<p>Okay, so I am a incoming junior in high school, and one of my top career choices (only one right now) would be going into the tech side of theatre. I don't know what I want to do yet, but I understand that some colleges look for portfolios. My question is how do I make a portfolio and what do I put in it, like things I helped with or made? Things I've sketched? Stuff like that. Also, I'm looking for schools that have great theatre tech programs. And one more thing, I'm considering doing a double major and might consider double majoring with psych, would this be a good choice or should I consider something else? Thanks for the responses! :)</p>
<p>I’m a stage manager/properties master applying to college as a potential double major in theatre and English. What your portfolio looks like kind of depends on what you’ve done in the production, and what the school requires. I know that for stage management, they usually want to see a prompt book, and sometimes some photos of the production add to it as well. If you’ve done more set design kind of stuff, then you should submit sketches/plans, photos of the finished projects, etc… Good luck!</p>
<p>Hi again, theaterkid. This question gets asked a lot. A few guidelines…</p>
<ol>
<li>As LAMuniv says, it depends on the school. For every school you’re considering, check the portfolio requirements. They can be very specific and they are not all alike. For example, some schools want to see your fine art pieces, others do not. Consider a modular portfolio so you can change it around for each interview.</li>
<li>Don’t load your portfolio up with pieces that do not show your work. This includes programs and posters (unless you did the designs) or photos of the sets if you worked on the lighting. A stage manager’s portfolio might not have any photos or artwork, just paperwork (a prompt book, as LAMuniv says, but also call sheets and schedules). A sound design student could put their portfolio on disk. </li>
<li>Remember that your portfolio is, to some extent, a vehicle for your interview. Be prepared to explain what you did and why.</li>
<li>Design students who don’t have much experience, or don’t think that their experience shows their potential, can always create additional designs for the portfolio. It does not matter that these designs have not been produced. A high school portfolio is supposed to show potential rather than achievement. </li>
</ol>
<p>You also might try searching the forum on this question. </p>
<p>My son applied to tech programs last year, mostly technical direction when that was an available concentration. His portfolio included photos of sets and pieces of sets that he worked on. He had photos of work in progress as well as some completed projects. He was prepared to talk about the projects represented in each photo, as well as his responsibility/contribution to each. Throughout his 4 years his level of responsibility increased, so his portfolio reflected his growth. </p>
<p>Okay thanks everyone for the tips. Also, I’m thinking about doing props for my school play would that help me at all? Like I said before, all the tech I have really done is make up and spotlight</p>
<p>Yes, getting some experience in props is a good idea. Take pictures along the way, not just of the final product. And be prepared to talk about the process. </p>
<p>GCmom where did your son apply to?</p>
<p>Purchase
UNCSA
CalArts
DePaul
Ithaca
Webster
URI</p>
<p>Thanks</p>