| |
|
|
PRIMARY AUDITION
DATE FOR 2011 - 2012 SCHOOL YEAR:
JANUARY 8, 2011
(APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 3, 2010)
|
|
* * SOTA CAMPUS
TOURS: OCTOBER 1, OCTOBER 22, NOVEMBER 12 * *
Tours run
from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., starting in the Main
Stage theater. SOTA principal Carmelo
Sgarlato presents an introduction, followed by a
question-and-answer period and tours of each
department. SOTA students and parents are on hand to
answer questions. No RSVP required.
|
|
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
A PDF FILE OF AUDITION
REQUIREMENTS
(UPDATED OCTOBER 25, 2010)
LINK HERE FOR
EXAMPLES OF STUDENT WORK
|
|
The process of auditioning for the Creative Writing
department begins by completing two application
forms -- one for Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, and
one for the San Francisco Unified School Distrcit
(SFUSD). To begin this process, link to the school's
main website,
http://www.sfsota.org, and look for the
Admissions tab. Within that menu you can find both
instructions and downloadable application forms.
In addition to the
two application forms, Creative Writing applicants
must prepare and submit a portfolio. Student portfolios
will
contain sixteen (16) original pieces demonstrating proficiency across a
specified range of genres.
Successful audition pieces tend not to be class
assignments. Writers write on their own, all the
time.
The deadline
for delivering both the application forms and the
portfolio of work is December 3, 2010.
The portfolio must include
three complete short stories, ten poems, a
five-to-ten-page one-act play, and an expository
essay (an essay you have already written for English class is fine here).
We will also consider the personal essay you submit
with your general application as part of your
portfolio. In your personal essay you should
describe your reading background, your writing
practices, and your expectations of the class. |
| |
"Take a moment to reflect on yourself as a writer
right before the audition -- just think about the
how and the why of your writing. This way,
you'll be ready to answer any questions that pop
up.... During the interview, you will probably be
asked about your reading habits....[so] you might
want to bring along a list of your favorite novels.
Not only will you feel prepared, but you'll look
really smart." -- Natasha Weidner '09
|
|
|
All writing samples MUST be formatted in 12-pt.
Times New Roman font. Submit your work in a
three-ring binder with the student’s name, grade
level, telephone number, and email address clearly
printed on the front.
Do NOT submit a
portfolio unless you have thoroughly read through
our website.
For samples of the
kind of work we do, we strongly recommend that you
read our student literary
journal, umläut, before submitting
a portfolio. Our current issue and back issues
dating to the first publication are available. The
Student Work section
of this website also provides examples of C-dub
writing, including links to many stories and poems
as they have appeared in online publications. We
also suggest that you attend our reading
performances, which are listed on this website's
News and Calendar page,
and watch some videoclips in our
Videogallery.
Initial Review:
Only complete portfolios will be considered for
audition. Choose your best work and do not submit
more than the maximum number of pieces, as they will
not be read. Portfolio work will be reviewed by
the Creative Writing Director with the assistance of a
writer-in-residence familiar with the program, and
an invitation to audition will be sent based on this
review. Portfolios that do not pass the initial
review will be available for pick-up in the school’s
office; please note that portfolios not picked up
within one month of notification will be disposed
of. The Creative Writing Director does not provide feedback on
specific portfolios.
Audition Day:
Portfolio work will be discussed at the interview
with the applicant. Portfolios will be available for
pick-up after the audition results are mailed.
|
|
"Definitely audition a second time if you're
prepared to redo your portfolio, because persistence
really pays off." -- Forrest Ambruster '10 |
|
In addition to the
portfolio presentation, students will be asked to
complete two onsite writing assignments, and to
discuss themselves and their work in a personal
interview with the Creative Writing Director and a
writer-in-residence. Bring a blue or black
ballpoint pen.
Remember, the ability to follow
instructions is a strong indicator of your readiness
for the program.
|
After audition comes the inevitable wait. While C-dub instructors strive for prompt
notification, the process involves a number of
administrative and district channels that
occasionally take time. In the interim,
applicants might consider expanding or reworking
portions of their portfolio, in case they aren't
accepted on the first go-round but are encouraged to try
again in March.
|
|
|
|
| |
"Re-writing is next to godliness. Re-writing
needs to become ingrained in all good writers, so it
would be wise for prospective creative writers to
polish their portfolio no matter how beautiful it
already appears." -- Eli Wolfe '09 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
"Keep in mind, when auditioning for Creative
Writing, that you are subjecting yourself to a
hard-working community that believes in support,
determination, imagination and constructive critique
from everyone, peers and teachers alike.... When I
did my portfolio, I wrote the pieces, and then did a
series of drafts for each one. I had someone
else read my pieces and help me make edits.... For
the interview, remember to talk about how you got
interested in writing..... Be enthusiastic about the
program and be yourself, no worries." -- Sasha
Schmitz '09
|
|
|
|
|
|
