Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Department of Theatre & Dance

 

The Interview Process for the BFA Design/Technical Program

Students may interview only after they have applied and have been accepted to Millikin University. The Millikin University Application for Admission is online

To be admitted into the B.F.A. program in Design/Technical Theatre, you must interview. These interviews are held throughout the year when classes are in session. To arrange a date for your interview, please contact Mary Spencer, audition/interview coordinator of the Department of Theatre and Dance. Her e-mail is mspencer@mail.millikin.edu. Or you may call the department at (217) 424-6282 or toll free (800) 373-7733.

For your interview, you should prepare a portfolio and be able to discuss your experiences, skills and goals. Your portfolio should highlight your strengths as a designer and/or technician. Suggestions include:

• Photographs of past productions. Completed projects, as well as process shots, allow the interviewers to get a sense of your past experience, the quality of work you do, etc.

• Design or paperwork from productions. If you designed the costumes, the renderings should be included along with the photo of the completed garment. If you were the master electrician, bring paperwork such as hang sheets.

• 3-D examples of work are fine as long as they are a reasonable size. A model of the set, a costume or small prop is a fine example of your skills.

• Art work. Sketches, drawings, paintings and photography are great examples. While they may not be theatre work, they do allow the interviewers to assess your artistic abilities and your “eye”.

• Include a resume focused on your theatre experience, employment history, computer and artistic skills.
  

Your interview day will consist of three important components:

  • Check in -- Upon arrival on campus you will need to check in with the interview coordinator in the Theatre and Dance office, located in Shilling Hall, room 211.
      
  • Portfolio Interview -- After check-in, you will be escorted to your interview. You will meet with two members of the Design and Technology Faculty to present and discuss your portfolio. The faculty may let you present the whole portfolio, or they may stop your presentation to ask questions about your ideas, methods, etc. Be prepared to explain your choices. They will ask questions as well about time management, working with groups, supervision of others-generally, they want to get a sense of you as a person, your strengths, and your goals.
  • Exit Interview --Following your interview, you will be asked to step out of the room so that the interview team can discuss your performance and potential. You will then return to discuss your interview and the degree program to which you have been admitted, as well as to answer any specific questions you or your parents have regarding the degree program.

    Optional: After the interview, we invite you and your parents to have lunch with some of the theatre design/tech majors. They are the prime resource for information on what it is like to be a student at Millikin. They can answer many questions about student life, living in the residence halls, and campus experiences and activities.


Your parents/guardians are encouraged to come to campus with you. While they will not be able to attend your Portfolio Interview, they will have an opportunity to get acquainted with Millikin and have many of their questions answered with you in the Exit Interview.

To make the most of your campus visit, we also recommend making appointments with the Admissions and Student Service Center offices. They can arrange a campus tour, lunch and dinner on campus, and with a week's notice, even an overnight stay either before or after your interview. You are also welcome to attend classes, athletic events or performances.

Talent Awards are monetary awards given to students who show significant talent and potential based on the interview. These awards are recommendations only. Financial aid packages are not determined by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Talent awards become part of a larger financial aid package offered by the Student Service Center at Millikin

 

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