Scene Designers

After Bachelor's Degree:

A. Six matted renderings in color on a board of a standard size where possible. Recommended size - 20"x 24". Renderings should show versatility in mediums used, and style. They should clearly show the use of light in the design.

B. Models or photographs of models might be included in lieu of some of the renderings. Models should be indicative of the techniques used on the set itself.

C. Floor plans for each rendering or model. Full size scaled floor plans should be available, but photo reductions may be used in a portfolio. Include shift plot for multi-set shows.

D. Sample construction drawings for one or more of the above productions. Drawings should show drafting skills and knowledge of standards used in theatre.

E. Property drawings or renderings for one of the above productions.

After Master's Degree:

A. At least twelve designs in color as indicated above. Combinations of renderings and models should be used. The designs should display a knowledge of style and techniques of presentation in a variety of situations: proscenium, arena, etc. Ability to stage a multi-scene production should be shown.

B. Floor plans, as above.

C. Working drawings, front elevations, cross sections, and detail s for at least one of the above productions.

D. Painter's elevations for drop, show curtain or other scenic item for one of the above productions. Examples of wood paneling, molding, marble and foliage should be shown.

E. Property drawings or renderings, as above.

F. Color photographs or slides of all of the above.

G. In general, the portfolio should display a knowledge of architectural styles, research ability in historical detail, a range of painting and rendering styles, and a dramatic flair and imagination.

Costume Designers

After Bachelor's Degree:

A. A series of individual sketches indicating familiarity with historical periods and the principle lines of costume for those periods.

B. A series of color renderings, swatched, showing costumes for a small cast play or for one scene of a large cast or multiple scene production. These plates should be complete in every detail and be so drawn as to indicate cut, trim, fastenings, accessories, etc., that may be required.

C. At least six detail drawings of such items as hats, wigs, jewelry, helmets, etc., with indications of construction technique.

D. Samples of patterns drawn to scale, and properly labeled to indicate the part of the garment, style and period.

After Master's Degree:

A. Color renderings for at least 10 productions, including one Shakespeare and one musical production on a standard size board wherever possible, with swatches. Renderings should show not only line and color, but texture of the fabric as well. Additional views (such as back views) should be shown as necessary. Each plate should be labeled with the characters name, show and scene.

B. A costume plot broken down into French scenes.

C. A minimum of six scaled patterns with emphasis on the more unusual or elaborate garments.

D. Detail drawings, as above.

E. A complete slide or photograph portfolio of the above.

F. In general, the portfolio should display a knowledge of historical period and line, the ability to do historical research and the ability to adapt same to the theatrical requirements of a play, knowledge of construction techniques, a range of rendering styles and dramatic flair and imagination.

Lighting Designers

After Bachelor's Degree:

A. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of the physical properties of light and electricity and how to apply that knowledge to stage use.

B. One to three scaled light plots with lighting instruments placed in proper location and the lighting areas outlined and identified. The use of accepted international lighting symbols is required.

C. Instruments schedules for the plots above to include instrument numbers, instrument types, lamp type and wattage, color media number and/or name, special equipment required, outlet number, control circuit and area of focus or function.

D. Sample cue sheets for at least the major cues in one production. It is suggested that the lighting portfolio be prepared for a specific scenic design - either that of the student's or one provided by the instructor and that scenic design be presented with the lighting design to aid in the evaluation.

After Master's Degree:

A. The portfolio should demonstrate the student's knowledge of not only the craft of lighting, but the art by presenting designs including the aesthetic application of lighting principles to enhance the mood and provide the illumination that the text requires.

B. Designs for six productions including color photographs illustrating the effect of the light at selected moments in the play. The photographs should include actors. The importance of good quality photographs cannot be overemphasized.

C. Light plots and instruments schedules, as above.

D. Cue sheets for at least one complete production.