Dear New England Secondary School Educators,
It is with great excitement that we announce our 64th New England Theatre
Conference and Convention on October 23-25, 2015 at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center in Westford, Massachusetts. We would like to take this
opportunity to invite you and your theatre students to join us and participate in the many rich and rewarding programs that will be offered at this years convention. This convention promises to be an exciting event. Our theme of this years convention is The Stage and Beyond: Bridging the Gap Between Stage and Media. On Friday, October 23rd we will once again be holding our high school Olympiad competition where students can compete in the following events:
*Musical Theatre Vocals *Acting
*Dance
*Costume and Set Design
*Stage Management...(NEW THIS YEAR)
The Olympiad will allow students to perform and create works for a panel of
responders who specialize in the above areas of theatre. This year we are currently in negotiations with the amazing Ms. Betty Buckley as the honoree of our 2015 Major Award for her lifetime contributions to the American Musical Theatre. Ms. Buckley
may join our panel of judges in determining who will win the honors of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in each of the areas above. . In addition, three $500 college scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors, one each in acting, musical theatre and design/tech.
Friday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, we will be holding a college fair in which students will have the opportunity to speak with college representatives about their programs in Theatre, Music, Dance and Film.
Saturday, October 24, we will be holding our Undergraduate college auditions/interviews where junior and senior students may take part in
Auditioning/Interviewing for colleges around the country for acceptance into their degree programs. A list of colleges and universities who have been invited to participate in this college fair and undergraduate audition/interview programs are listed in the materials attached.
During both Friday and Saturday, workshops will be sponsored and offered for all your students regardless of their level in all aspects of theatre, music, dance and film. So whether your student wishes to participate in the Olympiad or not, there will be something for everyone at this years convention
Teachers can choose to take part in an Applied Theatre and Drama Master Class, taught by Bethany Nelson, Ph.D., on Friday, October 23rd. In addition this master class, there will be a numerous assortment of professional development programs that will provide tips on best practices and on how to improve the theatre community in your school.
In the enclosed packet of materials, you will find information to help you begin your planning for attending this year’s convention. Additional materials will be sent out several times over the upcoming months detailing more information
We look forward to your participation at our 2015 convention.
If you have any questions about the events or registration please contact our office:
mail@NETConline.org or call 617-851-8535.
The New England Theatre Conference
invites your students to go for the gold (and CASH) at the
2015 NETC Theatre Olympiad!
Friday, October 23, 2015
In addition to the regular workshops and presentations, this year’s convention will be filled with fun and challenging events for high school students. The, 2015 NETC Theatre Olympiad
specifically designed for students in grades 9 through 12, will provide students an opportunity to showcase songs, monologues, dance routines and set and costume design skills in this all-day festival. Each participant and school will receive a certificate of participation and students will also compete for special awards from NETC. School theatre programs as well as other youth theatre organizations are invited to participate. College theatre faculty and/or theatre professionals will serve as respondents. The Theatre Olympiad will begin with an opening meeting and warm-up at 8:30 a.m. At that time, general information will also be given. Students will receive written feedback on their work. The Olympiad will conclude with an awards ceremony where gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded.
And this year, three $500 college scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors, one each in acting, musical theatre and design/tech.
Seniors awarded scholarships must eventually be accepted and confirm attendance to a college theatre program or the scholarship will be invalid. Those participating must be registered for the conference. In addition to the Olympiad events, students may attend other convention sessions and presentations.
Musical Theatre Vocal
Students competing must prepare for this event in advance. Students must prepare two songs, a musical theatre ballad and up-tempo song. The combination can last no longer than five minutes. Song must be from the Broadway musical theatre repertoire only, no movies or pop songs. An accompanist will be provided. Students should bring two copies on their music in the proper key, one with the beginning and ending clearly marked for the accompanist. A cappella singing will not be allowed.
Acting
Students competing must prepare for this event in advance. Acting students must bring two “stand alone” contrasting monologues, one dramatic and one comedic. The combination can
last no longer than five minutes.
Dance
In this simulated dance audition, students will be given a dance routine to learn before
performing for respondents, who will be looking for accurate execution as well as presence and style. Wear dance clothes and dance shoes if you have them.
