The School at
Jacob’s Pillow
Professional Advancement 2015
WELCOME Attaining that extra edge to work successfully as an artist requires experiences that hone artistry and cultivate career-building relationships. At the Pillow, you gain these experiences inside and outside of the studio. Artists provide in-depth coaching and create rehearsal environments that prepare you for the demands of working as a professional. Interactions abound with the Festival’s international artists, who are making lasting contributions to the dance field. Intense and inspiring, these are life-changing experiences for dancers ready for professional advancement. Please let me know if I can be of help as you apply. I look forward to welcoming you to the Pillow. May the best in dance be yours,
“J.R.” Glover Director of Education
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Experience 4 History 6 Ballet 7 Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop 8 Contemporary 10 Musical Theatre Dance 11 Jacob’s Pillow Alumni 12 Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence 13 Daily Schedule 14 Policies and Fees 15 How to Apply 16 Application Form 17 Application Checklist 18 Scholarships 19 Scholarship Application Form 20 Audition - Video 21 Audition - In Person 22 Auditions 23 Cover: Vanessa Lai & Lamin Pereira (Ballet), Movin’ Commercial Dance Program participants, Sara Hinding & Alex Johnson (Musical Theatre Dance), Justin de Luna (Contemporary); photos Christopher Duggan, Jody Q. Kasch, & Em Watson. This page: “J.R.” Glover; photo Christopher Duggan. Contemporary Students in Grand Duo, choreographed by Mark Morris; photo Jamie Kraus. SPECIAL THANKS to these institutions for their generous support The Barrington Foundation; Berkshire Bank Foundation; Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation; Bossak Heilbron Charitable Foundation; Capezio/Ballet Makers Dance Foundation; Chervenak-Nunnallé Foundation; Enterprise Holdings Foundation; The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; The Frances Alexander Family Fund; Howard Gilman Foundation; Harkness Foundation for Dance; William Randolph Hearst Foundation; Highland Street Foundation; LEGO Children’s Fund; Marshall Frankel Foundation; Massachusetts Cultural Council,
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The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
THE SCHOOL AT JACOB’S PILLOW PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT 2015 Ballet
Anna-Marie Holmes, Program Director June 15-28
Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop
Camille A. Brown and E. Moncell Durden, Program Directors June 29-July 12
Contemporary
Milton Myers, Program Director July 13-August 2
Musical Theatre Dance
Chet Walker, Program Director August 3-24
a state agency; MassDevelopment; The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts; National Endowment for the Arts; Onota Foundation; NIB Foundation; The Claudia and Steven Perles Family Foundation; Pittsfield Cultural Council; The Prospect Hill Foundation; Puffin Foundation, Ltd.; The Jerome Robbins Foundation; Arch W. Shaw Foundation; Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund; The SHS Foundation; Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Spingold Foundation; Talented Students in the Arts Initiative, a collaboration of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Surdna Foundation; The Velmans Foundation; Weissman Family Foundation; Xeric Foundation; and Jacob’s Pillow Business Partners. As of November 18, 2014
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THE EXPERIENCE IMMERSION IN DANCE
Three Festival stages host more than 150 performances by 50 companies from all over the world, representing ballet, contemporary, dance-theatre, hip-hop, jazz, tap, and culturally-specific dance. All School participants have free access to these events as well as master classes, community classes, artist talks, book signings, film screenings, exhibits, tours, and open rehearsals. In the Jacob’s Pillow Archives, dancers explore rich collections of videos, historic films, photographs, and programs covering over a century of dance. Working side by side with Festival artists, among the most significant dance artists of our time, immerses dancers in a wide range of choreographic and performance approaches, traditions, and innovations. The result is deep artistic and personal growth.
A COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS Living in a community with Festival artists, scholars, research fellows, interns, and staff fosters rich interactions and invaluable relationships for the future. Major dance figures from around the world have been coming to the Pillow since the 1930s. Encounters with artistic directors, choreographers, critics, dance celebrities, scholars, and dedicated dance supporters abound. You might find yourself browsing in the Pillow Store beside Michelle Dorrance, having lunch with Andy Blankenbuehler, mingling with Carmen de Lavallade at a cast party, or chatting with Alonzo King after a Q&A session. The School’s student body is an international mix of professionals and pre-professionals, from Grand Prix finalists and Presidential Scholars in the Arts to company corps and apprentice members. After training in The School, dancers always have an artistic home at the Pillow. Alumni return to visit and perform; 43 School alumni participated as choreographers, performers, faculty, and company or Festival staff during Festival 2014. 4
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Contemporary alumni Caitlin Javech & Jesse Obremski; photo Em Watson. Musical Theatre Dance; photo Christopher Duggan.
