Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
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Undergraduate

Required of All Applicants

Application Deadlines

Fall 2012 Deadlines:

December 1, 2011 – Deadline for freshmen applicants applying for scholarship consideration

January 15, 2012 – Deadline for freshmen applicants

January 15, 2012 – Deadline for transfer applicants to the performing arts

April 1, 2012 – Deadline for transfer applicants to visual arts and design departments

VCUarts continues to review applications until all spots are filled. Freshman applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline will receive a decision by April 1st. Transfer / Readmit applicants to visual arts and design departments that submit complete applications by the deadline will receive a decision by June 1st.

ALL application components, including portfolio, audition, or essays, should be submitted by the deadline. Applicant materials can be submitted in any order. Your full legal name must be used when submitting all materials.

Spring 2012 Deadline:

November 1, 2011 – Deadline for all applicants to Dance and Theatre technical tracks (Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scene Design and Stage Management).

Applications for all other majors in the School of the Arts are accepted for fall semesters only.

Online Application

There is only one application to apply to VCUarts at Virginia Commonwealth University.

All applicants must apply online using the university’s application.

Applicants may only submit one application to ONE major. Admitted students can request additional major/minor(s) during their first semester.

Admissions decisions are made by VCUarts faculty review committees. Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including required supplemental materials have been received (portfolio, audition or essay).

Be sure to log back into your application periodically to monitor your application checklist and status.

VCU Undergraduate Application for Admissions

Official Transcripts

Freshman applicants are required to submit an up-to-date school transcript and a completed and signed High School Transcript Request form. GED holders must submit their official GED scores.

Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript from each accredited college or university attended, including summer schools. If fewer than 30 semester (45 quarter) hours have been completed, applicants must also submit high school transcripts.

All foreign transcripts must be official and submitted in the original language. If the original language is not English, an official translation must be submitted along with the transcript.

Transcripts must arrive in sealed envelopes signed across the seal by official high school, university or college registrars. The Transcript Information form (PDF) can be downloaded here: http://www.ugrad.vcu.edu/pdfs/transcript_request.pdf

Official transcripts for undergraduate domestic applicants should be mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526

Official Test Scores

SAT or ACT scores are required for students younger than 22 and/or have completed fewer than 30 college level credits. Only official scores will be accepted. Electronic scores from the CollegeBoard or ACT are preferred.

Request your scores from CollegeBoard (school code: 5570):
sat.collegeboard.com/

Request your scores from ACT (school code: 4379):
actstudent.org/scores/send/

Applicants whose native language is one other than English should submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in addition to any other required test scores.

Reference Form

Reference Form: to be filled out by your recommender(s)

VCUarts applicants are required to have one (maximum of three) online references submitted by their recommender of choice. Choose the person best qualified to assess your ability to be successful at VCUarts. Preferably, your recommender will be your art teacher. If you did not have an art teacher, please select a counselor or employer who is able to assess your abilities.

Email the link below to your recommender along with your full LEGAL name, birth date, email address and major of interest. Your recommender should rank your abilities and copy and paste their reference letter into the online form.

VCUarts Online Reference Form

Your Online Admissions Portfolio

Create or View Your Online Portfolio

A portfolio is required for applications to the following areas of study:

  • Art Foundation
  • Art Education
  • Communication Arts
  • Craft / Material Studies
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Kinetic Imaging
  • Painting + Printmaking
  • Photography and Film
  • Sculpture + Extended Media
  • Theatre (Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Scene Design only)

For more details and instructions on how to submit your portfolio, view the Requirements Specific to Your VCUarts Application Major below and select your desired major.

If you have already created a portfolio you may view it here

For Scholarship Consideration: Deadline is December 1st

Scholarship Essay

Each fall, the Undergraduate Scholarship Program grants financial awards to outstanding students entering VCUarts. Selection of scholars is made on the basis of merit in the area of academic achievement and artistic talent.

Scholarships are awarded to fall semester applicants only. Students who wish to be considered for a scholarship must submit an essay. We also encourage all applicants seeking scholarship consideration to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The scholarship deadline for undergraduate freshmen is December 1st.