Set design students will be given the challenge to design a set for a play from craft materials supplied by NETC. Students will be asked to explain the idea behind their set and how it would be used for various scenes. The play will be announced in advance.
Costume Design
Costume design students will be given the challenge to create two-dimensional designs for two characters fro a play. Students will be asked to explain the ideas behind their designs. The play will be announced in advance.
Stage Management
Stage management students will be given multiple challenges that a stage manger would be required to do for a production. These challenges will range from taking stage blocking notations, prop table set-up, calling and creating cues for sound and lighting and basic knowledge of the backstage and onstage areas.
The Olympiad will begin with an opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude with an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Those participating in the Olympiad must be registered for the convention and may attend other convention sessions (see conference website for more information).
Please complete the Olympiad registration form (below) and return by October 1, 2015 to: The New England Theatre Conference, Inc.
215 Knob Hill Drive Hamden. CT 06518
Olympiad Schedule (subject to change) Friday, October 23, 2015: Theatre Olympiad
7:30 a.m. Convention registration table opens 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. Opening meeting and warm-up 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Theatre Olympiad – Group A 10:45 to 12:15 p.m. Theatre Olympiad – Group B
12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Lunch with Exhibitors and Raffle (lunch included in convention registration fee)
1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Theatre Olympiad – Group C 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. Theatre Olympiad – Group D
4:45 to 5:30 p.m. Theatre Olympiad Award Ceremony and Recognition 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. No-Tech Presentation Showcase
2015 NETC Theatre Olympiad Registration Form
Faculty Contact Person _____________________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Email____________________________________ School Name _____________________________________________________________ School Address ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Individual Events: List of students
Musical Theatre Vocal
1. __________________________ 4.______________________________ 2. __________________________ 5.______________________________ 3. __________________________ 6.______________________________ Acting 1. __________________________ 4.______________________________ 2. __________________________ 5.______________________________ 3. __________________________ 6.______________________________ Dance 1. __________________________ 4.______________________________ 2. __________________________ 5.______________________________ 3. __________________________ 6.______________________________ Set Design 1. __________________________ 3.______________________________ 2. __________________________ 4.______________________________ Costume Design 1. __________________________ 3.______________________________ 2. __________________________ 4.______________________________ Stage Management 1.__________________________ 3.______________________________ 2. _________________________ 4.______________________________
Please attach an individual registration/parental permission form for each
student attending the conference.
High school seniors, who would like to be considered for a college scholarship,
must read and complete the attached form.
2015 NETC Theatre Conference Registration and
Parental Consent, Release, Waiver of Liability, and Grant of Permission Form
Student Name ____________________________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Email____________________________________ Student’s High School Name _________________________________________________ 1. Consent
By signing below, I, ______________________________________________, (Custodial Parent/Guardian) of ________________________________________________, (Student) acknowledge and grant consent for Student to participate in the 2015 New England Theatre Conference Convention and Theatre Olympiad (Program), on October 23 - 25, 2015, at the Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability
By signing below, I acknowledge that there are risks inherent in any Program, including, but not limited to, risk of serious injury or death arising from: participation in outdoor and indoor activities; the conduct of children in general, particularly children’s failure to follow instructions of teachers and adult supervisors; the risk of
inappropriate behavior; communicable illness; and independent acts of third parties not under the control of the New England Theatre Conference, Inc. and/or its employees, agents or staff. In order to minimize risks to participants, the Custodial Parent/Guardian identified below will take responsibility to see that the Student is properly prepared for all activities and is in good health each day of the program.
In consideration of the opportunity for the Student to participate in the Program I, on behalf of myself, the Student, and the Student’s next of kin, legal representatives, and assigns, do hereby waive and release from liability and covenant not to sue the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., its Board of Trustees, officers, agents, employees, representatives, volunteers, servants, affiliates, students, and any other person acting for or on behalf of the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., for any loss, damage, or claim of any type, both present and future, including, but not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury, illness, accident, death, medical costs, and any other claims arising out of or relating to the Student’s participation in the Program and/or arising from the acts of any person or entity not affiliated with or under the control of the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., while the Student is in enrolled in the Program.