The School at Jacob’s Pillow experience involves intensive studio work, performing weekly for Festival audiences, attending all Festival performances and events, and interacting with an international dance community on beautiful, historic grounds. The six day a week training schedule of classes, rehearsals, and coaching sessions demands technical and performance skills, stamina, perseverance, risk-taking, and creative collaboration.
SETTING Jacob’s Pillow is located in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts, an international destination noted for its beautiful natural environment and world-class cultural institutions, including Tanglewood, The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, Norman Rockwell Museum, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. New York City and Boston are both less than 3 hours away. The 220-acre campus includes two theatres, an outdoor stage, five dance studios, exhibition galleries, the Archives, health office, food venues, store, gardens, and a wetlands trail.
CAMPUS LIFE When Ted Shawn’s students and company members lived at the Pillow in the 1930s, they built housing and studios, and maintained the property from roads to wells. Today’s residents embrace this spirit of responsibility by helping care for the beauty, history, and integrity of the Pillow. Dancers in The School live near artists, faculty, and staff in wood-framed cabins with archival photographs and mementos of famous dancers lining the walls. A centrally located Campus Center provides a place to relax. Registered nurses assist with body maintenance and physician appointments, and Pillow drivers shuttle dancers to town as needed and fill requests for sundry supplies. Three meals a day are provided in the Stone Dining Room, hand-built in 1935 by Ted Shawn’s Men Dancers.
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Ted Shawn Founder (1891-1972) Ella Baff Executive and Artistic Director
HISTORY
Jacob’s Pillow has been honored with the National Medal of Arts, the highest arts award given by the United States Government, and is designated as a National Historic Landmark for the significance of its contribution to American culture. Established as a family farm in the 1700s, Jacob’s Pillow served as a station on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Within a decade after purchasing the farm in 1931, dance pioneer Ted Shawn began a successful series of lectures and demonstrations, founded The School at Jacob’s Pillow, and built America’s first theatre solely for dance. Since these beginnings, an incomparable wealth and diversity of dance have graced the Pillow’s grounds. Shawn embraced a comprehensive educational approach for The School. Festival attendance was valued equally with classes in ballet, modern, body conditioning, and traditional dance. His faculty and performers included established and emerging talent of the time, such as Asadata Dafora, Bronislava Nijinska, Agnes de Mille, Pearl Primus, Maria Tallchief, Balasaraswati, Joseph Pilates, José Limón, Alvin Ailey, and Robert Joffrey. In sustaining this tradition, the Pillow’s teaching and performing roster forms a 20th and 21st century honor roll of international dance artists.
JACOB’S PILLOW MISSION To support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance. 6
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Ted Shawn in Four Dances Based on American Folk Music, 1931; photo Charlotte Rudolph
Since the launch of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive (danceinteractive.jacobspillow.org), the global community can now access much of the Festival’s unique video collection online, a resource revered by artists, audiences, and the dance field.
BALLET
Anna-Marie Holmes Program Director
June 15-28
Gala Choreographer Matthew Neenan Artist Faculty Tamás Solymosi, Emily Molnar, and others announced at jacobspillow.org Music Director Ramona Pansegrau Anna-Marie Holmes and a distinguished international faculty prepare dancers for the artistic range and technical rigor required by today’s world-class ballet companies.
Aoi Fujiwara & Tuukka Piitulainen; photo Em Watson. Anna-Marie Holmes; photo Louis Li.
Choreographer Matthew Neenan, , BalletX Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, creates a new work on the dancers, who perform its world premiere at the Festival’s Opening Gala on June 20. Dancers also receive in-depth coaching in renowned classical solo, pas de deux, and ensemble works, which they perform June 27 as part of the free outdoor performance series. Separate men’s and women’s classes are part of the curriculum, as are seminars in career development, musicality, style characteristics, and ballet history. Attending Festival performances, public talks, exhibits, master classes, and studying in the Archives are integral to this immersion experience in dance. Alumni of The School at Jacob’s Pillow are principals, soloists, and members of American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Het Nationale Ballet, Houston Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Royal Danish Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and more. For 11 male and 11 female advanced pre-professional or professional level ballet dancers, age 16 and up. Priority consideration given to video audition/applications received by February 13.
