Audition, Interview, Portfolio Review

For admission to the B.F.A. degree program, applicants who plan on majoring in Studio Arts must submit a portfolio of artwork to the Department of Art. Program areas that traditionally required slides will now require digital image slides. A portfolio of 12-15 digital images of original creative works (with no more than 2-3 views of any one piece of work) must be prepared and presented through Slideroom (URLs are also acceptable if the work is presented online in quality form). Each image must be clearly labeled with the title of the work, materials, or media of creation, size, and creation date.

PORTFOLIO SCORING GUIDE:

The faculty evaluates portfolios on a five-point scale among seven criteria.

1. Comprehension of Fundamental Elements & Principles
2. Level of Critical Thinking (Strategy & Analysis)
3. Use of Compositions to Tell Narratives
4. Aptitude for Growth in Major Area of Concentration
5. Quality of Overall Portfolio / Projects
6. Promise of Professional Growth
7. Perseverance Towards Professional Goals

An applicant's portfolio must receive a minimum average score of 3.5 out of 5 for consideration.

This program is for applicants intending on transferring from another institution to the Department of Art at Howard University. Enrolled Howard University students planning on transferring to Art must use the Intra-University Transfer program.

For admission to the B.F.A. degree program, applicants who plan on majoring in Studio Arts must submit a portfolio of artwork to the Department of Art. Program areas that traditionally required slides will now require digital image slides. A portfolio of 12-15 digital images of original creative works (with no more than 2-3 views of any one piece of work) must be prepared and presented through SlideRoom (URLs are also acceptable if the work is presented online in quality form). Each image must be clearly labeled with the title of the work, materials, or media of creation, size, and creation date.

PORTFOLIO SCORING GUIDE:

The faculty evaluates portfolios on a five-point scale among seven criteria.

1. Comprehension of Fundamental Elements & Principles
2. Level of Critical Thinking (Strategy & Analysis)
3. Use of Compositions to Tell Narratives
4. Aptitude for Growth in Major Area of Concentration
5. Quality of Overall Portfolio / Projects
6. Promise of Professional Growth
7. Perseverance Towards Professional Goals

An applicant's portfolio must receive a minimum average score of 3.5 out of 5 for consideration.

Students applying for acceptance into the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission into the program. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be admitted on probationary basis and may be required to take one or two undergraduate courses without credit towards the M.F.A. degree. To remove the probationary status, students must receive a satisfactory report from the instructor of such courses and must obtain a GPA average of 3.0 or better in their first semester at Howard. Failure to obtain the required GPA will result in automatic suspension of the student from the graduate program.

Applicants wishing to be considered for the Classical Studies program must demonstrate the following:  

Percussion

• Basic rudiments on snare drum, familiarity with keyboard or mallet instruments
  • Snare drum - Choose a solo by Delécluse, Whaley, Aleo, Cirone Portraits in Rhythm, or a piece of similar difficulty.
  • Two mallet or four – a piece by Bach, Sammut – Rotations for Marimba, or Gene Koshinski solo from Two are examples of acceptable style
• Trap drum set: demonstrate a knowledge of several different rhythm patterns, including Latin and swing. A piece with rhythm changes is also welcome
• Timpani: any etude from: Goodman, Modern Method for Timpani, Carroll – exercises etudes and solos for timpani, Carter – a selection from 8 solos for timpani

Instrumental

• Demonstration of proficiency on the prospective student’s chosen instrument. Scales in all major and minor keys, 3 octaves, slow and fast tempi. Two contrasting movements from a sonata or concerto.

Voice

• Two (2) memorized selections (preferably Art Songs) in contrasting styles from the 17th - 21st centuries are required. Both may be performed in English; one selection may be in a foreign language or may be a spiritual. Applicants should demonstrate a healthy vocal production, good intonation and use of dynamic contrasts, and expressiveness of the texts.  

The course of study emphasizes diversity and versatility and is designed to give students the necessary foundation to compete for professional opportunities, (upon graduation) in jazz performance, jazz education, in addition to professional opportunities in the business of music and music industry. 