3. Grant of Permission
By signing below, I grant the New England Theatre Conference, Inc., (and/or those acting on their behalf) permission to record and to use photographs, videos, or record the Student’s image, voice and/or name in connection with the Program and to use the resulting materials in NETC publications, websites, CDs, DVDs, and/or other media, for all purposes and in all media including, without limitation, website, brochures, advertisements, and other promotional materials.
Custodial Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________________________ Custodial Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________________________ Date ___________________________________________________________________________________
2015 NETC Theatre Conference
College Scholarship for High School Seniors
Registration Form
Name ___________________________________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Email____________________________________ High School Name_________________________________________________________ Indicate on this line ____ that you are a high school senior.
I am auditioning for a scholarship for (check all that apply), and I understand that I must
eventually be accepted and confirm attendance to a college theatre program or the scholarship that I might be awarded will be invalid.
____ Acting ____ Musical Theatre ____ Design/Technical Signature ______________________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian ______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Phone __________________________________________________ - - - Cut here and return above form with your registration - - -
NOTE: Additional Audition Requirements
Acting: Please provide a headshot/photo (does not have to be professional) and résumé of your theatrical experience. *Please prepare a standard audition introduction.
Musical Theatre: In addition to your two songs, please prepare a two-minute monologue. Please provide a headshot/photo (does not have to be professional) and résumé of your theatrical experience. *Please prepare a standard audition introduction.
Design/Technical: Photos and/or a portfolio of your work are encouraged. Please provide a headshot/photo (does not have to be professional) and résumé of your theatrical experience. Be prepared to make a two-minute oral presentation.
* A standard audition introduction can be found on our website: www.netconline.org (or) ask your drama teacher for assistant.
The New England Theatre Conference
invites your school to participate in the
NO-TECH PRESENTATION SHOWCASE
FRIDAY, October 23, 2015
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Register early. Spaces are limited
The 2015 conference is fast approaching and a new program is being introduced to our high school theatre groups.
A NO-TECH SHOWCASE PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION FORUM
This no-tech presentation and discussion forum invites the first four (4) high school groups who wish to participate to present a 20 minute performance of a piece from a recent production performed, or from a production currently in rehearsal for.
Each participating school will be given an area to perform along with two tables and a couple of chairs to use and that is it. No props, no costumes, no lights or sound, and will have a 30-minute time slot to present their work. Following all of the presentations will be a moderated open forum discussion. Those in attendance can talk about the piece they performed, answer questions from others in the room about the process, discuss choices each actor made in their character, and share their experience of performing and watching each production.
This is a great opportunity for high school groups to see what other high schools are doing and be able to learn from each other.
WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL JOIN US FOR THIS FUN EVENING OF PERFORMANCE SHARING! Cut here --- NO TECH SHOWCASE --- High School Name _________________________________________________________ Drama Instructor Name ____________________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip ____________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________ Email____________________________________
The Stage and Beyond
New England Theatre Conference Convention – October 23-25, 2015
Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA
REGISTRATION INFORMATION The New England Theatre Conference Deadline for pre-registration is October 1, 2015 215 Knob Hill Drive
Register by mail or online Hamden, Connecticut 06518
Mail this registration form with a check or credit card number to: Register online at www.NETConline.org
Registration fees include all workshops, performances, exhibits and general social events.
Quantity Member Student
(Membership not required)
Total
__________ Full Convention $80 $60 __________
__________ Friday Only $50 $35 __________
__________ Saturday Only $50 $35 __________
__________ Friday Master Class (In addition to convention registration)
$175 $150 __________
__________ Saturday Master Class (In addition to convention registration)
$250 $225 __________
SPECIAL TICKETED EVENTS
__________ Friday Night Dinner $15 __________
__________ Saturday Awards Banquet $45 __________
__________ Annual Sunday Brunch $25 __________
NETC MEMBERSHIP 2015-2016 __________ Individual $50 __________ __________ Student $35 __________ __________ Group $100 __________ TOTAL $_________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION
( ) I have enclosed a check or money order made payable to NETC in the amount of $ ___________ ( ) Charge $ __________ to my: ( ) Master Card ( ) Visa ( ) AMEX
________________________________________________________________________________________________
CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE SIGNATURE
________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAME _________________________________________________________________________________________________ ORGANIZATION ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE EMAIL
High School Groups: Please attach an individual registration/parental permission form for each student attending the conference.
