The Most Frequently Asked Question:  “What should I have in my portfolio?”

All first year candidates must assemble and submit a Portfolio at their interview.
This portfolio will be reviewed by the committee on that particular day, and you will be able to leave with the full portfolio intact. The BFA TD&P program is looking for talented lighting design potential or students with strong potential in lighting technology with production leadership skills.
Contents of the portfolio. It is recommended to have:

LIGHTING THINGS:

• 2-4 lighting schematic sheets or Light Plots.
• These may all be realized productions or theory classroom projects.
• 2-4 lighting schematic sheets support documents; Hookup, Cheat Sheet or Plugging Charts.
• These may all be realized productions or theory classroom projects.
• Master Electricians/Technicians should approach the data the same way clarifying their role as a specialist.
• Photo documentation of all of the above in print form. You may choose to do slides, or video format of your documentation, but you’re required to bring any and all of the necessary projection devices. Remember you only have 55 minutes. CD’s or video documentation may be left with the faculty for further study.

OTHER VISUAL SUPPORT

• 1-6 Visuals in the area of scenic design, scenic construction, technical direction, sound design, stage management, makeup, wig design, producing, building crews, etc…
• These may all be realized productions or all theory classroom projects.

OTHER VISUAL SUPPORT-NON THEATRE

• 1-6 Visuals in the area of Photography, television or video design, and/or production, drawings from art classes, water colors, life drawings, sculpture, documentation of welding, graphic design projects, video and film projects, sculpting or creative art designs. Any electronics certification and or course work may be appropriate.

PORTFOLIO FORMAT:

• Usually an artist portfolio is most appropriate. 14”x17”min- 30”x38” maximum.
• Support binders, 8.5” x 11” are also appropriate for photos and program documentation.
• Large drawings and or artwork can arrive in the standard brown art cases for pin up.
• Many students choose to attach their creations and light plots to form core for display.
• Rolled up drawings would be a bad idea.
• Scenic models and technical direction CAD drawings would be appropriate.

RESUME:

• Even though your resume is in the CCM application, bring five copies to the interview for immediate handout, with five additional copies of your most recent transcript. Occasionally design faculty may attend who are not familiar in detail with your file and would need the above data.

OTHER THINGS:

• Letters of support, reviews in the press are nice, and program support is acceptable.
• Please call if you have any questions; 513-556-9446
• It is not necessary to have all of the above. This is simply a guideline for you to consider.

JIM GAGE REV. V2 10 2005 December 1, ‘04

Jim Gage, Professor
Resident Lighting Designer
Professor, CCM: BFA & MFA Lighting Head
Corbett Center Rm #2410
University of Cincinnati
Cinn. Ohio 45221-0003
513-556-9446
513-556-3399 fx
gagejh@ucmail.uc.edu

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