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

Your portfolio is a representation of your artistic and theatrical ability, potential, and range.  You don’t have to show only your theatre or set design work; we invite you to show us examples of artistic, 2D or 3D design work unrelated to set design or the theatre.  The purpose for your portfolio is to show the committee what you are capable of doing artistically and what potential you have for further development.  For example, a portfolio for an application in scenic design could include:

• Artwork, drawings, sketches, paintings, sculptures, graphic designs (posters, cartoons, etc) figure drawing, collage, art and design projects, or ceramics of any kind and in any medium/media, or photos of these.
• If you have realized set design projects to show and you can’t bring the models to your interview then photograph the model.
• Consider including photos of set pieces, props, decoration, or craft projects you have designed or made from yours or another’s design idea.  We value good prop making and scenic painting but please don’t make these examples the centerpiece of your scenic design portfolio.
• Consider including examples and/or documentation of other areas of theatrical craft like a costume or mask you have made or a backstage tech project you have built.
• Please include some examples of your hand and/or computer drafting, digital design work, or fine art or show photography, if possible.

For your actual interview, the committee prefers to see printed photos and the actual artwork instead of showing us your portfolio on a laptop or DV projector.

Remember, your portfolio needs to be more than a collection of programs, clippings, posters, or show photos.  Show your best and most recent work first.

Please include a resume.

Thomas C.Umfrid, Professor
Scenic Design
College-Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati
umfridt@email.uc.edu
513-556-9452

Brian Ruggaber, Assistant Professor
Scenic Design
College- Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati
brian.ruggaber@uc.edu
513-556-9418

(Revised 10/9/08)