able to warm up before your audition. Your audition score is based on a rubric that includes technique, correct notes, tempo, phrasing, interpretation, and tone quality. All students expressing an interest in music in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Contact Paul Dembowski, PVA Department Chair: pdembowski@aacps.org 22

23 Instrumental Music Auditions: Brass & Woodwinds Brass and Woodwind applicants should bring their instruments. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave chromatic scale (flute and clarinet will perform two octaves) AND a one octave major scale chosen from the keys of concert E flat, A flat, or F major (flute and clarinet will perform two octaves). Scales must be memorized. 2. The PVA audition piece provided for your instrument. These pieces are available on the PVA website at (PDF format) for the following instruments: Flute Oboe Clarinet Bass Clarinet Bassoon Saxophone: Alto, Tenor, Baritone Horn Baritone Horn/Euphonium Trumpet Trombone Tuba 3. A short melodic AND a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing.. 23

24 Instrumental Music Auditions: Piano Piano applicants will be provided a piano for the audition. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave chromatic scale AND a one octave major scale chosen from the keys of C Major, G Major, or D Major. Scales must be memorized. 2. The PVA provided audition piece provided for your instrument. This piece is available on the PVA website at (PDF format). -or- A student selected work of less than 3 minutes. Written music must be provided for the audition judge. 3. A short melodic and a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing. 24

25 Instrumental Music Auditions: Strings String applicants should bring their own instruments. You will be asked to play: 1. Two scales (scales must be memorized): Violin: a two octave chromatic scale beginning on G or C and a two octave major scale chosen from the keys of C, D or B flat major. Viola and Cello: a two octave chromatic scale beginning on G or C and a two octave major scale chosen from the keys of G, D or F major. Bass: a one octave chromatic scale and a one octave major scale chosen from the keys of C, D or B flat major. 2. The PVA audition piece provided for your instrument. These pieces are available on the PVA website at (PDF format) for the following instruments: Violin Viola Cello Bass 3. A short melodic and a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing. 25

26 Instrumental Music Auditions: Percussion -Students will audition on snare drum, timpani and bells/xylophone- A snare drum, mallet percussion, mallets, timpani and drum sticks will be provided in the audition room but students have the option of bringing their own instruments and mallets. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave scale on mallet percussion selected from concert E flat, A flat or F major. Scales must be memorized. 2. One of the following rudiments to be performed on snare drum: Flam taps Paradiddles 5 stroke roll 9 stroke roll 3. Long roll on the snare drum. 4. The PVA audition pieces provided for both instruments. These pieces are available on the PVA website at (PDF format). Bells Timpani 5. A short melodic and a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing. 26

27 Instrumental Music Auditions: Acoustic Guitar Guitar applicants should bring their instruments. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave major and minor scales to be selected from the keys of C, D, & G Major and A & E-natural minor. Scales must be memorized. 2. The PVA audition chord progression and etude provided for your instrument. These pieces are available on the PVA website at (PDF format). Progression Etude 3. One student selected song or etude totaling less than 3 minutes. 27

28 Instrumental Music Auditions: Scoring Criteria Brass and Woodwind, Strings, Piano and Percussion applicants will be scored on the following criteria: Prepared selection(s) 6 points Sight-reading 3 points Technique (scales, pitch matching, rudiments) 1 point Guitar applicants will be scored on the following criteria: Prepared selections 8 points Technique (scales, chord progression) 2 points Instrumental Music applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition to be eligible for this program. Questions? Contact Paul Dembowski, PVA Department Chair: pdembowski@aacps.org 28

29 Specific Audition Information Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management 29

30 Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management Auditions: General Information You will submit the following on the day on your audition: A statement of purpose that expresses your interests and goals. Help us understand why you d like to pursue Technical Design and Theatre Production/Arts Management. A resume detailing any artistic involvement, volunteer efforts, and other extracurricular activities. An original 3-dimensional creation. This should be an object in which you explore your personal creativity, made with your own hands. The object may be made of any common material. You may think of it as a sculpture. The score will be based upon originality, quality of construction, attention to detail and professionalism. Please document your process (sketches, costs, timelines, etc ) An original portfolio of your work that highlights your stage/or arts production-related interests and skills. On the day of your audition you will have an extended, one-on-one interview, and a 15-minutes still life drawing session. The interview, which will also include the exit interview questions, will take approximately minutes to complete. All students expressing an interest in technical production/arts management in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Contact Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 30