Anna-Marie Holmes
Artistic director, choreographer, master teacher, and celebrated ballerina, Anna-Marie Holmes is an internationally acclaimed dance luminary. Her stagings of the Russian classic ballets are in the repertoires of leading ballet companies worldwide, and she is a master coach of principals and soloists in companies such as American Ballet Theatre and English National Ballet. Holmes is a recipient of the prestigious Dance Magazine Award and an Emmy Award for her staging of Le Corsaire for American Ballet Theatre’s PBS Great Performances. A guest artist at Jacob’s Pillow in 1968 and 1969, this is Holmes’s 15th season as Ballet Program Director. jacobspillow.org
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SOCIAL DANCES: JAZZ TO HIP-HOP Camille A. Brown & E. Moncell Durden Program Directors
June 29-July 12 Artist Faculty announced at jacobspillow.org Camille A. Brown and E. Moncell Durden, in collaboration with an esteemed roster of dancers, musicians, and scholars, create a rare opportunity to explore African American social dances, from authentic jazz to hip-hop. Dancers will experience first-hand the rhythms, moods, character, dynamics, creative expression, and improvisation of these dances, and share them with the public July 4 and July 11, as part of the free outdoor performance series. Fluency on the dance floor includes learning the aesthetic values and political histories embedded in the social dances. We will examine the multiple influences and identities that remain embodied in dances of today. The continuum of African American social dance will be further explored through readings, film screenings, and discussions. Attending Festival performances, public talks, exhibits, master classes, and studying in the Archives are integral to this immersion experience in dance. For 24 advanced or professional level multi-form dancers (commercial, hip-hop, jazz, modern, musical theatre, swing, and others), age 16 and up.
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The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Camille A. Brown is the Artistic Director of
Camille A. Brown & Dancers, choreographer of A Streetcar Named Desire (Broadway), The Fortress of Solitude (The Public Theater), William Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale (Regional), Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick... BOOM! (City Center Encores! Off-Center), and Marcus Gardley’s THE BOX: A Black Comedy (Regional). She is a two-time Princess Grace Award recipient (Choreography & Works in Progress Residency), a two-time recipient of New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project: Production Grant, the recipient of the 2014 Joyce Award with DANCECleveland, and a 2014 New York City Center Choreography Fellow. She has been commissioned by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for two works, Philadanco, Urban Bush Women, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, among others. Her new work, BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play, premieres in fall 2015 and inspired her new multi-faceted community engagement initiative, Black Girl Spectrum. For a full biography, visit camilleabrown.org
Commerical Dance; photo Em Watson. Cammile A. Brown; photo Ra-Re Valverde. Moncell Durden; photographer unknown.
E. Moncell Durden is a dancer, ethnographer, choreographer, educator, documentarian, program developer, practitioner, author, and lecturer. Specializing in the pedagogical practices of African American social dance formations from the late 1800s to present day hip-hop, Durden is well respected nationally and internationally in both hip-hop and academic communities. Durden has danced, toured, and choreographed as a member of Mop Top Music & Movement, a pioneering hip-hop company based in Brooklyn, and Rennie Harris Puremovement, a hip-hop dance-theater company. Durden teaches at the Yale School of Drama, Wesleyan University, and Bennington College. An active member of National Dance Education Organization, Congress on Research in Dance, Society of Dance History Scholars, and International Dance Council CID, Durden has presented papers on the continuum of authentic jazz dance in hip-hop and is a contributing author to the newly published book Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches.
“We are looking for dancers who are
ready to be open, challenged, and transformed physically and intellectually.” - Camille A. Brown & Moncell Durden Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop Program Directors
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CONTEMPORARY
Milton Myers Program Director
July 13August 2
Guest Choreographers Kyle Abraham, Brian Brooks, and Emily Molnar Artist Faculty Peter Brandenhoff, Saar Harari, Aya Kaneko, Alphonse Poulin, Pamela Pribisco, Meredith Webster, and others announced at jacobspillow.org Music Director John Levis Under the direction of Milton Myers, studio work and performance experiences prepare dancers to meet the expectations and requirements of today’s most in-demand artistic directors. Three renowned and stylistically diverse choreographers create work on the dancers, which they present to the public July 18, July 25, and August 1 as part of the free outdoor performance series. Dancers are coached in multiple movement vocabularies, styles, techniques, and performance skills to deepen their ability to communicate choreographic intent and advance their development as articulate, versatile artists. Career discussions and daily classes in ballet, body conditioning, and contemporary dance are led by a distinguished master faculty. Attending Festival performances, public talks, exhibits, master classes, and studying in the Archives are integral to this immersion experience in dance.
