Theatre Performance Grant

Theatre Performance Grant

Theatre performance Grant (pdf)

How to Prepare a Theatre Portfolio
How to Prepare a Theatre Audtion

HOW TO PREPARE A THEATRE PRODUCTION GRANT PORTFOLIO

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DEFINITIONS:
Resume - in the theatre, a one-page document outlining your training and experience in a given area or areas.
Portfolio - in the theatre, a collection of materials which demonstrate your expertise in a given area or areas.

SUGGESTIONS FOR RESUME PREPARATION
1.Use a word processing program to create and refine your resume.
2.Put your name and contact information at the top.
2.Divide your resume into categories; then list your experience in each category.
For example:
COSTUME EXPERIENCE
- Assistant Costume Designer, The Odyssey,Gibson High School
- Wardrobe Manager/Dresser, Hello, Dolly!, Lane Community Theatre
- Makeup Designer, Narnia, Gibson High School
- Makeup Crew, TheFantasticks, Gibson High School
3.You may also include a list of special skills which may be useful in your technical theatre/design future. (For instance, if you have experience in woodworking, create your own sewing patterns, mixing sound/music, etc.Any experience in visual arts – painting, sculpture, photography, etc. should be included here.)

SUGGESTIONS FOR PORTFOLIO PREPARATION
1.Whenever you work on a production, keep records and take pictures!
2.Purchase an appropriate holder for your portfolio. You can buy a traditional portfolio at art supply stores; or get a three-ring binder and a set of sheet protectors at an office-supply or discount store.
3.Prepare an attractive title page with your name and contact information.
4.Organize your portfolio neatly by categories, in the same order as your resume.
5.Materials in the portfolio may include such things as:

Sets
concept statement/research
design sketches
finished design renderings (color copies are OK)
photographs of set models
working drawings
scene shift plots
photographs of set building/painting/decorating process
photographs of the finished set
photographs of details of the finished set (stairway, arch, etc.)
copy of program

Properties
concept statement/research
design sketches
properties plot
shopping lists
photographs of props building process
photographs of the finished props
photographs of props on set and/or being used by actors
copy of program

Costumes
concept statement/research
design sketches
finished design renderings with fabric swatches (color copies are OK)
shopping list/pull-from-stock-list/rental list
costume plots/dressing lists/quick change plots
photographs of costume building process
photographs of the finished costumes
photographs of details of the finished costumes
copy of program

Makeup & Hair
concept statement/research
sketches
supply list
photographs of makeup/hair in process
photographs of actors in makeup/hair
copy of program

Lighting
concept statement/research
lighting hang plot
lighting cue sheet
photographs of lighting preparation (hanging, focusing,etc.)
photographs of finished production which show off lighting effects
copy of program

Sound
concept statement/research
sound plot/cue sheet
CD of sound cues
copy of program

Stage
copy of prompt script, or a section thereof
Management
checklists
rehearsal reports
production meeting notes
cue sheets
copy of program

Publicity
sketches of artwork
rough drafts of program
rough drafts of poster/flyer
copy of program
copy of poster/flyer

a.Hand-written documents should be retyped neatly on the computer and printed out.
b.Items smaller than one page (photographs, cards, etc.) should be mounted on a full sheet of paper.
c.Letters or cards of thanks or congratulations for your work may also be included.
d.Coverage of your work in newspapers, newsletters, or magazines may also be included.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The materials list is huge!Do I have to include ALL that stuff?
Think of your portfolio as a sample book, providing examples of your work. For a design project, use 4-5 portfolio pages to demonstrate process and product.For big technical assignments, 1-2 portfolio pages per assignment will do. Smaller technical assignments may simply be listed on your resume.

I don’t have most of the stuff on this materials list. My portfolio will be small and pathetic!
Gather as much evidence as you can.Check with your teachers/directors and others who worked on the show to see if they have materials to loan, copy, or give to you.Find out if parents, friends, or classmates took pictures.If costumes or props are in storage, dig them out and take pictures.Reconstruct lists, plots, or cue sheets if you need to.

Should I include original documents in my portfolio?
While original documents are lovely, there is always the danger of your portfolio being lost in the mail or damaged in some way.We recommend that you use high-quality copies rather than original work whenever possible.

I live far away from Lamoni, Iowa.Can I mail you my resume and portfolio?

Yes, provided you follow the instructions above.

May I submit an electronic resume and portfolio?
Absolutely.Send it by email, on a CD, or post it on the internet and inform us of the URL.

If I receive a Theatre Production Grant, where does the money go?
Theatre Production Grant funds are applied to the cost of your tuition.For example, a grant of $1000 would be distributed Fall semester ($500) and Spring semester($500).

