Hello splinter33-ga:
Here's the most specific criteria I found for evaluating a potential
drama student:
"Milwaukee High School of the Arts Theatre Department Admissions
Rubric:
Performance Audition/Interview
I. Performance of memorized monologue selection from one of the six
provided
by the department. The rubric is designed to score the actors using a
scale of 0 through 4; with (4) being the highest achievement and (0)
being the lowest.
Students will be adjudicated on the following items:
A. Memorization: To commit to memory. To know by heart.
4 = completely memorized, fluent.
3 = accomplished at memorization
2 = some omissions.
1 = significant omissions
0 = not memorized
B. Vocalization: The proper use of vocal techniques.
This would include: inflection, volume, projection, diction,
articulation, etc.
4 = clear, articulate, inflective. Exemplary control of
vocal
techniques.
3 = has control of techniques.
2 = demonstrates some control of techniques.
1 = demonstrates minimal control of techniques.
0 = non-audible, monotone.
C. Interpretation: The discovery and determination of meaning in a
literary work.
1. Emotional - The 'feeling' of the material.
The sensitivity and understanding of the playwright's
intent.
4 = understanding and appropriate connection of the
material.
3 = some understanding and connection to the material.
2 = demonstrates basic understanding of the material.
1 = demonstrates minimal understanding of the emotional
material.
0 = no emotional connection with the material.
2. Physical - The ability to move with the piece.
This would include physical gestures appropriate to the
selection.
4 = exemplary use of gestures and movement have physical
techniques.
3 = demonstrates control of the techniques.
2 = demonstrates basic physical techniques and connection
with the
material.
1 = demonstrates minimal control of physical techniques.
0 = no gestures and total lack of movement.
D. Re-Direct - A director will change the original presentation of
the actor and ask to see the selection using a different
interpretation, location or preliminary situation. Here we will
measure creativity and spontaneity and whether or not a student can
'change' and follow direction.
4 = comprehends and executes new direction.
3 = some change is executed with new direction.
2 = attempts to show changes with new direction.
1 = demonstrates minimal attempt at change with new
direction.
0 = no change.
II. Resume - A resume can be sometimes called the actors 'calling
card'. It is a brief account of one's experience, qualifications and
talents. Any and all experiences that you have had may be included.
(We have provided a sample
resume to use as a worksheet).
4 =exemplary use of organization. Followed format provided.
3 = demonstrates good organization skills in providing
information.
2 = basic information provided
1 = minimal organization skill.
0 = task not done.
III. Essay - A multi-paragraph writing sample in the form of an
essay.
The topic will be provided by the Theatre Department.
4 =Student powerfully communicates his/her ideas and
thoughts.
3 = Student clearly communicates his/her ideas and thoughts.
2 = Student expresses ideas and thoughts.
1 = Student lacks clarity when expressing an idea or
thought.
0 = Task not done."
The above criteria was found at:
http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/mhsa/audition.html
Some other useful sites include:
The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute:
"Believability
Suitability/understanding/control of material
Vocal quality
Movement/stage presence"
From: http://www.okartinst.org/osai_acting.html
Julliard's evaluators for its drama school look for these qualities:
"A serious commitment to an acting career in the professional theater.
A potential for vital, individualistic, trainable growth—regarded as
more important than the applicant’s present state of technical
accomplishment.
Energy, openness of mind, enthusiasm, and a readiness to take risks.
A body, voice, and imaginative/emotional powers promising significant
dramatic development.
A potential for identification with the thought process of a text.
A generosity of spirit essential to ensemble playing.
A sense of humor, a sense of language, a sense of rhythm, and a
capacity for sustained concentration.
A readiness for hard, rigorous work.
All applicants must be completely fluent in written and spoken
English."
http://www.juilliard.edu/admissions/entrance_drama.html
The North Atlanta High School's Center For The Performing Arts looks
for these qualities in potential acting students:
"Auditions will be scored based on the following criteria, rated 1-5:
Vocal skills ( diction, volume, clarity, pitch, variety)
Emotional connection (honesty, and believability in display of
emotion)
Focus (facing front, acting opposite an imaginary other character)
Physical self (body responsive, open to impulse)
Clear choices made (different levels, variety in choices, no
subtlety)"
http://www.northatlantahigh.org/CPA/Drama/audition_requirements.htm
This October 4, 1996 Yale-Herald article "Backstage at Yale Drama
Admissions," offers some insights into how certain applicants make the
grade -- very often on auditioners' gut instincts, not just technical
proficiency: "Although auditioners look for things as specific as use
of movement and as elusive as a sense of humor," according to Yale's
Director of the Acting Department, Earle Gister, "the bottom line
remains talent and imagination. Once you've experienced it, you can
recognize it very quickly." . . . . " Another excerpt: "Gister said,
'You make your decision based on your own aesthetic.' Or as Lee put
it: 'There's no objective standards on talent.' Nevertheless, getting
into the Yale School of Drama is a standard most theater professionals
recognize or covet. 'People try to put a finger on it,' said Jackson
of admissions, 'but there's no real formula.'"
http://www.yaleherald.com/archive/xxii/10.4.96/ae/drama.html
This Help Guide, written by actor and acting instructor Doug Moston
details which qualities auditioners (such as directors) prize most in
actors. See "Audition Checklist" and "Audition Strategies":
http://members.tripod.com/~folio1/aud.htm
The Drama Teacher's Resource Room
has a discussion board that may be helpful. Register here:
http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/erachi/page29.html
Search strings used: "theatre drama 'assessing audition'"
"School Performing Arts audition requirements"
"drama audition criteria"
I hope this information is useful. If this material doesn't fully
answer your question, please let me know and I'll gladly seek
additional information for you.
Regards,
nancylynn-ga |