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION
FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, SENIORS, TRANSFER STUDENTS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD....COLLEGE FAIR
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 . . . Auditions
Westford Regency Inn and Conference Center, Westford, MA
NETC 64
thAnnual Convention: The Stage and B ey ond
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 and Class Ranking High School Guidance Counselor Recommendation
Drama Teacher/High Teacher Recommendation
Applicants must register for the NETC 64th Annual Convention
For further details, please visit our webpage @
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION APPLICATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS, SENIORS, TRANSFER STUDENTS
Full Name: ____________________________________________________________________________
Last (family name) First Middle
Age: _______ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________
City State Zip
Cell Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________ Other Phone:
_____________________________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________________ Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s): ______________________________________________________________ Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Contact Phone: ______________________________________________________ I am currently a:
______ High School Junior @: ____________________________________________________________ ______ High School Senior @: ____________________________________________________________ ______ Transfer Student (2 or 4-year College/University) @: ___________________________________ I will be presenting:
______ A Musical Theatre Audition ______ An Acting Audition
______ A technical/portfolio interview I am attaching my:
_____ Resume
_____ Headshot (need not be professional) _____ Current official transcript
_____ Letter of Recommendation from high school teacher, director, or guidance counselor All applicants must be registered for at least the Saturday of the Convention
Return completed application with your convention registration to: New England Theatre Conference
215 Knob Hill Drive Hamden, CT 06518
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS
1). Please read all the attached materials.
2). Completely fill out the audition application/registration form.
3). Have school guidance counselor fill our required recommendation form (Part I).
4). Have theatre teacher or Outside Director fill out required recommendation form (Part II).
5). Attach a copy of your resume showing all productions you have worked on and participated in both on and off stage.
6). Attach a recent headshot to the application (does not need to be a professional photo).
7). Fill out convention registration form. All applicants must be registered for the convention for at least Saturday, October 24th .
8). Make checks payable to NETC
9). Please mail all materials along with your check to:
New England Theatre Conference 215 Knob Hill Drive
Hamden, CT 06518
10). All materials must be received by October 1, 2015
11). NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2015
12). Once your materials have been received and processed, you will receive an email conformation. Please hold onto this conformation for your records.
13). During the first week in October, you will receive an additional email reminder.
14). If you have any questions about the event or registration please contact our office:
mail@NETConline.org or call 617-851-8535.
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITION GUIDELINES
Audition Requirements: Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0
Guidance Counselor Recommendation High School Director Recommendation or
Outside Theatre Director Recommendation
1). The undergraduate Auditions are specifically designed for students who are interested in a theatre degree. You may be a high school Junior or Senior or be a Transfer student from a 2 or 4 year college or university.
2). Applications are to be submitted via mail and must be received on or before October 1, 2015. Applications can be found online at netconline.org
3). Any student auditioning must be registered for the NETC convention for at least Saturday, October 24, 2015
and must be a student member of NETC.
4). NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2015
THE AUDITION:
1). Students must prepare their audition pieces to the fit the following time limits allowed
*If Acting only, Students must prepare two contrasting monologues totaling no longer than 2 Minutes.
*If Singing only, Students must prepare two contrasting songs totaling no longer than 2 Minutes.
* If Singing and Acting, Students must prepare one monologue and one song totaling no longer than 2 Minutes.
*YOUR TIME BEGINS WHEN YOU SAY YOUR NAME AND NUMBER
2). If time is called, please stop, repeat your name and audition number and return to your seat.
3). An audition accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own accompanist. Bring sheet music with beginning and ending measures clearly marked and any cue lines noted. Music must be in the correct key; the pianist will not transpose.
4). No one may sing without accompaniment. Auditionees cannot accompany themselves on a musical
instrument, nor are taped accompaniment or acapella singing permitted. 5). Props are not allowed. A chair may be used and will be provided.
THE PROCEDURE:
1). All students must attend a mandatory briefing at 8:00am on Saturday, October 24th which will be followed by a group physical warm-up and vocal warm-up.
2). NOTE: Many people will be moving in and out of the audition and holding areas. NETC is not responsible for
personal belongings, phones, tablets, music players, etc. Please leave these items with a friend or family member while you are auditioning. If you must keep these items with you, please make certain they are OFF before entering the audition room.
