JUNIOR COLLEGE
PERFORMANCE & Tech SHOWCASE
JUNIOR COLLEGE SHOWCASE
The Junior College Showcase program is designed for junior students to be able to showcase themselves for colleges. This will not replace a formal college audition, but it does give students a chance to get themselves seen by the colleges and universities participating in our conference. These colleges and universities may then ask to see students at conference or further follow up.
To participate, students must be High School Juniors, inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe. You will be under the same rules as the senior Scholarship and Cash Awards, however you will not be eligible for any monetary awards. There is a $10 per person non refundable fee.
(there is no limit to the number of students that can register from each troupe)
ELIGIBILITY
To apply, students must be Juniors and members of an active troupe.
PERFORMANCE
choose one option...
1. ACTING - Perform 2 one-minute contrasting monologues.
or 2. MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform one two-minute vocal selection.
or 3. COMBINED ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform two pieces for a total time limit of up to two minutes: one acting and one vocal.
IMPORTANT: Please remember that your TOTAL performance time is 2 minutes.
Dress: Dress neatly in simple, modest outfits in black or dark colors. To understand styles that constitute this “business casual” tone, see these examples or search the web for “business casual for students.” No theatrical makeup is allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Students should refrain from wearing anything that might distract the judges, thus lowering their score.
TECH
- Technical Theatre applicants should present a technical portfolio that best illustrates their area(s) of expertise. Each student will have 5 minutes for their presentation. This presentation should be videoed and submitted.
and
There will also be 2 essay questions for you to answer...
- In 100-200 words - explain why you are interested in Tech theatre. What have your experiences been that make this important in your life?
- In 100-200 words - If you had the power, what would you change or reshape in your school’s Technical theater program?
Dress: Dress neatly in simple, modest outfits in black or dark colors. To understand styles that constitute this “business casual” tone, see these examples or search the web for “business casual for students.” No theatrical makeup is allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Students should refrain from wearing anything that might distract the judges, thus lowering their score.
Tech Portfolio questions? Here is a link to an article on How to build and present a design and production portfolio.
Performance Tips:
§ Begin with an introductory slate: name and titles of selections being performed.
§ Avoid selections with dialects, accents, or any classical material if not trained in those areas.
§ Show your range -- choose selections that showcase different aspects of your skill.
§ Selections should demonstrate your best work.
§ Highlight your ability to create a dynamic character
§ Choose a piece that allows you to tell a story -- shape, subtext, and resonance are important.
§ Rehearse your full audition, including your transition between pieces.
§ While your slate does not count toward your 2 minutes, you should still rehearse what you plan to say -- name and title of pieces are sufficient.
§ Remember to consider your blocking and physicality in addition to your text work.
§ Don't forget facial expressions!
Video Tips
Self Recording Tips
Questions ? - contact the Chapter Director
The Junior College Showcase program is designed for junior students to be able to showcase themselves for colleges. This will not replace a formal college audition, but it does give students a chance to get themselves seen by the colleges and universities participating in our conference. These colleges and universities may then ask to see students at conference or further follow up.
To participate, students must be High School Juniors, inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe. You will be under the same rules as the senior Scholarship and Cash Awards, however you will not be eligible for any monetary awards. There is a $10 per person non refundable fee.
(there is no limit to the number of students that can register from each troupe)
ELIGIBILITY
To apply, students must be Juniors and members of an active troupe.
PERFORMANCE
choose one option...
1. ACTING - Perform 2 one-minute contrasting monologues.
or 2. MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform one two-minute vocal selection.
or 3. COMBINED ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform two pieces for a total time limit of up to two minutes: one acting and one vocal.
IMPORTANT: Please remember that your TOTAL performance time is 2 minutes.
Dress: Dress neatly in simple, modest outfits in black or dark colors. To understand styles that constitute this “business casual” tone, see these examples or search the web for “business casual for students.” No theatrical makeup is allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Students should refrain from wearing anything that might distract the judges, thus lowering their score.
TECH
- Technical Theatre applicants should present a technical portfolio that best illustrates their area(s) of expertise. Each student will have 5 minutes for their presentation. This presentation should be videoed and submitted.
and
There will also be 2 essay questions for you to answer...
- In 100-200 words - explain why you are interested in Tech theatre. What have your experiences been that make this important in your life?
- In 100-200 words - If you had the power, what would you change or reshape in your school’s Technical theater program?
Dress: Dress neatly in simple, modest outfits in black or dark colors. To understand styles that constitute this “business casual” tone, see these examples or search the web for “business casual for students.” No theatrical makeup is allowed. Costumes are not allowed. Students should refrain from wearing anything that might distract the judges, thus lowering their score.
Tech Portfolio questions? Here is a link to an article on How to build and present a design and production portfolio.
Performance Tips:
§ Begin with an introductory slate: name and titles of selections being performed.
§ Avoid selections with dialects, accents, or any classical material if not trained in those areas.
§ Show your range -- choose selections that showcase different aspects of your skill.
§ Selections should demonstrate your best work.
§ Highlight your ability to create a dynamic character
§ Choose a piece that allows you to tell a story -- shape, subtext, and resonance are important.
§ Rehearse your full audition, including your transition between pieces.
§ While your slate does not count toward your 2 minutes, you should still rehearse what you plan to say -- name and title of pieces are sufficient.
§ Remember to consider your blocking and physicality in addition to your text work.
§ Don't forget facial expressions!
Video Tips
- Consider your frame (how much of your body you want to be seen). At a minimum, make sure to show inches above your head to your knees.
- If performing a song, make sure you have a solid track to use for your accompaniment:
- Pay an accompanist to record a track for you and send you an .mp3 file. Try reaching out to your local university's music or theatre department as a start.
- Find a karaoke track online. Make sure there are no vocals on the track.
- Consider where you're placing your "scene partner." You do not need to look straight into the camera.
- You may use one straight back chair and one small table in your video; additional set pieces are not allowed.
- Find an effective filming location:
- Area should be quiet so we can hear both you and your track (if applicable).
- Film in front of a non-distracting background. If possible, choose a solid-color wall or consider hanging a sheet behind you. The color should contrast with your clothing.
- Dress neatly, in all black clothing as written in the guidelines. No costumes.
- Make sure you are lit enough to be clearly visible.
- Reminders:
- Before filming, conduct a full-volume test to make sure you can be heard (and that your track can be heard).
- Ensure your blocking is effective and visible when filmed. Consider whether to decrease your movement or to adjust your camera angle.
- Shoot your video horizontally, not vertically.
- Try multiple takes and submit your strongest.
Self Recording Tips
Questions ? - contact the Chapter Director