31 Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management Auditions: Portfolio Requirements The purpose of your portfolio is to highlight your stage and/or arts production interests and skills. Some possible examples of the type of work a portfolio might contain are: Drawings or paintings from art classes (not necessarily related to technical design) Sketch books Visual examples showing your training, graphic abilities and artistic vision Items from a production you have worked on, including: Photographs from the production Production books (prompt book) or scripts with your notes Production drafting, scene, costume or lighting examples, renderings and sketches, sound/video recording samples, etc. Sketchbooks and/or preliminary sketches to show your process Rehearsal/Performance reports, cue sheets, blocking notations We recognize that 8 th and 9 th grade students may not already have extensive back-stage/arts management experiences. Students auditioning should be able to demonstrate their passion for arts, work in a team setting, follow directions, pay attention to detail, stay focused, and accept constructive criticism. 31

32 Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management Auditions: Scoring Criteria PVA Technical Design and Theatre Production/Arts Management applicants will be judged on the following criteria: Description of area of interest and reasoning for interest in program/arts major 2 points Experience with tools/techniques 2 points Three-dimensional piece 2 points Experience in theatre/arts related clubs/extra-curricular organizations 2 points Still-life drawing 2 points Theatre Design and Production/Arts Management applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition to be eligible for this program. Questions? Contact Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 32

33 Specific Audition Information Theatre - Acting 33

34 Acting Auditions: General Information Your audition will begin with a guided, group improvisation. You need nothing but your imagination for this part of the audition. Next, you will perform a monologue of your choice. A monologue is a speech from a play during which one character is talking to another character. After your Monologue Performance, you will also be asked why you want to attend the PVA High School Magnet Program and what you hope to accomplish if you are accepted into this program. Your audition score is based concentration, physicality, vocal ability, and overall communication. All students expressing an interest in Acting in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org34

35 Acting Auditions: Performing your Monologue You will be asked to present one 1-minute monologue during your on-site audition. You may find your own monologue at any public library in its theatre section. Select a script by an American playwright from the 20 th Century, for example: Anna Deveare Smith Horton Foote Lorraine Hansberry Lillian Hellman William Inge Arthur Miller Clifford Odets Neil Simon Thornton Wilder Tennessee Williams August Wilson Lanford Wilson In the script, locate a short speech by a character of the same gender and, if possible, close to your age. A 1-minute monologue is usually no longer than one substantial paragraph. 1-minute monologues may also be found on the PVA website at 35

36 Acting Auditions: Performing your Monologue (Continued) If a character interrupts the speech you wish to perform simply skip that interjection and continue the monologue as if the other character did not speak. When rehearsing and performing, remember that you will be critiqued on believability. Imagine yourself as the character in the moment of the speech. Picture the setting, the other character to whom you are speaking, and the thoughts that your character may have during this speech. If possible, we suggest that you read the entire play from which the monologue is taken to help you better understand your chosen monologue. Your monologue should be fully memorized and rehearsed. Time your monologue, without rushing, and edit it to one minute. Bring two copies of the monologue to your audition: one for the adjudicator and one for yourself in case you need to refer to it. Prepare a spoken introduction that includes your name, the play title, the character name and the playwright. (Example: I am Joe Smith and I am performing a monologue from CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF by Tennessee Williams as the character Brick.) 36

37 Acting Auditions: Scoring Criteria PVA Acting applicants will be judged on the following criteria: Concentration (student establishes and maintains focus) 2 points Physical comfort (organic and natural movement) 2 points Vocal Use (diction, projection, rate, pitch, vocal variety) 2 points Communication (memorization, pronunciation, understanding of material, willingness to engage an audience) 2 points Overall impact (confident, believable, passionate, bold, creative, risk taking) 2 points Acting applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition to be eligible for this program. Questions? Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 37

38 Specific Audition Information Visual Arts 38

39 Visual Arts Auditions: General Information You will deliver your portfolio on the day of the audition. You will be asked to choose one piece from your portfolio and explain the process used to create this artwork. There will be a short orientation for artists prior to the audition. An instructor will guide you through the drawing process in a class setting. During the on-site audition you will create a drawing of a self-portrait from observation in a mirror. No preparation or material is needed for the on-site drawing audition. All students expressing an interest in visual arts in the PVA Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 39

