Webster University

Art   |   Music   |   Dance   |   Theatre

If you plan to major in Art, Dance, Film Production, Music, or Theatre, you will be required to present a portfolio, audition or interview. Auditions/review dates for Spring 2013 and Fall 2013 may be found here.

Art

On the portfolio interview days, students have the opportunity to present their work in a comfortable discussion format. Typically they meet at least two members of the Department of Art faculty and are invited to tour the studios, meet with students, and attend current lectures and exhibitions. The review of the portfolio provides the basis for acceptance to Art Major course work and for financial aid recommendations. Students who are not accepted may choose to apply at a later date after building their portfolio.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must submit a portfolio to enroll in art major course work and pursue an art emphasis. Transfer students should prepare to present their highest level of work in the studio area they intend to pursue. This will help to determine final transferability of previous coursework. Students transferring from art programs at other institutions should expect to complete departmental requirements in a minimum of two years. Students currently enrolled at Webster in other departments must also submit a portfolio to begin major course studies in art.

Alternative Portfolio

Students living outside a 200 mile radius who would find an on campus review impossible may submit a portfolio by mail or email. Application forms may be downloaded, completed, and submitted in pdf or jpg format on a CD or attached to an email.

The Art Portfolio

A selection of the most representative and "best" work should be emphasized. Include work from individual initiative, as well as class projects. In addition, include a sketchbook and an 18"x24" drawing of a "hand tool" in any media. The Department of Art accepts a variety of works and recognize varied experiential levels. While actual work is preferred; large, cumbersome, fragile, or heavy work is better presented with photographic documentation. If a student chooses a digital format to present work they should bring a laptop or other display technology. The Department will be looking for work of high technical quality and originality, and interesting, complex, ambitious, and personal concepts and ideas. The ability to understand and articulate information concerning the work is also important. Please be sure your portfolio includes the following:

• a selection of 15 to 25 unique artworks
• one 18"x24" drawing of a "hand tool"
• a sketchbook

Art History and Criticism

Applicants with the intention of pursuing an emphasis in Art History and Criticism should submit a writing sample and may also wish to include a portfolio presentation. Writing samples could be essays or research papers completed in any humanities class. The interview will focus on the students interest and understanding of various forms of art.

Music

On-campus auditions are the most valuable for both auditioning students and Webster University. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a music instructor. All applicants are auditioned and interviewed by professors appropriate to the primary instrument or program of study. Auditioning students will also take a music theory placement exam and complete an evaluation of piano proficiency which assists in placing students in proper courses and does not affect department admittance. All auditioning students also undertake a brief pitch memory and sight-reading exercise.

Since applied music studies form one of the core portions of a music degree, all students audition on a primary instrument (or voice). Much of the admission decision is based on this audition!

Composition (BM, MM)

Applicants will present a portfolio of scores in various styles as well as recordings of the works from performances or electronic realizations, if possible. Scores should be formatted using a standard notation software program such as Finale or Sibelius. Applicants will also perform on their major instrument. Follow the guidelines for vocal, piano/organ, instrumental, or jazz studies.

Instrumental (BM, MM) and Orchestral Performance (MM)

Undergraduate applicants will present three works, preferably from a concerto, etude, or sonata. Selections should demonstrate technical facility, musicality, tone quality, and phrasing. MM/Orchestral Performance applicants should also prepare excerpts from the standard symphonic repertoire.

Jazz Studies (BM/Performance; BM/Music Technology; MM/Performance)

Instrumentalists will present three works: such as a blues; a standard by Ellington, Gershwin, Porter, or similar composer; or an original or contemporary work from memory to demonstrate improvisation skills. Vocalists should perform three standards from the jazz repertoire from memory. Scat singing may be requested of vocalists. Graduate applicants will perform four works from memory from the above categories. All applicants must demonstrate knowledge of basic scales and cord symbols. Drum set applicants will demonstrate an understanding of swing, Latin, fusion and other styles. A brief sight-reading demonstration may be required.

Music Education (BMEd, MM)

Applicants should follow the guidelines provided for auditions in piano, vocal or instrumental performance, or jazz studies.

Piano or Organ (BM, MM)

Piano and organ applicants should prepare a minimum of three works, performed from memory, in contrasting styles. Two selections must be from the Baroque, Classical, or Romantic periods. The third work should be from the Impressionist or contemporary periods.

