Visual Arts Audition Information
The applicant will participate in a 30-minute, timed FIGURE DRAWING class that will focus on drawing the human figure from a model.
Evaluation of the figure drawing class will be based on the applicant’s ability to:
- demonstrate a willingness to learn and take suggestions while drawing.
- stay focused and on task during the class.
- show an understanding of line weight, line fluidity and mark-making in their drawings.
- ability to capture the essence of the poses, movement and proportions.
- synthesize all techniques presented to create a figure in space.
The applicant will complete a 30-minute, timed STILL LIFE DRAWING using a choice of materials provided by the school.
Evaluation of the still life drawing will be based on:
- an understanding of figure ground relationships, perspective and space.
- a demonstrated sense of proportion and scale.
- an understanding of light source, mass and volume.
- technical skill in handling and use of medium/materials, to include craftsmanship.
- a composition that includes balance, focus and movement
The applicant will create a 3-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN based on a word/idea/concept given to the student at the time of the audition in 30 minutes, with materials provided - colored papers, scissors, tape and glue by the school.
Evaluation of the design problem will be based on the applicant’s:
- purposeful use of time and materials.
- purposeful spatial relationships within the design.
- purposeful use of color and/or contrast (the applicant may decide not to use color).
- integrity of the design, which is the ability to relate the design to the idea.
- evidence of sincere effort with the work / craftsmanship.
The applicant will have 15 minutes to write a REFLECTIVE STATEMENT describing and discussing the applicant’s work on the Design Problem.
The prompt for the reflective statement will be to:
- describe, analyze and evaluate how your composition relates to the prompt
Evaluation of the reflective statement will be based on:
- describe and analyze the relationship between design and prompt
- an interpretation of the meaning/intent of the product
- an evaluation of the success of the project
SENIOR YEAR APPLICANTS ONLY – Applicants entering their senior year will participate in an interview and portfolio review. These students should bring a portfolio that contains ten samples of their artistic work and a full sketchbook for review.
Evaluation of the portfolio will be based on:
- Breadth of Work (sketchbook or journal, variety of techniques and/or materials used)
- Focus (reflection of exploration or curiosity of an idea fully)
- Quality (striving for excellence in craft, concept, and technique)
- Organization (neatness, presentation of work presented)
Evaluation of the interview will be based on:
- Motivation (desire to attend Dreyfoos, prior classes or summer programs, exhibitions, competitions, eagerness to learn and try new ideas, desire to attend college or art program)
- Ability to Communicate (explanation of work in regard to concept and/or technique, expression, articulation)
