I'm taking a quick detour from my focus on professional sound design to focus on what is often the basis for many of our careers: college portfolio reviews.
As we approach the spring and college interview season, hundreds of theatre-minded high schoolers are preparing or diving into this dreaded interview. Much like an art student or an actor, theatre design and technology programs worldwide require students to present a portfolio of work to evaluate their skills and interests. This can be a dubious task for those used to community and high school theatre. What goes in a portfolio? What are they looking for? What if I haven't been documenting my work? In my summer work teaching high schoolers, I always get these questions. I also went through the same challenge when I applied to schools. After spending some time preparing students for their own portfolio reviews and speaking to college evaluators, here is what I recommend and what to prepare for.
What are they looking for?
Contrary to what you might think, the reviewers look for more than just the prettiest and most well-developed portfolio. They aren't even looking for those with the most experience. They are looking for a peek into your process and learning ability. One of the best things to remember when interviewing for a conservatory or theatre program is that their job is to teach and foster your skills. That means the most important thing is how receptive you are to learning and how your artistic and technical process fits in with what the school can offer you.
So how do you show that? I recommend focusing on process over product. Or process *to* product. Rather than stuffing your portfolio with perfect production photos and polished paperwork, showing the reviewers how you got to the final product for three to five of your works is more interesting. Giving the reviewers an idea of how you got from points A to B allows them to see how you create your work. Reviewers love to see concept ideas, notes, and even sketches. Toss a concept statement for your design or an initial illustration of your plot or set in your portfolio. Even a storyboard, inspirational photos, or music can be a good clue into your process. The goal is to give them a tour of your mind and see that you can clearly communicate your ideas and passions. Let them know how you got the idea for your work, the journey through the craft and structure to the final polished product.
But what if I don't have anything prepared?
It's a lot to expect high schoolers, who until recently thought of theatre as a hobby, to prepare a stack of paperwork and content to show to a panel of professors. Many students I speak with have yet to prepare or didn't know they had to prepare until they start applying to schools and have nothing ready. So what do you do? In this case, there are a couple things that can help you.
First, don't panic; I've seen plenty of students come into their reviews with hardly any productions under their belt who would go to be accepted and become talented designers. As I said, the reviewers are more interested in hearing how you work and communicate your ideas. So try to find things that help express that, even if it's not directly related. It could be personal photography or sketches, even digital art or pieces of writing, or anything you made that can show off your creative process and give them something to talk about.
Second, we'll keep this between us; you can fake it. If you didn't record, sketch, or do any paperwork for a show, go back and create something. This may seem disingenuous, but again, the goal is not perfection but communication. By faking it, you are also doing yourself the favor of reflecting on your process. If you don't have a concept statement or inspiration for one of your pieces, go back and find some. Chances are you had inspiration initially but couldn't place it at the time. Maybe you didn't make a plot or a drawing for a show; create one anyways. It's better to go back and show your process, even after the fact, than it is to worry about not preparing and producing anything. Faking it may even show you things about your process you didn't realize beforehand and help prepare you better for the review.
What happens in the room?
Every institution does portfolio reviews a little differently. Some sessions will be with one or two professors, while others might be a roundtable with the whole department. The latter is definitely more terrifying, but the process is more or less similar in either case.
The review is half about your work and half about you. Like any interview, it'll usually start with an introduction. The reviewers want to know about your background and your interests. Then you'll dive into the portfolio and resume. Expect them to ask a lot of questions about your work and what experience you may have. Be prepared to talk about your work, ideas, reactions, and how you have achieved your work so far. Don't be afraid, be honest, and have some fun with your review, it's good to give them an idea of your personality, and a light attitude can go a long way.
Once they've looked at your work, they'll likely want to see how you fit in with the college or program. You'll get questions like "Why are you interested in our school?" or "What are you hoping to get out of this program?" This is your chance to share your ambitions and goals. Be honest about what you are looking for in your education, and do your homework on what the program offers.
Once they've interviewed you, it's your chance to interview them. Remember that while they are trying to find the right students, you are trying to find the right school. Every interview allows you to ask questions about the program, and you should. Asking questions shows that you are interested and gives you a chance to hear directly from the professors about what they can offer you in education. Take the time to learn about the program, research beforehand, and come up with questions important to you.
Extra Help
Beyond the interview, a few things are worth doing once you make your first impression.
1. See if you can get a tour and/or meet more professors and students.
If you are doing your review in person, see if there's an opportunity to tour the school either with one of the professors (ideally in your concentration) or a current student. Sometimes schools will organize this for you, but it can't ever hurt to ask. It will show how interested you are and give you a chance to see more of the program's inner workings. If you can meet and connect with other students, ask them questions about their experience. Often, students will be more candid about the highs and lows of the program than the professors or the brochure.
2. Send a follow-up email
Send the professors who interviewed you a follow-up email. Be sure to thank them for their time and re-express your interest in the program.
Wrap Up
Whether you are doing one portfolio, or dozens, just remember that they are all interested in hearing your story. Let your story come through in your portfolio and be clear about what you are looking for and what they can offer. Take very opportunity to engage, listen, and learn from the process.
Need more advice or have questions about finding a program? You an feel free to reach out to me at my email: OwenMeadowsDesign@gmail.com
Enjoy the process, and good luck!
Owen