Voice (BM, MM)

Freshmen applicants should prepare three songs from memory, in classical styles with at least one work in a foreign language. Sophomore applicants should prepare as above, with two songs in a foreign language. Junior applicants should prepare four works, including an aria, in contrasting languages and styles. Graduate applicants will submit previous recital programs and will be assessed on knowledge of repertoire, diction, and language phonetics. Graduate applicants will perform five works, including oratorio/opera arias and songs from the classical repertoire in four languages. Applicants may be asked to sight-sing or vocalize to assess pitch perception and tone production.

NOTE: Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance are two different programs. Musical Theatre is housed in the Department of Theatre and Dance and requires a separate audition.

Bachelor Of Arts (BA), Master Of Arts (MA)

In this degree designed for students who wish a double major outside of music, applicants should follow the guidelines for their primary instrument/interest listed above.

Music Minor

Webster requires the passage of an audition and theory placement examination for students who wish to be music minors. Follow the guidelines for the primary instrument and/or interest as given above. This audition can be completed during the freshman or sophomore year at Webster.

Church Music (MM)

Applicants will present a minimum of three works in contrasting styles from the classical or sacred repertoire for piano, voice, or organ as a major instrument. If piano or organ is not the major instrument, a demonstration of keyboard skills is required.

* Graduate Audition: Contact Dr. Glen Bauer to set a graduate audition, 314-968-7037; bauerga@webster.edu.

* Any questions regarding the music department's audition requirement and your preparation should be directed to Dr. Jeffrey Carter at 314-968-7033; jeffreycarter67@webster.edu.

Dance

The Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts at Webster University offers a complete major in dance performance. Although the program is ballet-based, equally strong training is offered in modern, jazz, and tap forms. Other offerings such as anatomy, choreography, dance history, and dance costuming and construction supplements the curriculum. Dance majors explore the entire spectrum of dance from classical ballet to theatrical applications of jazz and tap. The goal of the department is to prepare students for careers in performance, choreography, private instruction, and for entrance into the master of fine arts programs.

Dance Audition Process

Acceptance to the Dance Program as a degree-seeking student is by audition. Auditions are held on campus throughout the year and are conducted in the form of classes, a performance, and an interview. The classes will consist of ballet and modern techniques. It is preferable that applicants have a solid background in ballet. Each dancer must wear a leotard and tights and should be prepared for the following:

• Interview to discuss career goals and dance background
• Submission of Dance Resume
• Performance of approximately three minutes of choreography. This is a solo of the applicant's choice, either self-choreographed or a work set on the applicant. The setting for viewing is informal, in the studio. (No tap, please.)
• Participation in a Ballet and Modern Technique Class, and perhaps Jazz

If the applicant is unable to audition in person, a video/DVD of his/her work will be accepted, although auditioning in person is preferred. If sending a video/DVD please mail it to the Office of Admission, Attn: Admission Events Coordinator, 470 East Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119. The applicant is notified through the Office of Admission regarding their admittance to the Dance Program. For more information regarding the audition process please go to www.webster.edu/dance.

Theatre

Acting

For regional theatre auditioners check-in commences promptly at 8:30 a.m. Students will participate in special workshops given by members of the acting faculty. No advance preparation for these workshops is needed. After the workshops the student will be asked to perform the audition pieces. The student may also be asked to do various exercises and improvisations at this time, and should be prepared to discuss his or her work on the audition pieces.

Monologues

As a prospective acting major you must prepare two monologues not to exceed three minutes combined.

The selections should be of a contrasting nature. Choose characters close to yourself in age from scripts written after 1930. Monologues must be memorized and fully prepared. Do not plan a long and involved introduction to your scene. Simply announce the name of the play and character and begin.

• Do not select Shakespeare or classical pieces.
• Do not do extreme characterizations of body, voice, or speech (extreme age, illness, insanity, etc.). The characters should be as natural, real, and as close to you in real life as you can imagine.
• Do not use a dialect or accent. Use your own speech, even if the character would normally speak with an accent.
• Props and Costumes: Costumes and props are not necessary. We will provide you with a basic table and chair arrangement if you need it.

Clothing

On-campus—Auditioning students should come to audition dressed in comfortable clothes that will permit freedom of movement. You will be given the opportunity to change clothes before presenting your monologues. Clothing for the monologues should present you at your best.

