Senior Scholarships
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND CASH AWARDS
ELIGIBILITY
To apply, students must be High School Seniors, inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe. No more than 3 performance and 3 tech applicants per troupe may apply. There is a $10 non refundable fee.
(limit of 3 performance and 3 tech applicants per troupe)
All scholarship money will be distributed through EdTA headquarters. Recipients will be contacted by EdTA around the end of the school year. The money will be sent directly to the recipient's college/university financial aide director. Cash awards of will be granted directly to the recipient.
AWARD INFORMATION
Each applicant may only audition in ONE of the following areas (if you select a scholarship category and do not win the scholarship, you will automatically be considered for a Cash Award):
PERFORMANCE AUDITION INFORMATION
choose one option...
1. ACTING - Perform two one-minute contrasting monologues.
or 2. MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform one two-minute vocal selection. Use an accompaniment that doesn't include other vocals. No a cappella auditions.
or 3. COMBINED ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform two pieces for a total time limit of up to two minutes: one acting and one vocal. Use an accompaniment that doesn't include other vocals. No a cappella auditions.
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.
TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
- 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 JUDGING RUBRIC
Characterization - Does the student have a clear understanding of who? Is it honest and consistent? Is the physicality appropriate?
Interpretation - Does the student understand the character’s objective? Are the choices clear and appropriate?)
Tempo - Does the performance retain your attention? Is the pace appropriate?
Voice/Projection/Diction or Physical Expression - MUSICAL/MONOLOGUE - Is the student projecting, easy to understand? Is the student on pitch, well rehearsed, and prepared? or DANCE - Is the content of the material expressed creatively and clearly through movement? Does the performance show a clear understanding of dance technique and style?
Overall Effectiveness - What is the impact of the performance? Is the student confident, motivated, creative, inspired? Does the performance lack stamina? Is it consistent?
(DEDUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN for going over time limit, and failing to wear ‘dress black’ clothing. Be advised!! Students whose performances run over the two-minute time limit will be docked 1 point for every 2 seconds over the 2 minute time.)
Technical Judging Rubric
Interpretation and Design - Is the student organized and precise, presenting information in the portfolio that is meaningful to and shows understanding of the productions. Does the student’s work enhance the vision of the production team? Does the Portfolio exhibit work designed/completed by this student?
Aesthetics - Does the demonstrate leadership and artistic vision in his/her work? Is the design aesthetic clear? Has the student had a significant impact on the productions presented in the portfolio, and does the portfolio reflect aesthetic vision? Is the portfolio itself aesthetically pleasing, well organized, and clear?
Overall Presentation - Has the student demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the production/work presented in the portfolio? Does the student justify and explain the synthesis and development of technical work achieved over a period of time?
Questions ? – contact Christina McGovern - cmcgovern@ridleysd.org
NOTE: the PERFORMANCE and TECH SCHOLARSHIP awards are ONLY available to students who are planning to major or minor in some area of the performing arts. Other seniors are eligible for the CASH AWARDS. (If you apply for a Scholarship, you will also automatically be considered for a Cash Award if you do not receive a Scholarship.)
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
Preparing Your Technical Presentation
For technical presentations, students will upload portfolio samples and provide written responses.
Presenting Your Online PortfolioYou will be asked to share your portfolio as you would for an in-person presentation. Please upload the material asked for in the submission form in accordance with the program guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY
To apply, students must be High School Seniors, inducted Thespians and members of an active troupe. No more than 3 performance and 3 tech applicants per troupe may apply. There is a $10 non refundable fee.
(limit of 3 performance and 3 tech applicants per troupe)
All scholarship money will be distributed through EdTA headquarters. Recipients will be contacted by EdTA around the end of the school year. The money will be sent directly to the recipient's college/university financial aide director. Cash awards of will be granted directly to the recipient.
AWARD INFORMATION
Each applicant may only audition in ONE of the following areas (if you select a scholarship category and do not win the scholarship, you will automatically be considered for a Cash Award):
- Performance Scholarship - up to three $1,000 scholarships will be available only to students who are planning to major or minor in some area of the performing arts.
- Performance Cash Award - $200 performance awards will be available to any senior who may or may not be planning to major or minor in the performing arts.
- Tech Scholarship - up to two $1,000 scholarships will be available only to students who are planning to major or minor in some area of the performing arts.
- Tech Cash Award - $200 tech awards will be available to any senior who may or may not be planning to major or minor in the performing arts.
PERFORMANCE AUDITION INFORMATION
choose one option...
1. ACTING - Perform two one-minute contrasting monologues.
or 2. MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform one two-minute vocal selection. Use an accompaniment that doesn't include other vocals. No a cappella auditions.
or 3. COMBINED ACTING/MUSICAL THEATRE - Perform two pieces for a total time limit of up to two minutes: one acting and one vocal. Use an accompaniment that doesn't include other vocals. No a cappella auditions.
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.
TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
- 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 JUDGING RUBRIC
Characterization - Does the student have a clear understanding of who? Is it honest and consistent? Is the physicality appropriate?
Interpretation - Does the student understand the character’s objective? Are the choices clear and appropriate?)
Tempo - Does the performance retain your attention? Is the pace appropriate?
Voice/Projection/Diction or Physical Expression - MUSICAL/MONOLOGUE - Is the student projecting, easy to understand? Is the student on pitch, well rehearsed, and prepared? or DANCE - Is the content of the material expressed creatively and clearly through movement? Does the performance show a clear understanding of dance technique and style?
Overall Effectiveness - What is the impact of the performance? Is the student confident, motivated, creative, inspired? Does the performance lack stamina? Is it consistent?
(DEDUCTIONS WILL BE GIVEN for going over time limit, and failing to wear ‘dress black’ clothing. Be advised!! Students whose performances run over the two-minute time limit will be docked 1 point for every 2 seconds over the 2 minute time.)
Technical Judging Rubric
Interpretation and Design - Is the student organized and precise, presenting information in the portfolio that is meaningful to and shows understanding of the productions. Does the student’s work enhance the vision of the production team? Does the Portfolio exhibit work designed/completed by this student?
Aesthetics - Does the demonstrate leadership and artistic vision in his/her work? Is the design aesthetic clear? Has the student had a significant impact on the productions presented in the portfolio, and does the portfolio reflect aesthetic vision? Is the portfolio itself aesthetically pleasing, well organized, and clear?
Overall Presentation - Has the student demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the production/work presented in the portfolio? Does the student justify and explain the synthesis and development of technical work achieved over a period of time?
Questions ? – contact Christina McGovern - cmcgovern@ridleysd.org
NOTE: the PERFORMANCE and TECH SCHOLARSHIP awards are ONLY available to students who are planning to major or minor in some area of the performing arts. Other seniors are eligible for the CASH AWARDS. (If you apply for a Scholarship, you will also automatically be considered for a Cash Award if you do not receive a Scholarship.)
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
Preparing Your Technical Presentation
For technical presentations, students will upload portfolio samples and provide written responses.
Presenting Your Online PortfolioYou will be asked to share your portfolio as you would for an in-person presentation. Please upload the material asked for in the submission form in accordance with the program guidelines.
- Each of your samples should be clear and quality -- good production or process photos, or easily readable documents.
- Uploads should be well-photographed or clearly readable. Though you will be able to expand in the written response, the sample should be able to speak for itself to a certain extent.
- Think about what you would say or prepare for your in-person presentation and do your best to recreate that in this virtual setting.
- Answer each question fully and clearly:
- This is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the job/role and an opportunity for you to explain your work/process.
- Remember - your responses to these questions account for a significant portion of your final score.
- Re-read your responses before submitting.