40 Visual Arts Auditions: Portfolio Requirements Each student applying to the Visual Arts Magnet Program is required to submit five pieces of artwork based on the four Visual Exercises in addition to the onsite audition: 1. Create a drawing/painting of a family/group of friends portrait in black and white using only stilllife objects as images that best represent each member. Choose objects wisely that best represent each member in size, texture and in arrangement of the final still-life composition. (Optional: you may incorporate yourself into the portrait using an object to represent you). 2. Create a narrative drawing of two or more full figures from life in full color with a background. Suggestion: use friends and/or family members as live models and situate them in a specific pose and setting to tell us a story visually. 3. Create a drawing/painting of an open closet/open drawer that tells us something about your home environment. The subject matter that you choose may be part of your actual home. Consider a glimpse through the door or into the drawer to capture details. 4. Select two additional pieces of art from your best work in the media that (painting, drawing, photography, or sculpture). These works must be original compositions completed within the last year. If you wish to include sculpture, please photograph the artwork. Portfolio details are continued on the next page. 40

41 Visual Arts Auditions: Portfolio Details Please complete the artworks on separate pieces of paper and place in a folder. A folded piece of 12 x 18 paper can serve as a portfolio/folder. Please follow the following size restrictions when completing the visual exercises: Artworks created for visual exercise numbers 1, 2, and 3 should be no larger than 9 x 12. Artworks submitted for visual exercise number 4 should be no larger than 18 X 24 and unframed (if necessary, you may submit a color photograph of the artwork, marking the original type of media on the back of the photograph). Artworks can be done in black and white or color using pencil, pen, charcoal, paint or any other medium, unless otherwise specified in the Portfolio Requirements on page 39. If needed, art materials may be borrowed from your school s art teacher. Color copies may be submitted, but do not copy photographs. Label the back of each artwork with your name, school, and the number of the visual exercise. 41

42 Visual Arts Auditions: Scoring Criteria You will be scored on the following criteria: Composition 2 points Accuracy of proportion 2 points Attention to detail 2 points Shading (the use of light and shadow to capture depth and form) 2 points Creativity, interpretation of subject, and personal expression 2 points Visual Arts applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition (including on-site audition and portfolio) to be eligible for this program. Questions? Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: jkloth@aacps.org 42

43 Specific Audition Information Vocal Music 43

44 Vocal Music Auditions: General Information Your ten minute audition will consist of a prepared selection, pitch matching and brief sight-reading examples. You will be given time to warm up before performing. Your audition score is based on a rubric that looks at technique, melodic and rhythmic accuracy, tempo, phrasing, interpretation, and tone quality. All students expressing an interest in vocal music in the PVA Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition. Questions? Contact Paul Dembowski, PVA Department Chair: pdembowski@aacps.org 44

45 Vocal Music Auditions: What to Expect You will be asked to perform The PVA audition piece Simple Gifts, without accompaniment (a capella). This PVA audition piece is available on the PVA website (PDF format) in the following majors: Key of A Major Key of F Major A rhythmic site-reading example which includes whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and quarter rests. A melodic site-reading example which includes stepwise motion and a skip of a third (do-mi-sol). You will have time to look at and prepare the sight-reading pieces before performing. Pitch matching by echoing simple melodic patterns after hearing them played. 45

46 Vocal Music Auditions: Scoring Criteria You will be scored on the following criteria: Prepared selection(s) 6 points Sight-reading 3 points Vocal characteristics (tone quality, pitch matching, diction) 1 point Vocal Music applicants must score at least a 7 on their audition to be eligible for this this program. Questions? Contact Paul Dembowski, PVA Department Chair: pdembowski@aacps.org 46

47 Where to go for more information 47

48 More Information Thank you for taking the time to review this High School PVA Audition Guide. If you have questions about any of the information in this guide, please contact the PVA Department Chair specific to your arts major: Instrumental and Vocal Music: Paul Dembowski, PVA Department Chair: Creative Writing, Dance, Film, Technical Design and Theatre Production/Arts Management, Theatre, Visual Arts: Jennifer Kloth, PVA Teacher Specialist: We look forward to meeting you during your Audition! 48