Mentorship Application 

Mentorship applicants must have completed, or be in the process of completing, the Theatre Foundations programme or equivalent training elsewhere.

New students who meet eligibility criteria may apply for direct entry into the Mentorship programme by submitting a full application, participating in an RSA weekend, and performing a formal audition.

RSA students currently enrolled in Theatre Foundations complete the application process described in this section during the last month of the winter term.

DECLARATION OF MAJOR

Applicants declare a first and a second choice of major. If only one area of the Mentorship programme is of interest, then a second choice is not required. RSA offers four Mentorship majors:

      1. Acting

      2. Theatre Arts

      3. Music Performance

      4. Technical Theatre

 The education team will consider the application with regard to the first choice. The second

choice will be considered only if application for the first choice is unsuccessful. Due to the length and intensive nature of the process, application for a second choice will not be considered after the decision is made.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

      1. Statement of purpose

      2. Audition or presentation of portfolio

      3. Interview

 

1. Statement of Purpose

A four-page statement of purpose outlines the applicant’s gifts and aspirations, reflecting on the following items:

      · Declaration of first choice of major and second choice if applicable.

      · Articulation of desire and aptitude for first choice of major.

      · Communication of future plans, answering the question “who do you wish to become and how do you wish to grow?”

      · Detailed comparison between RSA Mentorship and similar programmes at two other post-secondary institutions.

      · A thoughtful explanation for wishing to pursue training at RSA rather than at another school.

      · Personal contribution the applicant would like to make to RSA.

 

2. Audition or Portfolio

The audition or portfolio requirements are specific to the major of study.

Acting

      · Monologues – two contrasting monologues, two to four minutes in length, at least one of which is drawn from contemporary repertoire.

      · Song – one song from the musical theatre repertoire, highlighting the natural quality of the voice, clear tone, pitch and indication of range. An audition accompanist will be provided.

      · Cold Reading – the applicant may be asked to do some exercises that cannot be prepared, such as a cold reading, musical sight-reading, and tone recognition.

      · Overall – confidence, honesty, a realistic interpretation of the pieces, a strong connection to the heart of the characters, physicalization, communication of story, a full understanding of the pieces and the characters within the context of the plays.

Theatre Arts

      · An acting audition (see requirements above).

      · A resume detailing leadership and organizational abilities, such as public speaking, sunday school teacher, camp counselor, worship leader, student council, organizing a class trip, fundraiser, etc.

Music Performance

      · Two pieces of contrasting nature on the major instrument.

      · Singing two prepared songs.

      · Sight reading and tone recognition exercises.

      · Demonstrated ability on one or more secondary instruments.

      · Cold reading of a play segment.

Technical Theatre

      · Portfolio of activities in technical theatre and/or stage management.

      · Brief assessment of acting and music knowledge.

      · An interview to assess knowledge of various aspects of technical theatre.

 

3. Interview

Each applicant will have a 20-minute interview with members of the education team. The main topic of discussion will be the statement of purpose and the applicant’s educational and career goals.

 

DECISION

The decision for Mentorship acceptance rests with the education team. Input from instructors and staff as well as the following factors are taken into consideration:

Talent

      · Does the audition panel see talent and potential in the declared major?

      · Given the training offered at RSA, does the applicant show ability to participate in Studio Stage or Opera House shows?

Teachability

      · Do RSA instructors have confidence in their ability to teach the applicant?

      · Has the applicant demonstrated growth in RSA classes thus far?

      · Does the applicant take responsibility for learning?

Lifestyle

      · Does the applicant show an active interest in art and spirituality or matters of faith?

      · Does the applicant thrive in an ensemble setting?

      · Does the applicant contribute constructively to the community of Rosebud?

Purpose

      · Does the applicant have a reasonable understanding of their gifts?

      · Does the statement of purpose make a convincing case for a Rosebud education?

      · Is the applicant focused and realistic about their goals?

 

Decision of acceptance is communicated with each applicant after completion of the winter term.