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:  

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/Placement:

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. In addition, all prospective students must follow the application deadlines set by the Office of Admissions.

All materials for auditions must be received for prescreening by Tuesday, November 8th.  If selected, you will be notified about a callback for potential placement virtually.

Requirements should be uploaded to your student portal via the common application.

-              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 Video Audition: Due by Wednesday, November 8th

In-Person Callback Audition: Saturday, November 11th

9:00am – 2:00pm
 

Virtual Callback Audition: Saturday, November 18th

9:00am – 2:00pm

All students must apply for Early Decision (binding) or Early Action (non-binding) by November 15, 2023.

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 (1 minute)
•  Video of dance call choreography (link below)

o   HUMT | Dance Call

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.

Video 2: Song 1

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

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 | Dance Call

Clothing

1. NO JEWELRY
2. Leotard
3. Tights
4. Jazz pants

Shoes (bring what you have from the below)

5. Ballet shoes
6. Jazz shoes
7. Character shoes
8. Sneakers

Video 6: WildCard  (no longer than 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 track, live piano, 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.

Post by September 29th and submissions due by October 27th

In person callback list submitted by November 3rd, 2023

-----------------------

AUDITION DATES (In – person)

November 17th Virtual Callbacks

November 18 & 19

AUDITION 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 (1 minute) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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

Reminder:

• Must have printed out music in a 3 ring binder
• The music must have proper cuts marked on the music
• Prepare One Monologue from a contemporary published play -90 seconds long
• Please bring your book with additional song selections in case we ask for another piece of material.
• Please prepare an additional monologue just in case we ask for it.

The dance call will take place in person. Please see the dance attire listed below.

Clothing

1. NO JEWELRY
2. Leotard
3. Tights
4. Jazz pants

Shoes (bring what you have from the below)

5. Ballet shoes
6. Jazz shoes
7. Character shoes
8. Sneakers

If your family cannot travel or have any questions, please contact us at iyaifanike.batts@howard.edu

Pre-Screening Video: Due by Friday, November 10th
 

Virtual Callback Audition: Friday, November 17th

6:30pm – 9:30pm
 

In-Person Callback Audition: Saturday, November 18th

8:30am – 12:30pm

In-Person Callback Audition: Sunday, November 19th

11:30am – 3:30pm

Dance Audition/ Placements Dates:

Sunday, November 5, 2023

A Sample of what will be required to be demonstrated in the Dance Placement submission is below. 

Placement Dates are listed above. If you have any questions, contact Professors Royce Zackery (royce.zackery@howard.edu) and Brandye Lee (brandye.lee@howard.edu)  Please bring your resume and headshot to the audition/placement session.

Virtual Option:  In person auditions are encouraged. However, if you are unable to make the in-person audition dates above. Through your student portal, please upload your video submission of the dance techniques below by 5:00 pm EST on Wednesday, November 15th.

Howard University Dance Audition/ Placements 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?

Video Audition submission: Due by Wednesday, November 15th
 

In-Person Audition: Sunday, November 5th

9:00am – 2:00pm

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.

• Students must show a high promise of success in undergraduate study as demonstrated by an essay, interview and documentation of work experience in the field.
• To apply for consideration for acceptance into the minor concentration interested students must submit via email (in Microsoft Word): 
  • a resume
  • the first 10 pages of a play or a screenplay 
  • one(1) letter of recommendation from appropriate academic or professional references
  • a 2 page essay stating why you wish to study playwriting. (Discuss your interests, your background in the theatre, the playwrights and productions that have influenced you and how you want to impact both stage and screen.)
• Please email the requested materials to Professor Hart, coordinator for the playwriting minor at djhart@howard.edu to set up an appointment for an interview; include return contact information.