DANCE
What we are looking for
At Ellington we are here to teach – prior training is certainly valued, but we are first and foremost evaluating your potential and passion for dance. During your audition we will be looking for students who:
- Physically and verbally express their passion for the art of dance,
- Show a strong desire to work diligently on technique,
- Display a willingness to accept discipline and/or positive correction,
- Exhibit flexibility, a natural sense of movement, musicality, and an innate ability to follow directions.
What to bring/how to prepare
Students auditioning for the dance department MUST:
- Girls: Wear leotards and footless tights, and no dance shoes,
- Boys: Wear footless tights, sleeveless white t-shirt, and no dance shoes,
- Have hair pulled back, away from face in a tight bun, secured with a thin hairnet,
- Remove all jewelry,
- Remove all fingernail and toenail polish.
In addition to the materials sent in for your Ellington application, on or before your arrival for your audition you must provide:
- A physical from the current school year or a note from your doctor, clearing you for participation in a rigorous dance class
- Two (2) 8x10" photographs: one (1) head shot (portrait) and one (1) full body shot.
- IEP and/or 504 information, if applicable
- Your most recent report card.
The audition process itself
You will audition with us 2 consecutive days, and both days you will participate in a dance class involving both ballet and modern techniques. No solo dances are performed during the audition. After the 2 days we will identify the group of students who move on to the mandatory callback audition. The callback audition has the same format as the initial audition.
Have a successful audition
Show us you mean business - be sure to arrive on time, prepared to dance, and with all required documentation. Stay focused. Late arrivals, applicants who are not attired as directed or who do not have all required documentation, as described above, will not be allowed to audition. Due to the high number of dance applicants, dance auditions cannot be rescheduled. You must participate in both days of the dance audition to be considered; dancers who advance beyond the first audition must attend callback and/or final callback auditions as scheduled.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
What we are looking for
We are first and foremost evaluating your potential and passion for your instrument, your musicality, and your willingness to work hard to move to the next level.
What to bring/how to prepare
For their audition, all students must:
- Prepare a musical selection for the audition and bring sheet music for the selection,
- Bring their own musical instrument (except for string bass, piano, and percussion),
- Bring sticks and/or mallets if needed,
- Bring you most recent report card,
- Bring their IEP and/or 504 information, if applicable.
The audition process itself
All students auditioning in instrumental music will be required to:
- Perform a prepared musical selection,
- Perform a sampling of major scales,
- Be tested on musical response and sight-reading,
- Participate in a personal interview.
In addition to the procedures above, percussion students must present at least one of the following:
- A variety of snare drum rudiments from the PAS List of International Drum Rudiments (http://www.pas.org/resources/rudiments/rudiments.html),
- Any technical/musical skills on mallet percussion or timpani,
- Drumset styles such as jazz, Latin, funk, rock and/or soloing.
Students may not use any tape-recorded music for accompaniment.
Have a successful audition
- Practice! Truly prepare your musical selection.
- Arrive promptly with all required materials.
- Present yourself well – dress neatly, speak confidently and clearly.
- Be prepared to talk about yourself – your musical background, and your goals for the future.
.LITERARY MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
What we are looking for
We are looking for students who are intelligent, respectful, and humble, first and foremost. The prospective student should be confident about their voice, and have an awareness of the necessity of effective communication. The student must read constantly, and have an awareness of current events. Prospective students must engage with technology and have an awareness of technology and New Media as a viable means of communication. Finally, prospective students must be able to question.
What to bring/how to prepare
Students must submit:
- A portfolio with at least three strong writing samples:
- A personal essay of at least 350 words that states your personal goals as an artist, and
- Two other forms of narrative (poem, short story, fiction, non-fiction, play, etc.).
- A printed or electronic sampling of any New Media communications they have completed or are working on, such as (but not limited to):
- A blog,
- A podcast,
- A website,
- Any film, documentary, short footage they have worked on
- Digital or traditional photography.
- At least two letters of recommendation in addition to the recommendations required as part of the application process.
- One letter from an English teacher, and
- One letter from someone who has read/viewed and critiqued your work (in any of the above genre or forms).
- IEP and/or 504 information, if applicable,
- Your most recent report card.
In preparation for the audition students must procure a copy of James Baldwin's short story, "Sonny's Blues", read it, and be prepared to discuss in the audition.
The audition process itself
The interview will consist of a conversation with faculty about the work you have submitted as well as about the reading assignment. The audition interview will also include a writing component.
Have a successful audition
- READ. Great writers are constantly reading.
- Be prepared to discuss your work.
- Be prepared to discuss where you want to go, what you hope to accomplish.
- Present yourself well – arrive promptly, dress neatly, speak clearly and confidently.
