Each student must present a digital portfolio showing 3 of their original and authentically created digital media pieces. To prepare for your audition, complete the Google Form that will be sent to you via official email after the Special Programs Application form is completed (Art Application form is due Jan 26th, 2024 @ 11:59pm) and upload your 3 portfolio pieces that accurately demonstrates your computer art abilities with a focus on video, graphic design, and/or digital Art. Please include your best 3 samples - the original file AND along with the rendered version. For example, if you are submitting a Photoshop file, you would include the Photoshop PSD file + a jpeg version. If a video sample is included, no more than 5 minutes per sample.
Portfolio items may include, but are not limited to:
- A presentation in which the student played a production or talent role (camera, director, graphics, audio, reporter, writer, actor, etc.)
- A news segment from a school or arts related event
- Video editing demonstration (Video may not be of sports footage of the applicant)
- Logo Design
- Photo Manipulation
- PowerPoint/Google Slides/Prezi presentation
- Photoshop projects
- Digital art pieces
Required File Formats Digital files must be uploaded to the google form in a proper file format:
Image files- PSD, JPEG or PNG
Video files- MP4
Animation- AVI, MP4, GIF
Presentation Software- Google Slides, Powerpoint, or Prezi
If possible: Name your Files using this format: (ex. Gross_Maryellen-Sample1.jpg)
Lastname_Firstname-Sample1
Lastname_Firstname-Sample2
Lastname_Firstname-Sample3
Make sure to also have these same files properly stored on a USB Flash Drive to bring with you on the In-Person Audition.
SUGGESTIONS (highly recommended):
- Save and check that your 3 samples are properly saved on a USB Flash Drive to bring to the audition
- Please be diverse with your samples.
- We look for creativity and originality in the samples
- Answer the google form questions honestly and with thorough responses
- Check your email often for important info regarding Audition schedules,
links to the google form to prepare your audition files and interview prompts,
and for the access to the rubric that will be used in the audition to help you to plan ahead.
- Students should anticipate & to be prepared to answer additional questions during the Audition interview
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I audition for a specific program or Digital Media as a whole?
Answer: Digital Media as a whole. Our 2 distinct areas of academic focus - Digital Design, & TV Production are all very much related in the entertainment and marketing industry. Students can take more than one class if they are interested in more than one subject area.
2. What type of portfolio pieces do I submit?
Answer: Any sort of portfolio items listed on the first page. We want to see what knowledge you have with no official training. You do not have to have any training in any of these subject areas, just passion and interest. Websites for beginners are listed below and any app on a smart device can also be used.
3. What if I never took a computer class in middle school?
Answer: That’s quite alright. There are free websites online that you can use to create portfolio pieces depending on what you are interested in.
4. What is the first class I take as a freshman?
Answer: Once you are accepted into the Digital Media department, the classes you take depend on what program you are interested in and the level of talent you show at auditions.
If you are interested in…
- Graphic Design – you will take Digital Design- with Mrs. Gross
- TV Production – you will take TV Production- with Mr. Eastman
You are able to take more than one elective per year if you are interested in more than one program and if your schedule allows it.
5. What if I do not turn in samples of my work or not answer the questionnaire prompts?
Answer: Digital Media is a popular auditioned department so not turning in 3 different portfolio pieces and or not responding to the questions asked in the Audition form may hurt your chances of being accepted.
6. How do you judge each applicant?
Answer: Each portfolio piece is judged based on creativity and effort put forth. The panel of judges rate your portfolio pieces based on skills communicated and displayed. Each applicant is also judged on a standard rubric that will be given to students after the Art Application has been turned in by the due date.
7. What are you looking for in a Digital Media applicant?
Answer: We are looking for students who are interested in working on computers whether it be creative digital design work, game design, sculpting a 3D design or editing of videos. We want our students to exhibit passion, creativity, self -motivation, and the desire to learn more in their subject area of their choice.
If you have any questions regarding the program or about auditions, please email the appropriate teacher.
Kevin Eastman [email protected]
TV Production Instructor
Maryellen Gross [email protected]
Graphic Design Instructor