Milton Myers
Recognized worldwide as a master teacher, Milton Myers is resident choreographer and instructor for Philadanco and on the faculties of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program, Peridance, STEPS on Broadway, and The Juilliard School, where he is the first Horton instructor. He has performed with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, was Director of the Joyce Trisler Danscompany, and has been honored by the International Association of Blacks in Dance for his extraordinary teaching and mentorship to dancers. He teaches and choreographs for prominent companies and dance centers world-wide. This marks his 29th year coaching and mentoring students at The School at Jacob’s Pillow. 10
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Contemporary; photo Jamie Kraus. Milton Myers; photo Marta Fodor.
For 12 male and 12 female contemporary dancers at an advanced pre-professional or professional level with strong performance skills, age 16 and up.
MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE Chet Walker Program Director August 3-24
Guest Choreographers & Artist Faculty announced at jacobspillow.org Music Director John Fischer Percussionist Dan Gross Chet Walker invites award-winning Broadway choreographers, directors, composers/ arrangers, and musicians to collaboratively create original numbers on dancers, with the same fast pace and rigor required to audition and mount Broadway productions. Dancers present excerpts of the works for the public August 8, 15, and 22 as part of the free outdoor performance series. Working as an ensemble, dancers perform the works created on them, with a live band and guest alumni, on August 23 in the historic Ted Shawn Theatre; with proceeds benefitting The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Daily technique classes rotate among ballet, jazz, musical theatre dance, and tap. Dancers rehearse afternoons and evenings with choreographers and musicians. Vocal training, audition coaching, and career-building discussions are also part of the curriculum. Attending Festival performances, public talks, exhibits, master classes, and studying in the Archives are integral to this immersion experience in dance. For 12 male and 12 female musical theatre performers at an advanced pre-professional or professional level with singing and acting experience, age 16 and up.
Musical Theatre Dance; photo Jamie Kraus. Chet Walker; photo Nathan Johnson.
Chet Walker appeared most prominently in the
musicals of Bob Fosse. Conceiver of the Tony Awardwinning musical Fosse, he is an international director/ choreographer and Artistic Director of WALKERDANCE. Upcoming productions include Sweet Charity in Athens, Greece and Feelin’ in the Mood, The Glenn Miller Story in London’s West End. During a Jacob’s Pillow Creative Development Residency, he re-created and documented Jack Cole’s technique, which led to the 2012 premiere of Heat Wave: The Jack Cole Project in New York. His choreography for the Tony award-winning best musical revival Pippin earned him a 2013 Tony Nomination for Best Choreography, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography, The Fred and Adele Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreographer of a Broadway Musical, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Choreographer. Walker is currently working on a new musical entitled Valentino and a ballet with Stephen Schwartz and Andrew Lippa. This marks his 17th season leading international auditions and mentoring students at The School at Jacob’s Pillow. jacobspillow.org
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JACOB’S PILLOW ALUMNI Alumni of The School include dance luminaries such as Nikolaj Hübbe, Meredith Monk, Mia Michaels, and Robert Swinston. They appear in Dance Magazine’s “25 To Watch,” on Broadway, and in major companies worldwide. Last year, 43 alumni of The School returned as Festival artistic directors, choreographers, and performers. The School celebrates the recent successes of all its alumni, notably:
Danielle Reinstein (2014)
- 2014 Martha Hill Young Professional Award
Calvin Royal III (2010) had a newsworthy year in 2014
- New York Times article; “a dancer on the rise at American Ballet Theatre” - named a 2014 Dancer to Watch by Dance Magazine - nominated for a 2014 Clive Barnes Award - recipient of a 2014 arts fellowship for individual coaching from the Leonore Annenberg Funds
Emery LeCrone (2003)
- One of 13 of the Dance World’s Hottest Young Choreographers, Dance Spirit - world premiere for Daniel Ulbricht’s Ballet 2014 at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Loni Landon (2002)
- One of 13 of the Dance World’s Hottest Young Choreographers, Dance Spirit - commissioned to create work for BODYTRAFFIC - 2013 Princess Grace Choreography Award/Fellowship
Michael McCrary (2014) assisted choreographer Peggy Hickey in Los Angeles with Big Fish Jack Samuel Gill (2013) actor, dancer, and choreographer for Walt Disney Pictures, Any Body Can Dance 2 (ABCD2) Patrick Coker (2012) apprentice at Cedar Lake Contemporary Dance Jenny Winton (2012, 2009) appears as “Penny” in North American Tour of Dirty Dancing John Harnage (2012) apprentice with Jessica Lang Dance Caleb Teicher (2011, 2010) showcased choreography at the 2014 Capezio A.C.E. Awards and performed at Jacob’s Pillow in 2014 with Dorrance Dance, alongside alums Elizabeth Burke (2014), Demi Remick (2014), and Leonardo Sandoval (2014) Jacqueline Green (2009) 2014 Princess Grace Dance Award/Fellowship Jason Sparks (2009) Associate Choreographer for the national tour of A Christmas Story and Assistant Choreographer for the 68th Annual Tony Awards Dylan Tedaldi (2008) is Second Soloist with the National Ballet of Canada Alban Lendorf (2008) Principal at The Royal Danish Ballet and a guest artist with American Ballet Theatre and English National Ballet Travis Magee (2002) has a solo exhibition of photography at Lincoln Center Dana Marie Ingraham (2001) performs in Motown The Musical on Broadway
