<p>Anyone auditioned for or shown your portfolio to DePaul this year? Would love to hear your experiences!</p>
<p>I auditioned for DePaul today, and it was honestly one of the best audition experiences I’ve ever had. The audition is in three parts: a monologue, a 40-minute class session, and a cold read of a six-line open scene with a partner. The faculty were all completely down-to-earth and friendly, and they actually took the time to work with us and get to know us. The emphasis was much more on the process than on the product (which I feel like most auditions, with their do-your-two-monologues-and-get-out format, are). Also, all the kids in my group were really cool, and I ended up making some new friends. :)</p>
<p>How many people at the audition and your group, julibelle? and is there an info session as well? It’s impressive that they take so much time to get to know everyone.</p>
<p>I want to say there were maybe 30 people at my audition… about 10 prospective MFAs and 20 BFAs. They split us up into groups of 10 (one group of MFAs and two groups of BFAs). Prior to the audition, the MFAs & BFAs sat in on an info session together. The info session was actually fun - very funny and informative. The whole thing was a really positive experience.</p>
<p>Hate to be the one to bring this up, but I would urge anyone seriously considering DePaul for the BFA in acting to thoroughly research the cut policy. It’s still in effect and they still cut about half the freshman class the May/June following their freshmen year. And yes, a person can be getting A’s in his or her performance classes and still be cut.</p>
<p>They accept 42 acting majors, then cut it down to 26 after the freshman year. In other words, they cut 16 students who are “not progressing” or are “not a good fit to the program”. It’s a harsh policy, and certainly should affect your decision to attend - that being said, DePaul is a great school, and if you get through to the sophomore year there are no more cuts.</p>
<p>drama, well, I know someone personally who had an A average who was stunned to find out he/she was cut shortly after completing freshman year. How can a person earning A’s not be progressing or not be a fit? If that person was not progressing, he wouldn’t be earning A’s and if he was not a good fit, he wouldn’t be earning A’s.</p>
<p>Whether or not you agree with the cut policy, I hope you’ll agree that it has already been discussed at length on this forum. For those of you who are new and interested in this issue, you can find several pages of passionate argument. </p>
<p>Some of us are technical theater students or their parents and these cuts do not apply to us. DePaul does not cut techies (nor, as far as I know, do any other schools). We never needed to know anything about the cut policy in the first place. </p>
<p>This is not to say I support this policy. I do not know what I would think in your position. I’m just saying I would appreciate a chance to discuss other aspects of DePaul without entering into another debate about cuts.</p>
<p>Theater mom, I showed my portfolio this past weekend in New York to DePaul. This was by far the easiest and most friendly of my portfolio reviews. My auditioner was Chris Binder, and she was incredibly warm and easy to get along with. She and I spoke about why I like design, and she spoke to me about the school. We then looked at my portfolio, and talked about the pieces in it. At the end she was again very friendly, and I enjoyed the interview very much.</p>
<p>I will say, and this goes for any school, that it is extremely important to include process in your portfolio. DePaul especially looks to see process. Include sketches, notes, budget lists, concept renderings, final renderings, draftings, models, production photographs, etc., anything you can think of that illustrates process. Include thumbnails–actually thumbnails are a great example of process.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ll pass the tip along to my daughter.</p>
<p>NotMamaRose - I completely agree with you, i find that very strange. A straight A student should certainly not be cut! I was merely repeating what the auditors told me about the cut program when I was auditioning last week. Personally, I don’t agree with the cut program. I think it limits the artistic freedom that students need in order to explore early on in their education. With the fear of being cut, I know that I might be afraid to be experimental and free. DePaul’s programs sounds great, but it was bumped towards the bottom of my list of ‘desirable colleges’ because of their cut program.</p>
<p>Sorry theater mom, I didn’t see your message until now. If your son/daughter is applying to DePaul for technical theater, I’m sure it has a wonderful program - the professors who audited me were really friendly - they did not put themselves on a pedestal, and participated in the activities that we did (silly warm ups etc.). I wish you all the best with interviews!!</p>
<p>It’s all good, drama. Best of luck.</p>
<p>LetMeEntertainU: Where else did you interview? What were other experiences have you had?</p>
<p>When S was applying to DePaul for tech/design a couple of years ago I was under the impression that the interview was more important than the portfolio itself. The portfolio seemed to be a way to structure the interview and discussion. My son had a very positive experience visiting and interviewing with DePaul. They were very flexible and accommodated his complicated schedule by making an extra time slot available for him on their open house weekend. He has had a great experience as a student at DePaul and as parents we could not be more pleased with is choice of schools. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions. Good luck in your interviews.</p>
<p>Thanks, soundmom. I will have questions if my D is accepted at DePaul.</p>
<p>Actually, you can’t get higher than a B- in performance classes if you are cut. So transversely, straight A students cannot be cut. And DePaul is slowly getting rid of the cut; it’ll just take a few more years to take into effect. Also, some students leave throughout the year, the cut is potentially less than 16.</p>
<p>I had my costume design interview with DePaul this passed Sunday, and it was wonderful. Nan (my interviewer) was so warm and friendly. She even came out to speak with me dad after the interview. I loved DePaul ewhen I visited it and few weeks ago for the Theatre Debut, and this interview just reassured my impressions of the school. Nan also mentioned that the cut policy also applies to costume design students as well is a student is really not doing well in the program. I know DePaul’s costume design program is not as difficult to get into as the acting program. But she said tha they usually get about 25 applicants and accept about 4. I just reallly hope I get in!</p>
<p>I expect schools to cut students who are not doing well. A Cut Policy generally means that they will also cut some students who are doing well just in order to reduce class size. We asked DePaul if they had this kind of cut policy when we visited last year and they said yes but for actors only.</p>
<p>My D had her interview for Theater Arts last weekend and she, too, was very happy about it.</p>
<p>All I can tell you is that the person I know who was cut had something like a 3.8 GPA all around.</p>