Applicants wishing to be considered for the Jazz Studies program must demonstrate the following:  

Instrumental

• Demonstration of proficiency on the prospective student’s chosen instrument, basic improvisation skills as they relate to standard and contemporary jazz literature. Three (3) selections in contrasting jazz styles and tempos (e.g. med. swing, fast swing, blues, ballad, bossa nova, samba, jazz waltz etc.).

Voice

• Demonstration of proficiency in the prospective student’s chosen voice type. Three (3) selections in contrasting jazz styles and tempos (e.g. med. swing, fast swing, blues, ballad, bossa nova, samba, jazz waltz etc.). The addition of improvisation (scat singing) encouraged for at least one tune.   

Applicants wishing to be considered for Performance programs must demonstrate the following:  

Piano

• The ability to play any scale or arpeggio in moderately rapid tempo, hands together; standard studies, such as Czerny, Op. 299, Bk. 1; easier classical     sonatas; a short romantic work; and a work by Bach (equivalent to an Invention or Prelude and Fugue).  

Voice

• Applicants should demonstrate a healthy vocal production, good intonation and use of dynamic contrasts, and expressiveness of the texts. Two (2) selections of contrasting styles from memory.

Orchestral Instruments, including Saxophone and Guitar

• Demonstration of proficiency on the prospective student’s chosen instrument.  Performance of a minimum of (2), two contrasting works and/or movements from standard solo literature. Study of piano is desirable.  

All auditions must be played on the candidate's own instrument, which must be of an appropriate quality for advanced study.   

Violin Major (Performance)   

• Scales in all major and minor keys, 3 octaves, slow and fast tempi.  
• A complete etude of Kreutzer, Rode, or comparable difficulty.  
• Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach sonata or partita.   
• First movement of a major concerto written after 1750.  

 Viola Major (Performance)  

• Scales in all major and minor keys, 3 octaves, slow and fast tempi.  
• A complete etude of Kreutzer or comparable difficulty.  
• Two contrasting movements of an unaccompanied Bach suite.  
• First movement of a major concerto or other major solo.  

Violoncello Major (Performance)   

• Scales in all major and minor keys, 3 octaves, slow and fast tempi.  
• A complete etude of Popper or Duport, or a Caprice by Piatti.   
• Two contrasting movements from an unaccompanied Bach suite.   
• First movement of a major concerto (Haydn C or D Major, Saint-Saens, Boccherini, Elgar, Dvorak or similar difficulty).  

Double Bass Major (Performance)  

• Scales in all major and minor keys, 2 octaves, slow and fast tempi.  
• A complete etude of Simandl, Nanny or comparable difficulty.  
• Two contrasting movements from a Sonata or Bach Suite.  
• First movement of a concerto.  

Acting Area Audition:

We begin our audition process for consideration to be placed in our Acting area of concentration in November. The Callback audition will be held virtually and in-person. You must be invited to a callback audition. In addition, all prospective students must follow the application deadlines set by the Office of Admissions. Only students that have submitted an application will be considered for the program.

Requirements should be uploaded to your applicant portal.

-              2 videotaped contrasting monologues (classical/contemporary/drama/comedy – no poetry, original material, or film scripts)

-              Audition material should be no more than 2 minutes for each piece

-              Resume/pix: best collection of material and experience as possible

-              Upload taped/video of audition materials through your student portal.

PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

• A current headshot and resume (artistic and academic)
• 2 - 32 bar cuts of contrasting Musical Theatre repertoire (one ballad, one up-tempo)
• 1 - Contemporary monologue from a published play (90-seconds)
•  Video of dance call choreography (link below)
  • HUMT Audition Choreography 
    • Overture/All That Jazz (Album Version)
    • Music: Miramax Motion Picture Production of Chicago

VIDEOS

Video 1: SLATE
Provide the following info:

• Name
• Where you’re from
• The name of each piece
• The show or play each is from and who
• The composer/ lyricist or playwright or songwriter.