3). Audutionees should report to the holding area near the audition room no later than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled audition time. Auditionees who miss their time slot will be rescheduled at the END of the day. 4). Auditionees will be escorted into the audition room and sit in the chairs provided.
5). When signaled by the timekeeper, auditionee will proceed to the stage where they will state their name and audition number, and present his or her audition piece(s).
6). NOTE: Each auditionee should wait briefly for a signal from the timekeeper before beginning.
7). After everyone in your group has performed, the group will exit the audition room.
8). A list of students that schools would like to meet with will be posted. Specific locations will be posted with the callbacks. The location of these postings will be announced at the 8:00am briefing. Callbacks will continue to be posted throughout the day.
9). Auditionees are to check callback posting throughout the day as some colleges may not post callbacks after each group performs.
10). Callbacks may continue until the end of the day of Saturday, October 24th at the discretion of the college or university. Specific information will be noted along with callback locations on the callback boards. Any follow-up is the responsibility of the student and/or college or university concerned.
AUDITION TIPS & THINGS TO REMEMBER
1). Every college watching auditions wants you to be the one; every college wants you to succeed; every college is
looking for students who might be a good match for their specific program.
2). Not every college is going to be right for every student and no student is going to be right for every program. All colleges may not be present for all auditions. Enjoy the attention of the schools that are looking for you.
3). Audition with your strengths. If you are a strong comedic actor, choose a comedic monologue. If you are a strong character actor, choose and appropriate piece. If you are not a strong singer, it is better not to sing. 4). Choose characters as near to your age as possible and within your age range.
5). Avoid unnecessary vulgarity. College professors are rarely shocked, but they can be turned off.
6). Memorize and rehearse your pieces exactly as you intend to perform them INCLUDING YOUR NAME AND NUMBER.
7). Avoid sitting, kneeling or lying on the floor as these choices may present sightline problems.
8). If singing, get help picking as selection(s) that shows your strengths. Perhaps choose the end of a song or a climactic vocal passage. If you wish to demonstrate choreographic skills, do so while you sing.
UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL DESIGN/TECH INTERVIEW GUIDELINES
Interview Candidate Requirements: Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0
Guidance Counselor Recommendation
High School Director Recommendation or
Outside Theatre Director Recommendation
1). The Undergraduate Design/Tech Interviews are specifically designed for Design or Technical students (including directors, playwrights, stage managers, etc.) who are interested in a theatre degree. You may be a high school Junior or Senior or a Transfer student from a 2 or 4 year college or university.
2). Applications are to be submitted via mail and must be received on or before October 1, 2015. Applications can be found online at netconline.org
3). Any student interviewing must be registered for the NETC convention for at least Saturday, October
24, 2015
4). NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2015
THE PROCEDURE:
1). Students will be assigned a shared table (approximately 30 inches of space) on which to display their
work.
2). Set-up will be 8:00am -8:30am on Saturday, October 24, 2015
3). There will be a mandatory briefing at 9:00am for all Design/Tech candidates.
4). Your display must be freestanding; do not assume that wall space will be available to you. Your display should be easy to transport and should include your name and relevant information. Electricity is not a guarantee but may be available to you.
5). Your space will be marked with your interview number, which NETC will give to you upon check in. 6). College and university reps will have an opportunity to view displays before your
presentations/introductions. Some schools may leave information or invite candidates to talk to them later in the day.
7). All design/tech applicants should be in the designated holding area no later than 30 minutes prior to your presentation/introduction time.
You should prepare a 90 second (maximum) speech to introduce yourself, describe your area of
interest, goals, experience, and what you are looking for in a theatre program. It is a good idea to
practice what you are going to say - if you have trouble with public speaking, consider using notecards (this will make you look more prepared).
8). A list of students each school would like to see will be posted following your presentation. Specific meeting times and location will be indicated on the callback boards. Some schools may talk to you at your display after your presentation.
9). Because displays may not be removed until the end of the day, some students may wish to bring evidence of their works that can be shown to college reps throughout the day.
10). All materials will need to be removed from the display area by the end of the day on Saturday, October 24, 2015.
