Advising Center

These majors abide by commonly accepted standards for professional degree programs and many follow a highly structured, cohort-based sequence of course requirements in order to carefully build and track the development of important skills.

• You may need additional time to complete degree requirements, regardless of previously earned credits.
• Acting, Dance, Film, Theatre Design/Technology and some MusB programs are highly sequential and may require four years to complete.
• Creative Writing and Art+Design typically require three years of study after admission into the major.

We encourage you to connect early with academic advisors and departmental faculty to explore how a change in major may impact your graduation timeline and to develop a plan that supports your academic and financial goals.

Deadline

• Fall: December 29
• Spring: Not available

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Requirements

1. Résumé and Photo

• Include your name, address, email and cell telephone number(s) on your resume.
• Include a complete list of theatrical activities. 
• A snapshot will do if you do not have an 8 x 10 headshot.

2. Video One: Contemporary

• A contemporary monologue (written in the last 100 years).

3. Video Two: Classical

• A classical monologue (the language or circumstance is heightened).

Shakespeare is preferred but we welcome other classical/verse texts by authors such as  Aphra Behn, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Lope de Vega, and Kalidasa.

4. Artist’s Story (Video Three or Essay)

• Share something about yourself as an artist. Choose either a video or essay format.
•  Video should be no more than two minutes in length.

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How to Choose Material For Your Video Audition

We look for imaginative actors capable of bringing their authentic self to a wide range of circumstances. Your two pieces should show a range. Often, that is taken to mean comedic vs. dramatic. That distinction is less important than your ability to show the range of your character’s physical life, relationships (who you are speaking to) and the given circumstances (where is the monologue taking place and what happened the moment before you started speaking).

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Standards for Your Video Audition

• Each monologue should be roughly 90 seconds to two minutes in length.
• Only choose material from published plays and make sure you have read the entire play.
• Please submit separate videos, not one large one.
• Please introduce each monologue with the following:
  • Your first and last name
  • The date
  • Name of the play
  • Name of the author
  • Name of the character

How to Submit

• Upload videos or share links in the Admissions Portal.

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If you receive an invitation for a callback, be prepared to work on your audition pieces with your auditors. This callback will be a work session and hopefully fun!

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Contact

Liam Joynt
Lecturer of Acting
Co-Chair of Acting
liam.joynt@purchase.edu

Maggie Surovell
Assistant Professor of Acting
Co-Chair of Acting
margret.surovell@purchase.edu

Deadlines

• Fall: February 15
• Spring: November 15

Portfolio Requirements

• 12–20 pieces, including observational drawings (see below) of your best and typically, most recent work.
• A variety of media and approaches; can include a mixture of assignment-based projects, self-directed work, and sketchbook work. Strive to give us insight to your creative process and personal interests!
• Does not need to be major-specific; can include any type of work including painting/drawing, printmaking, sculpture, digital work, etc.
• Do not include work that copies photographs, uses the grid system, or directly replicates any other artist’s work (including replicating anime drawings, cartoons, or video game character designs).
• Regardless of major, include both of the following assignments among your work:
  • One self-portrait in any medium
  • Two drawings from direct observation (not from photos)
• In addition to the requirements above, submit examples of recently completed coursework, related to your desired major, identifying which course it pertains to.

Specifics

• List title, media, dimensions (where applicable) and provide a description of each piece. It helps our faculty reviewers if you clearly label which item corresponds to which of the portfolio assignments.
• Include detail shots if appropriate, but be sure to indicate if an example is a detail shot.
• Use multiple views (more than one image) if a single image does not adequately display your work (e.g. a large sculpture) 

Additional Requirements for Graphic Design Transfer Applicants 

The balance of the portfolio will be evaluated as a demonstration of both the breadth and depth of your visual interests.

In addition to the requirements above, your portfolio should include:

• Minimum of 12 and no more than 20 examples of your work.
• Four pieces with typography, one which demonstrates typographic hierarchy
• Create two works based from one of the following open-ended prompts. We welcome creative interpretations:
  
  • An independent project (not an assignment)
  • A research-based (visual) piece
  • A piece demonstrating harmony
  • A piece demonstrating contrast

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Contact

Please reach out to the Art+Design Program Coordinator with specific questions about these prompts: ade@purchase.edu

Deadlines

• Fall: April 1
• Spring: November 1

Requirements

• Complete the Creative Writing Application
• Portfolio of writing including one of the following:
  • Poems: five to seven (10 pages maximum) or
  • Fiction: Two to three short stories (15 pages maximum with preference for complete stories).
• One or two letter(s) of recommendation from an instructor familiar with your writing.
• A one page discussion of your reasons for wanting to enter the program and an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses in writing.

Additional Information

• All materials, including your recommendation letter(s), may be emailed to the Department Chair.
• Please include all of your application materials in one PDF file except for your letter(s) of recommendation, which may be directly emailed to the Department Chair by your recommender.

Contact

Mehdi Tavana Okasi
Associate Professor of Creative Writing
mehdi.okasi@purchase.edu
(914) 251-5958
Humanities 2005

Deadline

• Fall: February 1
• Spring: Not available

Requirements

• Dance resume
• Dance photo; an 8x10 full body shot (a professional photo is not required)
• One artistic letter of recommendation

Additional Information

Once you have submitted your resume, photo, and audition fee, you will then have access to sign up for a live audition on one of the following dates: February 8, February 14

What to Expect During the In-Person Auditions

• This portion of the audition will take place on campus, in a dance studio with fellow applicants.
• The audition class will be led by a Purchase dance faculty member. Students will be observed by a panel of 2–3 faculty.
• The dance audition class will consist of a Ballet class, Modern/Contemporary combinations in the center and across the floor, and improvisation prompts.
• Following class, the audition panel will select finalists to present their solos in the afternoon. The live audition will conclude with a short interview.
• The schedule is adhered to as much as possible. However, the number of applicants in any given audition, winter weather, or other extenuating circumstances may cause changes. Please plan to spend a full day at Purchase College.