For scholarship consideration, students must write a one- to two-page essay on one of the following topics:

1) Compose “Page 87” of your autobiography. In this essay, consider where your life story would be at this point.

2) Describe the most challenging obstacle you’ve faced and what you did to overcome it. What did you learn from the experience?

Essays must be submitted in the “Essay Questions” section of the online application. There is a 32,000 character limit.

Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Requirements Specific to Your VCUarts Application Major

Art Foundation

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Art Education – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Art History – BA

Research Paper Required

Art History applicants are required to submit a research paper as a writing sample with their online application. Essays must be submitted in the “Essay Questions” section of the online application. There is a 32,000 character limit. International applicants submit your essay with your application packet or email to arts@vcu.edu.

Communication Arts – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Craft / Material Studies – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Dance – BFA

Audition / Interview

Dance and choreography applicants are required to audition for the Department of Dance and Choreography faculty at the VCU Dance Center. The audition includes a ballet barre, modern center and improvisation.

After submitting all required documentation and materials, please complete a Online Audition Request.

Audition Dates

  • February 24, 2012 – 10:00-4:00 pm
  • March 9, 2012 – 10:00-4:00 pm

 

Preparing for Your Audition

  • In the months prior to the audition, attending regular modern dance classes is highly recommended. You want to be in your best dancing shape. If you do not have access to modern dance, take ballet and/or jazz technique classes.
  • Get plenty of rest prior to the audition.
  • Eat breakfast the day of the audition and bring a snack. Low blood sugar can hold you back from your best performance.
  • Drink water so you are hydrated during the audition.

About the Audition

The VCU Dance audition consists of a ballet barre, a modern center and an improvisation. Students come to VCU Dance auditions with a wide range of experience in dance improvisation. If you have little experience in this area, do not let it deter you. Come with an open mind, listen and be ready to take risks while playing with movement ideas.

  • You do not need to present a prepared solo.
  • Please wear appropriate attire: Women wear leotard and tights, unitard or dancewear that allows us to see your body. Men wear tights and tee-shirt or dance wear that allows us to see your body.
  • Bring ballet shoes to wear during the ballet barre. The modern center is barefoot.
  • Approach the audition with a positive, open attitude. Avoid letting mistakes throw you. We are not looking for perfection. We want to see how you deal with the challenges we present to you. We want to see how you move!
  • Breathe…and, whatever happens, keep going, stay with the moment and enjoy dancing.

Audition schedule

  • 10:00 am – Sign-in and welcome in the Dance Center Lobby
  • 10:30 am – Auditionees and family members may watch class, studio 203
  • 11:30 am – Auditionees warm-up on their own, studio 105
  • 12:00 pm – Audition, studio 203
  • 2:30 pm – Departmental Presentation with refreshments
  • 3:30 pm – Campus tour
  • 8:00 pm – Evening Performance (no performance on March 9, 2012)

Fashion Design – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Fashion Merchandising – BA

There are no additional requirements for Fashion Merchandising applicants.

Film BA (Cinema)

Film Concept

Tell us a story you would like to tell on film: (narrative film concepts only; no documentary; be succinct and specific; maximum length 200 words).

Personal Statement

Write a one to two page essay on “Education and Life: A Personal Statement.” In this essay, discuss your educational goals, including why you wish to study your chosen major. This essay should directly and creatively address your interest in film and any other academic interests that could evolve into a second major.

Optional Supplemental Materials:

If you have written a screenplay, we ask that you send the first 10 pages and title page as an additional writing sample. After submitting your online application, email your screenplay to arts@vcu.edu with your full name and birthdate.

Graphic Design – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Interior Design – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Kinetic Imaging – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Music – BA, BM

Audition/Interview

Music applicants are required to audition for the Department of Music faculty. Applicants should prepare two compositions or movements in contrasting styles from the standard repertoire for their instrument. The combined pieces should total no more than 10 minutes in length. Applicants must bring original sheet music to their audition. Sight reading, a short music theory test, a keyboard skills assessment and an interview will also be part of the audition.