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The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
LORNA STRASSLER AWARD FOR STUDENT EXCELLENCE Each year, a young artist enrolled in The School receives material support and career encouragement for performance excellence and exemplary dedication to the field. Established in 2004 by former Pillow board member Lorna Strassler and her husband, the award provides a full program scholarship and $2,500 cash. To be considered, submit an online video, even if auditioning in person; (instructions pg 22; other scholarships pg 19)
Awardees to date:
Amber Pickens (2014) is a senior at The Juilliard School, with aspirations to perform and pursure entrepreneurial opportunities
Samantha Barriento (2013, 2011 Contemporary) dances with Ailey II Theresa J. Murray (2012 Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance) recently cast in Kiss Me, Kate at Pasadena Playhouse
Craig Black (2011 Contemporary) dances with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Calvin Royal III (2010 Ballet) dances in the Corps de Ballet, American Ballet Theatre I-Fen Lin (2009 Contemporary), faculty at Taipei National University of the Arts, School of Dance
Lindsey Holmes (2008 Contemporary) second season with The Lion King on Broadway
Shannon Kline (2007 Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance) recently
completed a book tour for No Child More Perfect
Min Li (2006 Contemporary) freelances as a choreographer and fashion designer
Avi Scher (2005 Ballet) LEAP program student at St. Mary’s College
Winston Dynamite Brown (2004 Contemporary)
dances with Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion
“It is our hope that this award will make a
Amber Pickens; photo Jamie Kraus
difference
in the lives of those who receive it.” - Lorna Strassler
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DAILY SCHEDULE Dancers spend six days a week, 9am-5pm, in the studio with artist faculty, evenings at Festival events or in the Archives, Saturdays performing on the outdoor stage for Festival audiences, and Sundays taking Master Classes led by Festival artists. A sample day: 8:00-9:00 Breakfast or optional Community Class (weekdays) 9:00-10:30 Technique class 10:45-12:15 Program Director technique or repertory class 12:15-1:15 Lunch 1:15-1:30 Campus-wide Welcome: meet Festival artists, scholars, staff, interns, and visiting VIPs (Wed)
Seminars: music, dance history, auditioning, etc. (Mon & Tues)
1:30-5:00 Guest Choreographer repertory rehearsal 5:00-6:00 Dinner 6:15-7:00 Performances by Festival artists on outdoor stage (Wed-Fri) and by The School (Sat)
8:00 Usher and see Festival performances in two theaters or visit the Archives (Wed-Sun) 10:00 Post-Show Talk: choreographers, collaborators, and performers speak about their work, travels, and the field (Thurs & Fri) Later Rehearse, dance jam, chat, free time, or rest and reflect before another full day (weekdays)
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Cast Parties with Festival supporters, artists, staff, and interns (Sat)
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Ballet rehearsal with Jessica Lang; photo Isabela Dos Santos
7:30-8:00 Pre-Performance Talks by Pillow Scholars (Wed-Sat)
POLICIES AND FEES College Credit
Recognized for physical and intellectual rigor, programs of The School can be taken for academic credit through the Pillow’s affiliation with the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Check with your school registrar’s office and department head to determine if credits will be transferable. Credit fee information will be available after May 4 and registration takes place at the Pillow on arrival day.
Eligibility All programs require technically advanced and socially mature dancers with the stamina for eight hours of intensive dancing per day, plus four hours per evening of Festival events, six days per week. Minimum age on arrival is 16. A complete confidential medical history is required on acceptance, noting any conditions that could interfere with full program participation. The School at Jacob’s Pillow is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. Jacob’s Pillow encourages and supports diversity in all programs.
Program Fees Jacob’s Pillow supporters make it possible to charge dancers far less than the actual program costs. A $750/week fee includes tuition, room, board, ticketed performances, and attendance at other Festival events. Fees are: • $1,500: Ballet and Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop • $2,250: Contemporary and Musical Theatre Dance
Refund Policy Refunds are granted for medical conditions only, with a physician’s note. Refund schedule: 80% if withdrawal notification is received by three weeks prior to arrival; 60% by one week prior to arrival; 30% by the third program day; and none possible thereafter.
