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ActingMusic PerformanceTheatre ArtsTechnical TheatreMentorship Application

Mentorship Application

RSA welcomes applications to the Diploma program (Mentorship level 1) by applicants who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the Theatre Foundations program or equivalent training elsewhere.

Entrance into the FRSA program (Mentorship level 2 and 3) is by invitation extended to artists-in-training who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the Diploma program or equivalent training elsewhere.

Theatre Foundations students complete most elements of the Mentorship application process to conclude their first-year program and to help launch their next step in life. These elements will be completed as follows: 
  • Statement of Purpose - April 11, 2025
  • Audition or Portfolio - April 17, 2025
  • Interview - April 24, 2025
Transfer Students may apply for direct entry into Mentorship level 1 by completing:

Declaration of Major

Applicants to the Diploma program declare a choice of major out of the four Mentorship majors on offer. Applicants are encouraged to connect with mentors to gain a deeper understanding of their aptitude for a particular major.
  • Acting
  • Theatre Arts
  • Music Performance
  • Technical Theatre

1. Statement of Purpose

A four-page Statement of Purpose invites the applicant (or current Theatre Foundations student) to consider their next step by articulating:
  • A realistic understanding of their gifts and aspirations
  • A commitment to growth: "Who do I wish to become and what growth will I commit to next year?"
  • The instructors or experts they wish to study with or be mentored by
  • Training opportunities available at post-secondary institutions other than RSA: provide evidence of in depth research into at least two places
  • Contributions the applicant intends to offer RSA or another place of studyIf application is made for the Diploma Program, please add:
If application is made for the Diploma Program, please add:
  • Declaration and aptitude for choice of major in Mentorship level 1
  • Declaration and aptitude for choice of major in Mentorship level 1
  • Declaration and aptitude for choice of major in Mentorship level 1
  • Declaration and aptitude for choice of major in Mentorship level 1
  • Declaration and aptitude for choice of major in Mentorship level 1
  • Declaration and aptitude for choice of major in Mentorship level 1
  • A thoughtful explanation for wishing to train at Rosebud School of the Arts

2. Audition or Portfolio

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

Acting Audition
  • Monologues – two contrasting monologues, two to four minutes in length, at least one of which is drawn from contemporary repertoire
  • Song – 32 bars or 60 seconds of a musical theatre song, highlighting the natural quality of the voice, clear tone, pitch and indication of range
  • 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 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 Audition‍
  • An acting audition (see requirements above)
  • A resume detailing experiences in multiple capacities, such as leadership, organization, creative pursuits, etc.
Music Performance Audition
  • 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 segment from a play
Technical Theatre Portfolio and Interview
  • Portfolio presentation of activities in technical theatre and/or stage management
  • Brief assessment of acting and music knowledge
  • Interview with head of the technical theatre programme to gauge knowledge and competency

3. Interview

A 20-minute interview with three members of the education team. The main topics 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, which has the right to accept the applicant into their declared major or a another major that is better suited to the applicant's aspirations. The decision takes into account input from instructors and staff in addition to the criteria listed below. The acceptance decision is communicated with the applicant upon completion of the winter term.
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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 shows?
Teachability
  • Do RSA instructors have confidence in their ability to teach the applicant?
  • Has the applicant demonstrated growth in RSA classes thus far?
  • Can the applicant bring their full self to the process of learning and training as offered at RSA?
Professionalism
  • Does the applicant take responsibility for learning?
  • Does the applicant thrive in an ensemble setting?
  • Does the applicant contribute constructively to the School and the hamlet?
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 School and the hamlet?
Purpose
  • Does the applicant have a reasonable understanding of their gifts?
  • Does the statement of purpose make a convincing case for an RSA education?
  • Is the applicant focused and realistic about their goals?