After submitting all required documentation and materials, please complete a Online Audition Request.

Audition Tips by Instrument

Music Audition Dates

  • Jan. 28, 2012, 8 am (Audition registration deadline January 20)
  • Feb. 18, 2012, 8 am (Audition registration deadline February 10)
  • Feb. 20, 2012, 8 am (Audition registration deadline February 10)

Vocal Auditions

Vocal auditions: Excerpts from choral selections, rock, jazz and popular songs as well as a cappella auditions are not acceptable. If you would like VCU to provide an accompanist, send a copy of your music at least two weeks before the audition date to the VCU Department of Music, P.O. Box 842004, Richmond, VA 23284-2004. Prerecorded accompaniment is not permitted.

Jazz Studies Auditions

Audition pieces may be played solo or with accompaniment provided by a VCU faculty member or play along CD. For jazz drum set auditions, students are required to bring their own cymbals, hi-hat clutch, sticks and brushes, and will be asked to perform various jazz grooves (swing, bossa nova, Afro-Cuban, etc.) rather than perform any prepared pieces.

Music Theory Placement

Each prospective music student must take a written diagnostic exam to determine his or her placement within the music theory course offerings. Students must also complete a short aural and rhythmic skill evaluation that determines the student’s overall musicianship. This evaluative process takes about 30 minutes to complete and is usually scheduled around the student’s audition time. Click here for more information.

Painting + Printmaking – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Photography and Film – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Sculpture + Extended Media – BFA

Students spend two semesters in Art Foundation prior to entering the following majors: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.

Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.

When applying, you may choose Art Foundation as your major OR your future intended major (one of the majors listed above). If the review committee determines that you have completed the Art Foundation Program requirements, then your application will be reviewed by your major of interest.

Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including the portfolio, have been received.

Portfolio

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website. We cannot accept physical portfolios.

Submit your portfolio here.

Theatre – BFA, BA

Audition / Interview

All Theatre VCU applicants, including Performance, Design/Technology, Stage Management, will be interviewed by one or more faculty members. The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences.

After submitting all required documentation and materials, please complete a Online Audition / Interview Request.

Audition/Interview Dates

  • December 2, 2011 (12-6 pm)
  • February 3, 2012 (12-6 pm)
  • February 10, 2012 (12-6 pm)
  • February 17, 2012 (12-6 pm)
  • February 24, 2012 (12-6 pm)

Performance Auditions

Prepare two contrasting (one comedic and one dramatic) one-minute monologues from published play scripts. Choose something in an appropriate age range that does not contain a dialect. Secure assistance in the preparation of audition materials.

Be sure to bring a resume and headshot to the audition. Introduce the audition pieces by only the play’s author, title and the character’s name (background on the scene or plot is not necessary). Maintain a positive attitude, dress professionally yet comfortably and, most importantly – have fun!

We find that the following playwrights are generally overdone or are more difficult for high school seniors to deliver successfully: Mamet, O’Neill, Pinter, Shakespeare, Shepard and Williams.

Portfolio requirements for Stage Management

Stage management applicants are required to submit a production prompt book. If an applicant does not have a prompt book or desires to send additional information, then the applicant should submit a portfolio online. The portfolio should consist of (12-16 images) of theatrical work (paperwork, show designs, etc). Your portfolio must be submitted online through our website.

Portfolio Requirements for Costume Design, Lighting Design and Scene Design

Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

Images maybe submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF

Videos maybe submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI. All videos must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

Portfolios for technical / design tracks must be submitted online through our website.

 

 

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VCUarts
Virginia Commonwealth University | School of the Arts
325 North Harrison Street, PO Box 842519
Richmond, VA 23284-2519
arts@vcu.edu
Phone: 804-VCU-ARTS (804-828-2787) | 866-534-3201 (toll free)
Fax: 804-828-6469

© 2012 - VCUarts. All Rights Reserved.
Site last updated May 16, 2012 @ 8:06 pm