Acceptance

Acceptance into the Theatre Arts Program

Students are required to audition or interview with the Theatre Arts faculty for entrance into the department.

Students may elect to audition if they are interested in acting, or to present a portfolio if they are interested in technical theatre or design. (See guidelines below for these activities.)

Scholarships

The Theatre Arts scholarship is awarded upon admittance to the program.

Scholarships are based upon:

1. Grades (Scholarship students must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 GPA in the major.)
2. Contribution to the department
3. Talent: audition or portfolios.

Audition Information

Auditioning students for Admission or Scholarship should present a resume at the audition. The following guidelines are standard for prepared monologue auditions across the country. These "rules" are patterns that represent expected and accepted behavior. Note: for information on auditioning for the Music Theatre program, please visit the Music Theatre Degree webpage.

Selection Of Material

1. Select two pieces which contrast comedy/drama or character.
2. Each piece should be less than two minutes long.
3. Choose characters within five years of your current age.
4. Sell your acting strengths: comedy, drama, style, etc.

Performance

Arrive early enough to have a chance to look at the stage and make any necessary preparation. Costumes are not appropriate for auditions. Dress comfortably and in a way that does not distract from your characters.

• Enter. Stop center stage. Place chair where you need it (if at all). Please bring no other props.
• Establish eye contact with the auditor(s) (faculty) and greet them.
• Introduce your piece, stating the play title and character name.
• Take about 5 seconds to adjust your body and mind into character, locating the imaginary character you are addressing above the heads of the auditors.
• Perform your piece. Memorization is mandatory.
• Expect auditors to want you to do your best, but do not expect.any reaction from them. This is not a reflection of the quality of your work.
• Freeze after the last moment of the monologue. Hold for two counts.
• Establish eye contact. Thank auditors.
• There will be a short interview and some time to relax and ask questions.

Audition Dates: Contact Mary Tiballi at (585) 389-2180 to confirm.

Please contact Lindsay Reading Korth,Chair, at (585).389-2780 or Matt Ames, Assistant Professor of Acting at (585) 389-2785, with any questions.

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Guidelines for Design/Technical Theatre Interview for Admission into the Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts

I. The Interview

1. Format
   1. Presentation of resume and portfolio
   2. Response to questions put forth by faculty
   3. Interview will be ten to fifteen minutes in duration.
   4. Attire must reflect professionalism.
      
2. Expectations
   1. Verbal explanations of portfolio pieces
      1. Responsibilities for productions presented
      2. Design concepts
      3. Personal design process
      4. Discoveries which occurred during pre-production process (building)
      5. Critical analysis and self evaluation of your work
   2. Responses to questions which reveal your knowledge and understanding of theatre
   3. Personal philosophy and goals as an artist of the theatre

II. Guidelines for Resumes and Portfolios

1. Resume
1. Objectives/goals for career
2. Schooling/training
3. Experience
   1. Should be in chronological order from most recent work
   2. Should include minimum three productions worth of experience
   3. Should highlight leadership/supervisory positions
   4. Should show us what you feel is your best work
4. References (examples)
   1. directors
   2. theatre advisor
   3. immediate supervisor
   4. any professional or community theatre personnel
   5. someone other than family member as personal reference
5. Addresses and phone numbers of individuals chosen as references
2. Portfolio/Scene Design
1. Drawings of designs (renderings, sketches)
2. Mounted photographs or slides of productions
3. Working drawings of productions
4. Painters' evaluations
3. Portfolio/Costume Design
1. Costume renderings/drawings
2. Mounted photographs or slides of production costumes
3. Photographs or slides of costumes constructed
4. Full-scale sample of designed or constructed costumes (not always possible)
4. Portfolio/Lighting Design
1. Drawings/sketches of intended lighting design
2. Mounted photographs or slides of production lighting design
3. Drafted light plot
4. Paper work (instrument schedule, patch sheet, cue sheets, cheat sheets)
5. Portfolio/Technical Director
1. Working drawings
2. Mounted photographs or slides showing construction of scenic elements
3. Paper work (production work schedules, build schedules)
6. Portfolio/Sound Design
1. Samples of designs on CD or cassette
2. Cue sheets
3. Cue level/setting charts

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Matthew Allar (Assistant Professor/Scene Designer) at (585) 389-2788 or Beth LaJoie (Technical Director/Lighting Designer at (585) 389-2789

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Internships, Work Study, Paid Work, Career Development

Internships
Internships are possible with the approval of the department at approved sites. Such study must meet departmental requirements that assure a valuable learning experience. They should be considered as an earning of credit for directed, structured work. Any areas of theatre may be considered for these projects: acting, technical theatre, management. See Technical Director for technical or management positions. Interested rising Juniors or Seniors may apply.

Work Study
Students who qualify can receive payment by working for the department and/or the Arts Center. There are jobs in costume, scenery, lighting, and house management for the department and as stage hands for the Arts Center. The amount of work study per semester is determined by the Financial Aid Office. Students then apply to the department for available work assignments, and may work until the amount of funds determined by Financial Aid is expended.

Arts Center Employment
It is also possible to be paid minimum wage for Arts Center technical work on touring professional companies if you do not qualify for work study. For such work, contact the Arts Center Technical Director.

Career Development

One very important area of interest to our students is that of Career Development. We regularly attend the Kennedy Center Conference/American College Theatre Festival. Our productions are attended by respondents from the KC/ACTF who nominate cast members from productions who then go on to compete with their peers in the Irene Ryan Acting Competitions held on the Regional and National levels.

Our students also travel to the South Eastern Theatre Conference where they are exposed to over 200 different Professional Theatre Companies who employ as many as 700 positions both onstage and off for Summer Theatre jobs, internships, and assistanceships. At this particular conference students are able to attend specialized workshops of interest such as Acting, Movement and Combat, Professional "triple threat" auditions where actors are auditioned by professional summer stock companies, Computer Aided Design workshops, Make up, Crafts, Properties, and Stage Lighting to name a few.

The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts is also an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. Students attend this professional employment and vendor oriented conference to familiarize themselves with day to day changes in Theatrical Technology. As a career development tool, this conference aids our students to keep on top of their technology game, thus better preparing them for the competitive job world.

Alumni Statistics Sampler

Professional Alumni: Graduate Candidates

Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts Alumni can be found at work in such prestigious locations such as:

• Shenandoah Summer Music Theater: Michelle Bonker
• Hangar Theater: Jess Baker
• Juilliard Master Electrician Internship: Andrew Knapp
• Arena Stage: Michael Casey
• Crew Chief at Dance Theatre Workshop in New York, N.Y.: Chrissie Morabito, master electrician after completeing the Juilliard Master Electrician Internship
• Rochester Philharmonic: David Henderson
• Geva Theatre Center: Aaron Stoetzel, Faith Hillestad
• South Coast Repertory Theater: Sara Greenhouse
• ETC Source Four Lighting: Ellen White
• Hartford Stage: Aaron Bleck
• Goodspeed Opera House: Jessica Mack
• Goodman Theatre: Josh Edwards
• Syracuse Childrens Theatre: Jenny Banes
• Joyce Theater: Mark Constable, master electrician

Graduate Candidates:

Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts Alumni presently pursuing a higher degree:

• The New School at Actors Studio: Ken Higgins
• New York University Tisch School of the Arts: Lily Fossner
• UNLV: Emily Doyle