Top 5 Colleges List

(in no particular order)

1. Rutgers State University of New Jersey

An essay is required for first year applicants and must be composed and submitted in the essay box provided on the online application. The essay is an important factor in admissions decisions and also will be used for assessing student eligibility for academic scholarships.

Essays submitted separately from the application will not be considered. We recommend that you:

• Preview the first-year student essay question on the application.
• Compose and edit your essay in a word-processing document, making certain that it does not exceed 3,800 characters in length, including spaces.
• Prior to submitting the application, copy and paste it into the essay box provided on the application.

UNDERGRAD PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

Please submit at least 15 examples of your artwork (produced within the last two years) that reflect your accomplishments and emphasize your strengths. Your portfolio should tell us that you will be successful in our classes including those that introduce to you new materials and ideas.

Please include at least one page from a sketchbook and if possible include a variety of media such as painting, observational drawing, photography, print, sculpture. If possible include self-initiated work as well as classroom assignments. If your primary interest is video include at least one video in addition to your other work. If your primary interest is photography you must include other media in addition to the photographs in your portfolio.

Things to consider:

• Be selective and show only your best work
• Show some personal work
• Show a variety of media, color as well as monochrome
• Avoid cartoon action figures, monsters, graffiti art, cute pets, portraits drawn from photographs, and images of vacations, in particular sunsets and flowers.

2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Statement of purpose. The statement should be no more than 500 words in length and should give an overview of the applicant's academic and personal experience, describing preparation for and commitment to further study at SCAD, as well as educational and professional goals and aspirations.

Portfolio Requirements

Digital or Time-based Media

A strong portfolio includes foundation and graphics skills, where applicable, effective use of 2-D form and composition, and an understanding of additive and subtractive color theory. In addition, portfolios should demonstrate an aesthetic awareness and effective use of software and tools. A strong video portfolio includes an awareness of composition, storytelling and technical skills, with attention given to costumes, set and acting. An inventory sheet is required.

Visual arts or design

Traditional visual art or design pieces may be executed in any medium, in black-and-white or color, and may include, but are not limited to, drawing, painting, design, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, furniture or fiber art. Portfolio pieces may represent classroom assignments as well as independent projects. The portfolio should demonstrate originality of concept, use of appropriate materials, and visual literacy. Works should be purposeful.

Portfolios are reviewed on the following qualitative measures: aesthetic awareness, composition, drawing, design, color perception, spatial perception, quality of presentation, technique and originality. Favorable consideration is given to strong 2-D and 3-D work that shows attention to technique, drawing, scale and original design.

  

 

3.    University of Southern California (USC)

B.F.A. Technical Applicants Only

(i.e. Design, Stage Management, Sound and Technical Direction)

• Current picture or headshot
• Theatre resume
• Autobiographical essay (See below for prompt)
• Letter of recommendation
• Schedule a portfolio review/interview
• Please click here to register and upload your portfolio.

Autobiographical Essay Prompt
Your autobiographical essay should be typed, double-spaced with one inch margins on all sides. We recommend using 12-point font in Times New Roman. In total, it should be no more than 350 words and address the following:
1. What influenced your decision to major in Dramatic Arts?
2. Why are you applying to the USC School of Dramatic Arts?
3. What are your expectations from a college education?
4. What are your professional goals and objectives?
5. What extenuating circumstances (if any) may have affected your previous academic performance?

4.    Fordham University – The Jesuit University of New York

Common app.

No information on portfolio.

5.    Purchase College State University of New York

**NOTE: BFA Acting and BFA Theatre Design/Technology applicants are NOT required to submit the SUNY Supplemental Admission Form.  However, BFA Acting applicants must submit an essay/written statement of 300-500 words on any subject they find meaningful. One copy of this essay must be submitted to Admissions and another copy must be submitted at the BFA Acting audition.

Interview Requirements:

Read Night of the Iguana: Read the play Night of the Iguana, by Tennessee Williams.  Questions about this play will be asked during the interview.

Prepare a Resume:  Your resume should include a complete list of your theatrical experiences.  It should include titles of works, duties performed, locations of performances and the name of the directors, designers and stage managers with whom you have worked.  Bring one copy of your resume with you to the interview. 

Prepare a Portfolio: Prepare and bring with you to the interview a portfolio that includes examples of design and/ or technical work that you have done in high school, community theatres, summer stock, or at other colleges. 

Letters of Recommendation: Please bring two letters of recommendation (in sealed envelopes) with you when you come for your interview. 

About the Portfolio:

Your portfolio materials should reflect your interest and/or work in one of the following potential areas of specialization:

Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scene Design, Costume Technology, Stage Management, or Technical Direction/Production Management.

Portfolio materials can include the following for each respective specialization:

• Costume Design - Drawings, paintings, and/or garments that you have made.  These items need not to be theatrical.
• Lighting Design - Drawings, paintings, photography, drafting plots and lighting plots.
• Scene Design - Drawings, paintings, still life or still life studies and drafting designs.
• Costume Technology - Samples of costume construction, photos of work that has been built, drawings and other artwork.
• Stage Management - Prompt scripts, cue sheets, ground plans, rehearsal notes and programs.
• Technical Direction/Production Management - Drafting samples, objects that you have built, photographs and production paperwork.