PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
Performing Arts Scholarships and Awards The Performing Arts are important in the lives of the girls at Downe House. There is enormous enthusiasm for the subject and excellent standards are achieved at all levels. Our Performing Arts Scholars’ programme recognises exceptional ability in both practical and written work, and offers Award Holders the opportunity to develop their talents. Scholarships and Awards recognise interest and ability across Acting, Dance (all genres) and Technical/Film. As all Award Holders are expected to take Drama at GCSE, candidates should have an overarching interest in drama and theatre. Value of Performing Arts Awards The position of a Performing Arts Award Holder is an honour and a privilege, allowing the recipient to play a prominent role in the life of the Department and to take on leadership opportunities. Award Holders benefit from regular mentoring and have access to our enriched Scholars’ Programme. This offers extra-curricular opportunities such as theatre visits, workshops and masterclasses to stretch and challenge the Scholars, and helps them to develop performance skills and wider awareness of the performing arts. Eligibility and Procedures Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded to external candidates at 11+, 13+ and 16+ and to internal candidates at 12+ and 14+. Awards are made on the results of an audition, an interview with the Performing Arts panel and the Headmistress, plus a written paper. For 13+ and 16+ external candidates this takes place in September of the year prior to entry. For 11+ and 13+ external candidates this takes place in May of the year prior to entry. Candidates will need to prepare either a monologue or dance performance that is no more than 2 minutes in duration, whilst Technical
and Film candidates should prepare a portfolio to present. They will be questioned, redirected and challenged in order to study their response to creative direction. The written paper lasts 40 minutes and is based on the candidate’s experience of live theatre. There is no examination fee, but girls who are not already entered for the School will be required to register before sitting for an Award and it is likely they will already be holding a conditional or unconditional place. Duties of a Performing Arts Holder All Performing Arts Scholarships and Exhibitions are an honour and are valid for three years providing the Holder maintains a suitable standard of endeavour and conduct and fulfils the duties required of them. Performing Arts Award Holders may be required to: • Be a model student in lessons, during theatre trips and when participating in performing artsrelated events such as workshops • Be involved in extra-curricular productions and events as appropriate • Be prepared to perform, make presentations and/or speeches at the discretion of the Head of Performing Arts • Exhibit a genuine interest in performing arts outside of Downe House by attending the theatre, and/or participating in courses and/ or workshops, and/or auditioning for extension programmes e.g. National Youth Theatre In addition, Performing Arts Award Holders will be required to take Drama at GCSE level and apply again for the prestigious Geraldine James Scholarship should they continue with Drama at A Level.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What are the eligibility and experience criteria? Candidates applying for a Performing Arts Award will have excellent performing ability, presentational skills, and/or creative ingenuity. It is likely that they will have performing experience, either in school productions, Trinity Guildhall/ LAMDA examinations or within Drama lessons. Many candidates will have experience in a combination of these areas, however, what we are really looking for is exceptional talent and an aptitude for the performing arts that be nurtured and developed through our Scholars’ Programme. What is to be expected during the selection process? Candidates will attend an interview with the Director of Performing Arts, Head of Academic Drama and Head of Extra–Curricular Performing Arts where they will have the opportunity to discuss their previous experience as well as showcase their passion for performing arts. In preparation for the day, candidates should choose a monologue or dance performance that is no more than 2 minutes in duration. Candidates should come prepared, with lines learnt, pieces choreographed, or presentation rehearsed – there are no specific requirements in terms of time period or style, but pieces chosen must be appropriate and with careful consideration given to characters, story-telling and intention. Candidates will have the opportunity to perform and present their pieces and then work with the panel on how to how to improve. They will be assessed on their performance, creativity and how they respond to feedback and direction during this session. Technical and Film students should present a portfolio which they will be invited to talk through: this might show a piece of their technical creative work, such as a lighting design project or a short film. The portfolio might contain photographs or sketches to show ideas, or could take the form of a short film extract if appropriate. What is to be expected in the written examination? The written examination offers candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to write
about drama and theatre. They will be asked to write about a live theatre performance that they have seen and should be prepared to discuss specific moments from their chosen piece and write about them in detail. We are not looking for a ‘perfect’ answer at this stage, but rather for the ability to analyse and evaluate the impact and effect of theatre as well as to describe it in detail. Candidates should have a clear understanding of why they have chosen to write about this piece of theatre and why it was effective. They should include information about the staging choices, the actors’ use of vocal and physical skills, lighting, set, use of props or costume, what effect these created and why. Candidates should prepare for this paper by revising key drama terminology and practising putting it into writing. What does the interview entail? The Performing Arts Scholarship interview offers girls the opportunity to talk about their wider understanding of Performing Arts and their interest in theatre. Questions are designed to cover a range of topics and focus on a candidate’s critical appreciation of Performing Arts. It is helpful to practise discussing the deeper aspects of theatre-making in order to prepare for this interview and the targeted use of key theatre terminology would also be beneficial. Candidates should ideally be able to explain why they love Performing Arts and be able to give specific examples of why they find particular plays, styles of theatre or actors inspiring. What support and opportunities are offered to Performing Arts Scholars? We offer a specialised programme of events and mentorship to support each of our Performing Arts Scholars in developing her own unique skills and talents. Each Scholar is assigned a Mentor from the department and will meet individually with her Mentor to discuss goals, aims and aspirations. We have a number of specialist staff members who are able to nurture girls’ talents and interests in diverse areas of the dramatic arts and the Mentor is able to guide the Scholar in that journey and help to make links between their experience of drama at Downe and in the world beyond. In addition to trips and workshops, Performing Arts Scholars will take part in performance projects to share their work with the wider community, giving them the experience of performing to diverse audiences and offering older girls the opportunity of directing. We aim to
nurture each individual Scholar and to facilitate the development of her talent and ability in the Performing Arts. Are Scholarships reassessed? Performing Arts Scholarships and Exhibitions are valid in the first instance up to the end of GCSEs, providing the Award Holder maintains a suitable standard of endeavour and conduct and fulfils the duties required. Awards are reassessed at this stage to ensure Performing Arts still play a central part in the life of an Award Holder and also to allow other talented performers to be given awards for entry to the Sixth Form.
How to apply If your daughter is registered and has received a conditional offer to join Downe House, the Admissions team will automatically write to you in November/December of the year prior to entry with details of how to apply for Awards. Further details regarding Performing Arts Scholarships are available from the Director of Performing Arts, Mr Rob Castell (castellr@ downehouse.net). For general enquires about Scholarships please contact Miss Angela Nutt, Registrar on nutta@downehouse.net or 01635 204701.
Decisions about Scholarships and Exhibitions The final decision about all matters relating to Scholarships and Exhibitions lies with the Headmistress.
Inspiring performers
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