90-Second Solo

Each dancer should be prepared to present a 90-second solo performance in classical or contemporary Ballet, Modern, or Contemporary dance. We would like to see you in a work that shows you at your best. Note the following carefully, as no exceptions will be made:

• Your music should be on your phone.
• Choreography may either be by you or another person.
• Be prepared to introduce your dance: title, choreographer, composer and any additional information that you wish us to know.
• Please do not let your dance exceed 90 seconds. If your dance exceeds 90 seconds, then you will be asked to stop.
• We are primarily interested in your performance and movement ability.
• The audition studio has a marley floor.
• No costumes are permitted.

Contact

Nelly Van Bommel

Deadline

• Fall: April 1
• Spring: Not available

Requirements

Please note that regardless of your current grade level, you will begin as a first-year student in the program.

Internal Candidates who wish to apply for transfer into the Film BFA program must:

• Complete this application form
• Write a 750-word autobiographical essay that demonstrates your best intellectual and creative effort. It might include a description of yourself, what makes you unique, why you want to make films, and any experience you have had which supports or prompts your choice to apply to the Film BFA.
• Submit links to sites hosting video or film work (like Vimeo or YouTube, etc.)
• Submit a separate link to an online drive or folder (like Google, etc.) containing at least one and up to five examples of creative writing and additional creative work (short stories, poems, screenplays, drawings, etc.).
• Although not required, we suggest that you also supply two letters of recommendation; one artistic and one academic, which you can include in your online drive or folder, clearly labeled.

Further Instructions and Notes

• Check accessibility and clearly mark all links to your shared drive and videos as faculty may not be able to contact you for clarification.
• Email everything above to ALL listed here: Edwin Martinez, Lawrence O’Neil and Lorraine Miller.
• Applications submitted after the deadline or ones that do not contain all required links will not be reviewed.
• Internal candidates with applications completed by the deadline will be invited to interview with faculty members in the months after.
• Invited candidates should be prepared to share their portfolio materials during their interview.
• Notification of final acceptance into the Film BFA may not come until August.

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Contact

lawrence.oneil@purchase.edu; ‎lorraine.miller@purchase.edu

Deadline

• Fall: January 1
• Spring: Not available

Requirements

• All internal transfers to the Conservatory of Music must audition by submitting a pre-screening portfolio for evaluation and complete an audition, if invited by faculty.
• The portfolio and audition requirements for each area of study may be found on the Music Undergraduate Admissions Page. Check the requirements for your area of study and submit the appropriate pre-screening materials below.
• This form may be used if you wish to apply for a minor in music. Please visit our Minor in Music page before applying.
• If you are applying to more than one area or instrument you will need to submit two separate applications.

Additional Information

• How To Apply and Submit the Internal Transfer Form
• Upload Audio/Video Recordings for your pre-screening portfolio. You may upload audio/video files (see links to upload below), or you may provide links to Audio/Video files posted online.
• Letter of Intent (if required for your major)
• Upload Resume (if required for your major)
• Recommendation Letters (optional). Up to 2 letters may be submitted. Letters may be sent via email to music@purchase.edu with the subject line “Audition Materials - YOUR NAME” or sent via US Mail to: Purchase College, Conservatory of Music-Audition Materials, 745 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.

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Contact

Conservatory of Music at music@purchase.edu

Deadline

• Fall: March 1
• Spring: Not available

Portfolio Requirements

Present your portfolio in a way that you feel best represents you in an organized fashion. Prepare your materials in a single document.

• Include examples of design and/or technical work that you have done in high school, community theatres, summer stock, or at other colleges, including any digital or virtual projects you have collaborated on.
• Headshot
• Résumé with a complete list of your theatrical experience, including titles of works, duties performed, locations of performances, and the names of directors, designers, and stage managers with whom you have worked.
• One additional letter of recommendation from a theatre professional, art teacher, or anyone that can speak to your artistic abilities.

Concentrations

• Your portfolio should reflect an interest in one of the following potential areas of specialization listed below.
• Although extensive portfolios are not required, please use the following examples as a guide, noting that these items do not need to all be theatrical.

Example Pieces By Concentration

• Costume Design & Costume Technology
  Sample artwork, drawings, paintings, sketches, and garments that you have made. Any photos of produced shows or garments.
• Lighting Design
  Sample artwork, paintings, drawings and/or photography, drafting, and Light Plots. Any photos of produced shows.
• Scenic Design
  Sample artwork, drawings, paintings, still life or still life studies, and drafting. Any photos of produced works.
• Sound Design
  Sample artwork, sound/music compositions, design concept statements, research, cue lists, signal flows charts/plots, speaker plots and any other documentations that you have made. Any photos of produced shows.
• Stage Management
  Sample prompt scripts, cue sheets, ground plans, rehearsal notes, prop sheets, schedules, and run sheets. Any photos of produced shows.
• Technical Direction/ Production Management
  Drafting samples, show paperwork. Photos and examples of objects that you have built.

Interview

• Read Tennessee Williams’ play, “Night of the Iguana.” Questions about this play will be asked during the interview.
• Bring physical portfolio pieces to discuss.

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Contact

Heather Rothman
Production Coordinator
Theatre Design/Technology Department Coordinator
(914) 251-6876
heather.rothman@purchase.edu