Off-campus—Since workshops are not conducted, auditioning students should wear clothes that are appropriate for their monologue presentations.

Musical Theatre

For On-Campus auditions, musical theatre check-in commences promptly at 8:30 a.m. Students will participate in special workshops given by members of the acting faculty. No advance preparation for these workshops is needed. After the workshops the student will be asked to perform the audition pieces. The student may also be asked to do various exercises and improvisations at this time, and should be prepared to discuss his or her work on the audition pieces.

As a prospective musical theatre major, you must also prepare: two contrasting 16 measure musical theatre selections to provide substantial information on vocal quality and range; and for on-campus auditioners, participate in a group dance audition.

Monologues and Songs

As a prospective musical theatre major you must prepare two monologues not to exceed three minutes combined. In addition, students must present two contrasting 16 measure musical theatre selections to provide substantial information on vocal quality and range.

The monologues should be of a contrasting nature. Choose characters close to yourself in age from scripts written after 1930. Monologues must be memorized and fully prepared. Do not plan a long and involved introduction to your scene. Simply announce the name of the play and character and begin.

• Do not select Shakespeare or classical pieces.
• Do not do extreme characterizations of body, voice, or speech (extreme age, illness, insanity, crippled, etc.). The characters should be as natural, real, and as close to you in real life as you can imagine.
• Do not use a dialect or accent. Use your own speech, even if the character would normally speak with an accent.
• Props and Costumes: Costumes and props are not necessary. We will provide you with a basic table and chair arrangement if you need it.

Singing

On-campus and Chicago auditions—accompanist will be provided.

Off-campus—auditioners should present their vocal selections with recorded accompaniment. Off-campus auditioners must additionally provide a CD or DVD containing two musical selections of contrasting nature. This will be submitted to the musical theatre faculty for their evaluation.

Clothing

On-campus—Auditioning students should come to audition dressed in comfortable clothes that will permit freedom of movement. You will be given the opportunity to change clothes before presenting your monologues. Clothing for the monologues should present you at your best.

Off-campus—Since workshops are not conducted, auditioning students should wear clothes that are appropriate for their monologue presentations.

Directing

To be considered for the Webster Directing Program, the candidate will need to schedule an interview/audition. These can be scheduled on specific dates either on or off-campus.

For information on these dates and admission requirements call or email the university admissions office at:

314-246-4216
1-800-753-6765
email: pbaygents80@webster.edu.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Doug Finlayson, Head of Directing at finlaydo@webster.edu.

Requirements for the Audition/Interview

1. Two Contemporary Monologues. These should be realism and should not exceed three (3) minutes combined. They will be performed for a Webster faculty member.
2. A Portfolio. Any theatre experiences should be represented. If you have directed a play or scene or assisted on a project, bring materials from that work (pictures, video, promptbook, program, etc). We also understand that students interested in the directing program might have little or no formal directing experience. For that reason the portfolio might also include work in other arts such as acting, design, choreography, opera, singing, photography, video, film, painting, design or writing. Share your artistic interests.
3. Write an Essay. Using images and words, create a 750-1000 word essay on ONE of the following topics. This should be a separate essay from the one required by the University. The following are suggestions for this essay:
   • Tell a compelling story from your life (or someone you know) and describe how you would bring it to the stage.
   • What surprises/inspires you most about your experiences with live performance and give an example of how you might create such a moment yourself?
   • Describe how you would go about sharing your passion for the theatre with children and give an example of a project you could direct to demonstrate that passion.

Design/Tech

Applicants in any of the design or technical production areas must present a portfolio which should indicate the variety and calibre of their work in fine arts or theatre. Such a portfolio might consist of the following:

Letters of recommendation from two persons familiar with the individual's work should be included.

On-campus interviews are scheduled individually. For more information on what the interview process is like, click here.

Off-campus interviews are held on the regularly scheduled audition days.

Stage Management

Applicants interested in the stage management area must present a portfolio which should indicate the variety and calibre of their work in fine arts or theatre. A portfolio should include:

• A production book
• Any information that demonstrates the student's achievements and abilities
• Recommendations from individuals who are familiar with the student's work

On-campus interviews are scheduled individually. This allows the Conservatory faculty the opportunity to spend more time with the prospective student. For on-campus stage management interviews, Thursday afternoons are preferred.

Off-campus interviews are held on the regularly scheduled audition days.