A Jazz Happening rehearsal; photo Christopher Duggan.
Programs and faculty are subject to change.
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HOW TO APPLY Part I – Audition, Video or In Person (pg 21-23) Part II - Submit a complete application package: • Either download an Application/Scholarship Packet (jacobspillow.org/education/school) • Or follow the instructions below 1. Application Form, typed or legible handwriting (pg 17) 2. Non-Refundable Processing Fee, one per applicant • $25 if postmarked by February 13 (Priority Deadline for Ballet Program) • $40 if postmarked by March 20 (in person audition may occur after this date) • $50 if postmarked after March 20 (reviewed as availability permits) 3. Written Statement (2 copies, typed, 1 page maximum, title with your name), describing: (a) current course of study and/or artistic work (b) career aspirations (c) experiences desired/needed to reach these goals (d) name, title, phone, and email for two dance artists or teachers who can speak about your work 4. Résumé/C.V. (2 copies, typed)
6. Support Documentation (originals are not required) • Professionals: Selected samples of programs, reviews, and articles about your work • If 17 or younger: One current teacher recommendation letter describing: (a) technical and performance artistry (b) stamina to participate in rigorous, professional level classes and rehearsals (c) ability to live and interact responsibly as an adult professional in a diverse artist community 7. Scholarship Application Form and attachments (pgs 19-20), if applicable 8. Mail application as instructed on Application Checklist (pg 18) Contact us with any questions at info@jacobspillow.org or 413.243.9919 x141 16
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Vanessa Lai; photo Christopher Duggan
5. Photo (label each copy with your name) • For Ballet: Full-length first arabesque, women on pointe (2 copies) • For Social Dances and Contemporary: Full-body preferred; headshot accepted (2 copies) • For Musical Theatre Dance: Headshot (2 copies)
APPLICATION FORM Reviewed if all Application Checklist items (pg 18) are attached to this form. I.
Applicant (type or print legibly) Name _____________________________________________________________________________ First Name
Middle Name
Last/Family Name
Address ____________________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________ State/Region _______ Zip/Postal Code _________ Country ___________________ E-mail ________________________________________________ Phone: Mobile _______________________ Skype _____________________________________ (Include country, city, and area code)
Sex:
F
M
Birth Date (mm/dd/yy) ________________________ Age _______
Country of Birth ___________________ Languages ____________________________________ Citizenship(s) _____________________________________________________________________ Current School/Company ___________________________________________________________ If applicable, suggested to apply by _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of parent/guardian, required if applicant under 18
Date
II. I am applying for (if more than one, number according to preference) Ballet
Social Dances
Contemporary
Musical Theatre Dance
III. Audition information Submit an Audition Video by emailing the URL and password (instructions pg 21) In person audition: City ______________________ Date ___________ Tag # _______
IV. Scholarship Application Form attached: V.
Yes
No
If known
Application processing fee: $ ____________________ (see How to Apply for amount) Check enclosed, payable to Jacob’s Pillow in U.S. dollars Money order enclosed, payable to Jacob’s Pillow in U.S. dollars Charge to:
VISA
MasterCard
Discover
American Express
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Card Number
CCV#
Expiration Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Name as it appears on the card
Cardholder’s phone number
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Cardholder Billing Address
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Cardholder Signature jacobspillow.org
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APPLICATION CHECKLIST Please assemble in the order listed. Paper clip each section; no staples, folders, or portfolios. Refer to How to Apply (pg 16) for deadlines, fees, and instructions. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Notification by postal mail after April 27.
First Clip: Program Application
Application Form
Written Statement, copy #1
Résumé/C.V., copy #1
Photo, copy #1
Support Documentation, if applicable
Audition Video URL Email, if applicable
Second Clip: Scholarship Application, if applicable
Scholarship Application Form
Written Statement of Need
Proof of Annual Income
Additional Support Documentation
Download the Application Packet:
Last Clip: Applicant Profile
Written Statement, copy #2
Résumé/C.V., copy #2
Photo, copy #2
Audition Video URL link and password, if applicable
Send all materials in one envelope. Do not bring to audition. Mail to:
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 358 George Carter Road Becket, MA 01223 USA
“The School at Jacob’s Pillow is
a nurturing and inspiring environment for dancers
to express themselves and hone their craft.”
