Portfolio Preparation for the Theatre

Course Description

This course guides students in developing the materials and skills necessary to present their education and experience to employers in the most effective manner, including resumes, cover letters, and portfolios. Prerequisite: At least two courses from the following: THR 140, THR 145, THR 146, or THR 147; Design and Technical Production concentration; or permission of the instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Develop an understanding of the best practices in portfolio building and presentation.

  • Design a package suitable for entering or continuing in the profession.

  • Improve upon skills in critical analysis, presentation, and aesthetics.

  • Identify the key components of artistic/technical portfolios

  • Summarize relevant personal skills and experiences

  • Implement and present professional resume, portfolio, cover letter, and interview skills

  • Organize portfolio materials and skills into a designed professional package

  • Critique personal portfolios and peer portfolios in a collaborative and critical manner

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Goal Setting and Self Evaluation

10%

Your Theatre Road Map

5%

Resume Round Table Review

15%

Midterm Portfolio Presentations

20%

Job Application Presentations

15%

Portfolio Presentation

20%

Final - Teach Us Something

5%

Final Self-Reflection

10%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

92%-100%

A

90%-91%

A-

86%-89%

B+

82%-85%

B

80%-81%

B-

76%-79%

C+

72%-75%

C

70%-71%

C-

66%-69%

D+

62%-65%

D

60%-61%

D-

00%-59%

F

Attendance/Participation:

This class will be conducted in person. Because this is a hands-on class and moves quickly, attendance is essential. You are responsible for communicating with me and/or your peers in order to learn what happened in class if you miss a scheduled class period. You will be granted 2 excused absences, no questions asked.

Email is the best way to reach me for an excused absence. I will do my best to respond in a timely fashion. Sending me an email does not necessarily automatically equate to an excused absence. However, communication before class begins generally equals an excused absence.

If your attendance is 70% or below at the midterm, you will be dropped from the class with a WF (withdraw failing) grade. An attendance grade of 70% or less at the end of the semester will result in an automatic grade of F in the class.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Get the Job in the Entertainment Industry, A Practical Guide for Designers, Technicians, and Stage Managers. Kristina Tollefson, ISBN 9781350103795

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.