Please label each of your videos with the info from above.

Video 2: Song 1:

• One 32 bar song cut (no more than 90-seconds)

Video 3:  Song 2:

• One 32 bar song cut (no more than 90-seconds)

Video 4: Monologue

• One 90 second monologue from a published contemporary play 1940s - Present

Video 5:  Dance:

• HUMT Audition Choreography 

Video 6: Wild Card (90-seconds)

Choose from the following:

• An additional dance video showing another dance style than requested
• Answer one of the following prompts:
  • “Why Musical Theatre at Howard?”
  • “What is something you’re passionate about other than theatre?”

Reminders: 

*You must sing to either a piano, live, or instrumental track.  No a cappella submissions

• Please film singing and monologue video submissions from the waist up.
• Please film the dance video in a dance room or space without furniture and it should include the full body. 
• Film in front of a neutral background.
• Also, please ensure your voice is more present than the accompaniment.

Remember:  We are looking for talent and potential.  
Make sure each video and your material is well prepared so that we can see you.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Auditions will occur at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts directly across from Founders Library.

If you have any questions, please contact Professor Iya Ifanike Batts at iyaifanike.batts@howard.edu.

Dance Auditions

Howard University Dance Audition will include:

Ballet Barre:

• Pliè
• Tendu
• Degaggè
• Ron de jambe
• Frappè
• Adagio
• Grand battement
• Turning combination
• Petite allegro
• Grand allegro

 Modern dance:

• A modern dance center combination/solo
• A one-minute improvisation

 African dance:

• Demonstration of traditional West African dance movements. 

NOTE: If you have not had previous experience with African dance you will not be penalized. The placement will then be based on the Ballet and Modern requirements, and the interview questions below.

Dance candidates must also undergo an interview. Interview questions will include:

1. Why Howard University Dance Program?
2. While focusing on the mastery of your craft, what professional companies/national and international work are you planning to pursue in the future?
3. Howard University Dance Program is intense by itself, but in addition to the extensive amounts of dance courses, rehearsals, and so on, academic courses must also be mastered. What is your plan for time management?

If you have any questions, contact Professors Royce Zackery (royce.zackery@howard.edu) and Brandye Lee (brandye.lee@howard.edu).

Please submit your application materials through your student portal.

• Students will be invited to interview.
• Students should prepare written statement of purpose addressing their intent to study Theatre Arts Administration as well as career goals.
• Students are welcome to present work samples or documentation supporting their area of interest (optional).
• Students should submit a recent headshot.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references.
• You must email the theatre arts administration program at patrick.parks@howard.edu (subject: INTERVIEW) to set up an appointment for an interview; include return contact information.

Please submit your application materials through your student portal.

PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION AND REVIEW

We recognize that some applicants may not have been able to document their work or experiences in the theatre so we encourage students to assemble whatever materials they may have available into a portfolio. Remember that your passion and imagination can be as valuable as your experience. Your portfolio should indicate the range of your interests and accomplishments. The format for your portfolio presentation and review will be a discussion with an evaluator about your interests and experience in the theatre.

You will need to bring along:

• A recent color photograph (5x7).

• A resume listing your theatrical experience(s), educational background, hobbies, awards and special skills.

• A statement of purpose; a one-page essay indicating what you want to achieve while attending the school.

• Two letters of support recommending you to the program.

• A portfolio.
 

If you are interested in designing for the stage, your portfolio should include drawings, sketches and drafting samples; photographs of scenery, properties, costumes and lighting you may have done or helped to prepare, and/or artwork.

If you are interested in technology, please include any materials listed above and/or any paperwork such as forms or schedules you created for a show.

If you are interested in stage management, your prompt book, script(s) or any other relevant information that demonstrates your organizational skills should be brought to the review.

You must email the Area Coordinator- Anthony Gomes, at anthony.gomes@howard.edu (subject: INTERVIEW) to set up an appointment.