- Michelle Puskas Musical Theatre Dance Program
Contact us with any questions at info@jacobspillow.org or 413.243.9919 x141 18
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
SCHOLARSHIPS Jacob’s Pillow Scholarships Scholarships are available to all dancers able to prove financial need, thanks to donations made to The School and its endowment. To help as many dancers as possible, most scholarships are partial. Full scholarships require especially strong evidence of financial need. All scholarship recipients agree to serve as exemplary Pillow community members and fulfill needed campus duties.
How to Apply If applicant is a dependent, financial information must be for parent/guardian. 1. Scholarship Application Form, (pg 20 or jacobspillow.org/education/school) 2. Proof of Annual Income • U.S. residents: Copy of first page of most recent IRS 1040/1040A form. • If exempt from filing, or a non-U.S. resident: copy of earning statements for July, October, and December 2014. 3. Written Statement of Need (a) Describe why financial aid is necessary: Provide clear and accurate information about current employment and financial obligations, such as monthly bills and debt. (b) List additional funding source(s): Excluding the Pillow scholarship request, identify confirmed and pending gifts, grants, loans, or other funding for possible program fee use. If pending, list amount requested and expected notification date. (c) Work experience: List name, title, address, phone number, your position, and earnings for current and past two employers. (d) List previous aid/prizes/grants/scholarship awards: Include granting institution, name of aid/award, amount, and year received. 4. Attach documentation that supports your written statement such as: rental agreements, food stamp registration, debt counseling statements, childcare invoices, scholarship awards, financial aid records, etc.
2015 Named Scholarship Opportunities All dancers are eligible for a Jacob’s Pillow Scholarship as described above. Scholarships below go to dancers meeting the described criteria. • Lorna Strassler Award for Student Excellence: Available to dancers from any program who have demonstrated performance excellence and exemplary dedication to the field (see pg 13) • Marcia Simon Kaplan Scholarship: One full scholarship to attend the Contemporary Program is awarded to a New World School of the Arts dancer. Miami Audition January 11 (see pg 23) • American Dance Guild Erna Lindner-Gilbert/Jacob’s Pillow Scholarship: One full scholarship to attend the Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop Program is awarded to an American Dance Guild member, americandanceguild.org
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SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM • Only complete applications are reviewed (Scholarship attachments pg 19) • If applicant is a dependent, information must be for parent/guardian • All information will be kept confidential Applicant Name _______________________________________________________________________
First Name
Middle Name
Last/Family Name
Scholarship Worksheet
Program Fee $ ________________
Amount you can contribute from:
$_______________ Savings/income
$_______________ Gifts/school awards/other sources $_______________ Pending aid/awards
$__________ Subtotal of amount able to pay $_______________ Pillow Scholarship request
I also meet the eligibility requirements for consideration of the (pg 19): Strassler Award
Kaplan Award
Primary Support ___________________________ (Self, or if dependent, Parent/Guardian name)
Pillow/American Dance Guild Secondary Support _________________________ (Self, or if dependent, Parent/Guardian name)
Address _________________________________
Address _________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Monthly housing payment: $ ________________
Monthly housing payment: $ ________________
Rent
Own
Rent
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Occupation _______________________________
Occupation _______________________________
Employer’s name and phone _________________
Employer’s name and phone _________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Other dependents (list names and ages) ____________________________________________________ Debt owed (explain in written statement) $ _________________________________________________ My signature below verifies that the above and attached information is true to the best of my knowledge. If awarded a scholarship, I will be an exemplary Pillow community member, abiding by all campus procedures and assigned obligations. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Signature Date _____________________________________________________________________________________
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Signature of Parent/Guardian, required if applicant under 18
The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
Date
AUDITION - VIDEO
Online video auditions are required for Ballet, and strongly encouraged for Social Dances, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre Dance as they ensure that any dancer can be considered, regardless of geographic location. Audition videos are reviewed for Lorna Strassler Award consideration (pg 13). Footage must be: i) relevant to program choice(s), with dancer in appropriate dance attire; ii) shot no more than six months prior to submission, iii) of clear viewing quality, and iv) include a Table of Contents. Please organize video audition as follows: 1. Brief verbal self-introduction; use same name as written on Application Form, (1 minute maximum)
2. Technique sampler (10 minutes maximum) (a) Ballet, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre Dance: In center floor only, include exercises of grand pliés, ronds de jambe, extensions, and balances; followed by across-the-floor progressions of turns, jumps, and leaps. (b) Ballet: include adagio, pirouettes, petit and grand allegro, and at least one full variation. Pointe shoes are required for females; males should include tour en l’air. (c) Social Dances: include solo and/or partner dances demonstrating musicality and styles related to hip-hop: locking, house, dances from 60s-70s, lindy/swing, etc. (d) Musical Theatre Dance: include a brief tap dance, even if beginner level. Females must be in heels for musical theatre dance portions of video.