If I receive a Theatre Production Grant, what do I do next?
- Enroll in THTR2350 Theatre Production Studies.
- Attend a Theatre Orientation Meeting at the beginning of the semester.
- Participate in at least one theatre production per semester.
- Maintain a 2.8 GPA.
More specific information will be provided in a Grant Confirmation Letter from the Financial Aid office.

Once I have received a Theatre Production Grant, can I lose it?
If you fail to complete the Grant requirements for any semester that grant funds are given, your grant may be revoked.

HOW TO PREPARE A THEATRE PRODUCTION GRANT AUDITION

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Monologue – in the theatre, a section of dialogue written for one character to speak. In a script it will appear as a long paragraph or two.
Audition – the solo presentation of a monologue which showcases your physical, vocal, and imaginative skills as an actor. An audition will generally have a time limit which you must honor (in this case, 2-3 minutes).
One-Act Play – a script at least 20 pages long.
Full-Length Play – a script at least 70 pages long.

1. Choose a monologue from a one-act or full-length play.
- Choose a script by an established playwright to guarantee quality material (see list below).
- Pick a character that you could realistically play, who is close to your age and type.
- DO NOT use monologues that are written as stand-alone pieces (without a play).
- Avoid dialects, unless it is only for a phrase or two. Speak clearly and without an accent.
- Time your selection to be sure it is an appropriate length. If you need to shorten the speech, start later, or end sooner. Do not cut sentences out of the middle.

2. Read the play carefully to develop an understanding of the character you are portraying. (The more times you read the play, the better your characterization will be.)
- Know who the character is speaking to and why.
- Consider what the character’s goal is and how the character pursues that goal.
- Consider the character’s physical life (gestures, expression, movement, etc.).
- Consider the character’s vocal life (volume, pitch, range, tempo/rhythm, etc.).

3. Auditions usually allow the use of a chair if desired.
- If you use a chair, find creative ways to use it; don’t sit down the whole time.
- If you do not use a chair, feel free to move, but keep within a given space. (Imagine you are working in a pool of light 15 feet in diameter; stay in the light.)
- Place your imaginary listener downstage to your right or left. (This allows you to deliver your monologue facing the audience.)

3. Break the monologue up into logical units.
- Memorize and work on each unit separately; then put them together.
- Incorporate appropriate physical and vocal variety to tell the story and keep the audience engaged.
- Practice the monologue until you have it firmly in your mind and body.

4. When you are ready to present, dress nicely, as if you were going to a job interview.
- Wearing an outfit that you feel makes you look good will give you confidence.
- Arrange your hair so it does not hang in your face, and keep jewelry to a minimum.

5. Present your audition in this manner:
- Walk confidently to center stage and face front.
- Say “Hello! My name is (state your name). I will be presenting a monologue from (name of play) by (playwright’s name), playing the role of (character’s name).”
- Take a moment to position yourself and get into character.
- Perform your monologue.
- Hold still for a moment at the end of your monologue.
- As yourself, say “Thank you!”
- If your audition is live, stay and wait for instructions from the auditor.

SUGGESTIONS FOR MONOLOGUE MATERIAL:
Choose a monologue from a play by any of these playwrights
Rebecca Gilman, David Ives, Larry Shue, John Guare, George S. Kaufman, Wendy Wasserstein, Horton Foote, Barbara Lebow, Lanford Wilson, Moss Hart, Donald Margulies, Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman, Arthur Miller

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why can’t I use a monologue that was written to stand alone?
A script gives you a substantial amount of material from which to create a character, which is the actor’s job.
A stand-alone monologue uses a different set of skills than a monologue from a play.

Why do I have to give the name of the playwright when I introduce my monologue?
The playwright worked very hard to create the character you are portraying. Giving the playwright’s name respectfully acknowledges him or her for providing the material you are using for your audition.

I live far away from Lamoni, Iowa. Will you accept a video of my audition?
Yes, provided you follow the instructions above. Label your video with your name and the filming date.

I was in my high school play, and we videotaped it. Can I just send you the videotape?
No. A production is not an audition; its focus is on making everything work together.
An audition is a more useful medium for the college professor who is considering your abilities.

I really like musical theatre. Can I apply for a Music grant as well as a Theatre grant?
Yes. The Music Department has its own application process; contact the Graceland Admissions Office for information.

If I receive a Theatre Production Grant, where does the money go?
Theatre Production Grant funds are applied to the cost of your tuition. For example, a grant of $1000 would be distributed Fall semester ($500) and Spring semester ($500).

If I receive a Theatre Production Grant, what do I do next?
- Enroll in THTR2350 Theatre Production Studies.
- Attend a Theatre Orientation Meeting at the beginning of the semester.
- Participate in at least one theatre production per semester.
- Maintain a 2.8 GPA.
More specific information will be provided in a Grant Confirmation Letter from the Financial Aid office.

Once I have received a Theatre Production Grant, can I lose it?
If you fail to complete the Grant requirements for any semester that grant funds are given, your grant may be revoked.