MUSEUM STUDIES
What we are looking for
In Museum Studies we are looking for students who exhibit intellectual curiosity - who are particularly interested in history, social studies, visual arts and technology. Students should have a desire to learn more about art and culture and how to effectively use computers to develop visual presentations through photography and graphic design.
What to bring/how to prepare
Students must bring the following to their audition:
- Three personal objects that tell something about the student, to present them as a display, and discuss the reasons for the selections,
- Five finished visual art pieces (like a collage, a 3-D sculpture, a drawing or painting), or a science or social studies project/report completed during the past school year, to discuss during the interview.
- IEP and/or 504 information, if applicable,
- Your most recent report card.
The audition process itself
Students auditioning in Museum Studies will interview with and perform for Museum Studies faculty, and write a 250-word or more essay relevant to Museum Studies. Applicants may exhibit interest in the arts, science, or history by performing either a musical piece or a drama presentation, or presenting a project done in one of these areas. Applicants will participate in exercises that examine their curiosity and creativity.
Have a successful audition
Be prepared to talk about yourself, and why you are interested in Museum Studies.
- Present yourself well – arrive promptly, dress neatly, speak clearly and confidently.
TECHNICAL DESIGN & PRODUCTION
What we are looking for
The Technical Design & Production (TDP) department recognizes that very few 8th and 9th grade students already have extensive back-stage experience. Rather, Ellington is looking for students with a passion for all aspects of the theater. Successful students are mature, pay attention to detail, and have the ability to stay focused. Students must be able to follow directions, work in a team, and accept constructive criticism.
What to bring/how to prepare
The following materials must be submitted at least 3 days in advance of your audition interview:
- A Statement of Purpose that expresses your interests and goals. Help us understand why you’d like to pursue Technical Design & Production.
- A resume detailing any artistic involvement, volunteer efforts, and other extra-curricular activities.
- A letter of recommendation from a mentor, employer, director, etc. that tells us why you would make a good candidate for Ellington as a member of a stage-management team.
All written materials completed by the student must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font. Materials should be sent to:
Barbara Power, Admissions Director
Duke Ellington School of the Arts
3500 R St. NW
Washington, DC 20007
For the audition interview, you must bring
- An original portfolio of your work that highlights your stage-related interests and skills. Examples of work the portfolio might contain are:
- Drawings or paintings from arts classes (not necessarily related to technical design),
- Three-dimensional work, models, sculpture, collages,
- Sketch books,
- Visual examples showing your training, graphic abilities and artistic vision,
- Items from a production you have worked on, including:
- Photographs from the production,
- Production books (prompt book),
- Production drafting, Scene, costume or lighting examples, renderings and sketches, sound/video recording samples. Other examples of previous experiences are welcomed.
- Sketchbooks, preliminary sketches (your process)
- Rehearsal/Performance Reports, Cue Sheets, Blocking notations.
- IEP and/or 504 information, if applicable,
- Your most recent report card.
The audition process itself
The audition for the TDP department is done in two phases. Students first participate in their audition interview, bringing their portfolio with them and having sent the other required materials in advance.
Students who have a successful audition interview are then invited to participate in a 2-day shadow workshop. Auditioning students will work with current TDP students as they produce a show, with the first day in tech rehearsal and the second day in performance. The shadow workshop gives the student a chance to see what is truly involved in Technical Design and Production, and gives us a chance to see how well the student works with others, stays focused, and accepts direction.
Note that these shadow workshops may begin in the late afternoon and continue into the night-time. This is a realistic experience for TDP students. Parents/guardians of the applicants will be given two free passes to the show their child shadows, so they can enjoy the performance and discuss it afterwards with their child.
Have a successful audition
- Arrive promptly, even early. Punctuality is essential in the arts world.
- Pay attention and stay focused in your interview and on your shadow days.
- During your interview, feel free to take notes – this will help you be prepared for your shadow day, and show us that you are serious.
- Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in Technical Design and Production.
- Accept direction well.
- Be a team player.
- Present yourself well – dress neatly, speak clearly and confidently.
THEATER
What we are looking for
We are looking for students with a passion for being on the stage and who want to study all aspects of the theatre. Successful candidates listen and adapt, and are able to accept criticism and incorporate suggestions into their work. We are looking for students who are focused and on-task, and who are imaginative, and who are able to make an emotional connection with their character and then express themselves physically as well as vocally. You should be interested in pursuing a career in the theatre.
How to prepare/what to bring
- Prepare and memorize two 1-1/2 to 2-minute contrasting monologues from two published plays. (A monologue is a speech from a play where one character is talking to themselves or other characters for a period of time. If a character interrupts the speech you can usually skip their interjection and continue the monologue.) A list of suggested plays for monologue selections may be found here.
- Be prepared to tell us why you want to attend Duke Ellington and what you hope to accomplish while you are here.
