To be considered for the Visual Arts component, an interested student should prepare a portfolio containing between 6-8 pieces of his or her original artwork. This can include artwork prepared in or outside of school. The student’s name and school, as well as address and phone number should appear only on the portfolio. NO NAMES SHOULD BE VISIBLE ON THE WORK ITSELF.

To be considered for the Visual Arts, an interested students should prepare a portfolio including the following:

1) SKETCHBOOK: If you do not have a sketchbook you can easily make one by stapling same sized white paper together securely. Judges will review the sketchbook to determine drawing ability.

2) LANDSCAPE: This is an illustration of an outdoor scene. Can be realistic or abstract. In any medium.

3) ABSTRACT: This is a work of art that is not realistic. This is a design made of up interesting colors and shapes. In any medium.

4) PORTRAIT: This is an illustration of a person, yourself (a self-portrait) or someone else. In any medium.

5) 2 FREE-CHOICE: These should be artworks that showcase your artistic strengths and abilities.

Medium simply means the tool an artist uses to produce art. It is a good idea to show a variety of mediums in your portfolio ... example: watercolor paint, markers, pencil, colored pencil, and cut paper, as some ideas. You may include artwork from any grade, as well as artwork produced at home or outside of school. You will have the opportunity to produce the first 3 items for your portfolio during your 5th grade school art experience.

If you are selected for Student Arts League you will be bused on a district bus with other members of your group to the Newbridge Road School to meet with Mrs. Lo Bosco, the Arts League instructor, approximately twice a month. You will be bused back to your home school before lunch. In Arts League/Visual Arts, you will learn new techniques and approaches to creating art. You will have the opportunity to work with different mediums on complex art projects for longer periods of time. You will learn about famous artists and important periods in art history as well as careers available for creative individuals. You will be expected to work hard, be attentive and dedicated and be focused on improving your artistic and creative problem solving skills. Students will enjoy a field trip to a major museum as well as an end of year exhibit in June.

The portfolios should be submitted to the school main office during the week of May 26-30th. The district art teachers will meet in June to evaluate the portfolios and determine a ranking. Approximately 30 children in total can be admitted into this program for gifted students. Portfolios will be available for pick up in the school main office during the last week of school. Letters will be sent to all students who submitted a portfolio in early summer indicating the status.

If you have any questions which are not answered here, please call Mrs. Lo Bosco at Newbridge Road School: 992-3000 x 4400

To be considered for Arts League/Dramatic Arts an interested student should come prepared to audition. There will be three components to the audition.

1. Monologue

2. Improv format

3. TV commercial  

In September, the monologues will be available in the main office. Read through them all, pick one that interests you and MEMORIZE THE LINES. Actors memorize lines. Personalize it if you wish, add expression and humor - make it your own. For the improv portion you will select an idea at random from those I supply. You will use your voice, body and facial expression to act out that idea. The actor Drew Carey has a television program focused on the art of improv called “Who’s Line is it Anyway”. Watch that show if you can to better understand how successful experienced actors do improvisations. An improv audition is a good way to determine a student’s ability to try new things, problem solve and think on their feet while on stage. To be a successful actor you need to become another person, believable enough to convince the audience. For the TV commercial you will read from a script provided at the time of audition with a judge, demonstrating expression and enthusiasm for a product you are trying to sell. Only consider auditioning for Arts League if you are comfortable on stage with people looking at you, taking direction, projecting your voice, working with others and trying new things. A student cannot try out for both Visual Arts and Dramatic Arts.  

If you are selected for Arts League you will be bused on a district bus with other members of your group to the Newbridge Road School to meet with Mrs. Lo Bosco, the Arts League instructor, approximately twice a month. You will be bused back to your home school before lunch. You will learn techniques and approaches to becoming a believable character. You will learn how to incorporate the five senses as you take on a new role. You will learn about different careers available for a person with a flair for the dramatic. You will perform a variety of roles and work with other Arts League actors doing skits and plays. You will learn about comedy, drama, monologues, pantomime, and folktales, etc.   Previous experience is not necessary. You should be comfortable performing and taking direction. You should have good facial expressions and be animated and lively. Though you can’t audition with a partner it’s a good idea to practice with friends and family members before you come for your audition. Try watching and imitating the characteristics of other people. Learn through observing and practice what you’ve learned.  

Auditions will take place in June for the following school year. Letters will be sent to all students who auditioned in early summer, indicating status.

If you have any questions which are not answered here, please call Mrs. Lo Bosco at Newbridge Road School: 992-3000 x 4400