Christian Griggs-Drane; photo Christopher Duggan
3. Performance sampler (8 minutes maximum): Provide 2-3 variations, improvisations, and/or repertory excerpts, shot in the studio, that demonstrate a range of dynamics, levels, tempos, and styles; identify choreographers for works shown as applicable. 4. Vocals for Musical Theatre Dance: Sing 16-bars of two songs, from musical theatre works, using only the microphone on video camera. 5. To submit: (a) Upload content to YouTube or Vimeo video hosting website (b) Test your video link; if the link or password fail to work there is no guarantee it can be reviewed (c) Email the URL link and password to info@jacobspillow.org with “2015 School Audition – PROGRAM NAME, YOUR NAME” in subject heading Check How to Apply (pg 16) for other required application materials jacobspillow.org
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AUDITION - IN PERSON USA Auditions Led by internationally-acclaimed artists, most Jacob’s Pillow auditions are structured as master classes. These provide an excellent opportunity to take a professional class, gain audition experience, and learn about The School. Auditions are open to advanced dancers, ages 15 and up. Wear professional dance attire and arrive on time. Parents, teachers, and friends are not permitted to observe. Expect a fast-paced class with a range of combinations related to the techniques and artistic expectations of the specified Program. You must audition separately for each Program; for example, a Contemporary audition cannot be used for Musical Theatre Dance consideration.
International Auditions Sites listed online result in one scholarship award only per site. For acceptance and scholarship consideration, submit an online video application (pg 21).
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The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2015
JoVonna Parks, Kassandra Cruz, & Daphne Lee; photo Karli Cadel
• Musical Theatre Dance: (a) Auditions cover multiple dance styles; please bring all dance shoes, including tap, and be prepared to dance barefoot. (b) Prepare 16 bars of two songs from published musical theatre works. Bring the sheet music; accompanist provided.
AUDITIONS Contemporary Sunday, January 11 – Miami, FL Registration: 1-1:45pm Audition Class: 2-4pm New World School of the Arts Sunday, January 18 – New York, NY Registration: 3-3:45pm Audition Class: 4-6pm New York City Center Studios Saturday, February 7 – Los Angeles, CA Registration: 12-12:45pm Audition Class: 1-3pm Loyola Marymount University Saturday, February 14 – New York, NY Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-1pm New York City Center Studios Saturday, February 28 – Chicago, IL Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-1pm Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Sunday, March 22 – New York, NY Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-1pm New York City Center Studios
Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop Saturday, January 10 – Miami, FL * Registration: 1-2pm Solos: 1:30-3pm New World School of the Arts Saturday, January 17 – New York, NY Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-1pm Ripley-Grier Studios Sunday, February 8 – Los Angeles, CA Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-1pm Screenland Studios Sunday, February 15 – New York, NY Registration: 3-3:45pm Audition Class: 4-6pm Ripley-Grier Studios
$15 audition fee, cash only Social Dances continued Saturday, February 28 – Chicago, IL Registration: 2-2:45pm Audition Class: 3-5pm Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Saturday, March 21 – New York, NY Registration: 3-3:45pm Audition Class: 4-6pm Ripley-Grier Studios
Musical Theatre Dance Saturday, January 10 – Miami, FL * Registration: 1-2pm Solos: 1:30-3pm Vocals: 3-4pm New World School of the Arts Saturday, January 17 – New York, NY Registration: 2-2:45pm Audition Class: 3-6pm Ripley-Grier Studios Sunday, February 8 – Los Angeles, CA Registration: 2-2:45pm Audition Class: 3-6pm Screenland Studios Sunday, February 15 – New York, NY Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-2pm Ripley-Grier Studios Sunday, March 1 – Chicago, IL Registration: 1-1:45pm Audition Class: 2-5pm Lou Conte Dance Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Saturday, March 21 – New York, NY Registration: 10-10:45am Audition Class: 11am-2pm Ripley-Grier Studios
Conferences/Festivals Sites to meet Pillow staff are listed online * Special instructions online jacobspillow.org jacobspillow.org
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Photo Taylor Crichton
Pictured: Addison H. Ector and Jacquelin E. Harris, alumni of the 2012 Contemporary Program. Today, Addison dances with Complexions Contemporary Ballet and Jacquelin is a company member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
358 George Carter Road, Becket, MA 01223
JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE
Ballet | Social Dances: Jazz to Hip-Hop Contemporary | Musical Theatre Dance
Professional Advancement 2015
The School at Jacob’s Pillow