- Come to the audition on time, dressed in loose fitting clothes and tennis shoes, and be prepared for movement or warm-up exercises.
- Bring a copy of your most recent report card.
- If you have an IEP and/or a 504 plan, please bring a copy to your audition.
The audition process itself
Students auditioning for the Theater Department will participate in group warm-up exercises and then will have individual audition time where they will present their monologues. Students may also be asked to do a cold reading or improvisation.
Students who have a successful preliminary audition will be asked to callbacks, so students should be aware that their audition process could require at least two visits to Ellington. At callbacks, students will be asked to present their monologues again, so that we may see how well they listened and incorporated the directions from faculty in the preliminary audition. Additionally, students may be asked to prepare a different monologue for the callback.
Have a successful audition
- Select short catchy pieces that will make the audition team want to listen. And make sure you enjoy performing your selections. Don’t choose pieces written more than 40 years ago (no Shakespeare or classical works).
- Students are expected to audition with a prepared monologue. That means it should be memorized and clearly well rehearsed. Also, you must understand your character – what do they want and what are they doing to get what they want.
- Make active choices based on the given circumstances of the play. Try to define your character’s objective - what does he or she want in the course of the monologue? Then actively pursue that goal.
- All prepared pieces should allow for vocal and emotional variety. Make sure your voice is accurately reflecting the emotional life of the character.
- Allow for natural movement. Avoid false or “manufactured” gestures. Make physical choices that are motivated by the character’s circumstances.
- Performance energy and stage presence are important. Be sure that you are fully engaged at all times. Don’t break character for any reason.
- MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN BE HEARD AND UNDERSTOOD AT ALL TIMES. There is nothing more frustrating that watching what appears to be a brilliant performance, and not being able to hear or understand it. Keep the voice supported and be sure to enunciate.
VISUAL ARTS
What we are looking for
Ellington is looking for students with potential who demonstrate their passion for the visual arts. Successful students show strong observational skills and hand-eye coordination.
What to bring/how to prepare
Students must bring the following to their audition:
- A portfolio of at least five (5) or more works of art - on white drawing paper, 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper or larger – with at least one each in the following categories:
- A self-portrait,
- A drawing of a bicycle,
- A drawing of an open closet in their home (use color: pencils, makers or watercolors),
- A drawing of a landmark in the city,
- Free choice of anything of your own creation.
- IEP and/or 504 information, if applicable for student
- Your most recent report card.
The audition process itself
All students auditioning in the Visual Arts will be required to produce a drawing from a still-life during the audition, write a short essay about the form and content of a work of art presented in their portfolio, and discuss their portfolio during their interview with a Visual Arts faculty member.
Have a successful audition
- Take time and care with your required sketches.
- Be prepared to discuss your work.
- Present yourself well – arrive on time, and speak clearly and confidently.
VOCAL MUSIC
What we are looking for
We are looking for:
- Vocal potential – does your voice have the potential to develop to the point where you could sing professionally? Is your musical gift better than the average person?
- Performance and musical potential – do you have the personality to be a performer, or, or can you succeed in some other area of musical study (composition, recording technology, teaching, music therapy, musicology, ethnomusicology, etc.)?
- Passion about music – are you truly excited by music and/or singing? Will that make you a dedicated student who practices and strives for excellence?
- Possibility for academic success – can you do well enough academically to be invited to stay at Ellington (maintain a “C” average overall in academics)?
- Cooperative attitude – can you work well with others in class and outside of it?
What to bring/how to prepare
To prepare for your audition, memorize one piece from this list:
- Lift Every Voice and Sing
- The Star-Spangled Banner (O, Say Can You See)
- Caro mio ben (Italian)
- America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)
- Climb Every Mountain
- Let us Break Bread Together On Our Knees.
Students who are studying with a private voice teacher may sing an art song in English, Italian or German.
On the day of your audition, you must also bring:
- A copy of your most recent report card,
- a copy of your IEP and/or a 504 plan, if applicable.
The audition process itself
Students auditioning for the Vocal Music Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts will take a music theory assessment test and then participate in individual auditions. You will sing for at least one member of the vocal faculty who will also ask you to do some vocal exercises and sight-sing. We need to know the range of your voice, the quality of your musical ear, and whether your natural gifts are strong enough to succeed in our program.
During your audition for the vocal music department at DESA, you must:
- Present a musical selection chosen from the list,
- Be tested for musical response,
- Sight-read for placement.
Have a successful audition
To present yourself in the best light possible:
- Decide exactly what song you will present and PREPARE it (memorize it, singing in tune).
- Say your name and answer questions clearly and completely.
- Be ready to talk about yourself, your past musical experiences, your goals for the future. Give these ideas some thought - is Duke Ellington REALLY where you want to be? Why? Is singing your hobby or your passion?
- Dress appropriately - look like a professional.
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