Office of Admissions
2 E. South Street
Galesburg, IL 61401
Fine Arts Scholarships award up to $8,000!
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as you remain in good academic standing. Your scholarships must be applied toward the cost of tuition, and the combination of Knox scholarships and grants and federal and state grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. You may also qualify for additional need-based financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans.
Knox scholarships are designed to recognize your achievements, including special talents in writing, music, theatre, dance, and visual art. You can provide examples of your talents by submitting a portfolio and/or completing an audition.
Be sure to review each set of guidelines below on how to prepare for your audition or present your portfolio prior to scheduling your visit or uploading your electronic submission.
You can schedule your on-campus audition or portfolio presentation in dance, music, theatre, or theatre design by contacting the Office of Admission at least a week in advance of your visit. You can also request your audition or portfolio presentation online when you schedule your campus visit.
February 1.
Your application is considered ready for review once all materials are submitted and certain application interviews are met. If you change your mind about submitting a portfolio/audition, please notify your admissions counselor.
We support media files as large as 5GB, but please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your Internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. We support the following file formats:
Video: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv
Slide: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff
Document: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, .wpd
Auditions and portfolios in art, dance, music, theatre, theatre design, and writing can be submitted electronically by clicking the button below.
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as you remain in good academic standing. Your scholarships must be applied toward the cost of tuition, and the combination of Knox scholarships and grants and federal and state grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. You may also qualify for additional need-based financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans. AI-generated work must be labeled as such, including which program you used and your prompts.
Interested in the fine arts? Fill out this form to learn more about what you could be doing at Knox!
1. Compile a portfolio of 8-10 high-quality images of your work completed within the last two years.
2. Provide the following for each work:
Title
Medium
Dimensions of the work
Indicate if the work was completed independently or as a class assignment; if it is an assignment, please describe it.
For drawings, indicate if the work was drawn from direct observation or a photograph.
AI-generated work must be labeled as such, including which program you used and your prompts.
3. In the application, write:
A paragraph that tells us what art classes you have taken and if they were AP, IB, or other unique curriculum.
A paragraph or two describing your interest in art and the place you expect it might have in your college education or life ahead. What motivates you as an artist? Are there ideas, materials, or images that particularly stimulate your creativity?
4. Upload your submission.
The department would prefer to not receive links to websites, a google drive, or videos.
Submit work with these criteria in mind:
If your artwork is copying another artist or drawn from another artist's photographs (including replications of cartoons, video game characters, anime and manga, or depictions of celebrities and other public figures), please do not include it here.
The department prioritizes work completed from direct observation, memory, and invention.
We seek work that demonstrates originality, creative vision, and a strong sense of how to use these materials.
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as you remain in good academic standing. Dance scholarships are contingent on your participation in the dance department (i.e. dance classes, dance performances) for 6 of your 12 terms at Knox. Regardless of scholarship, all students must audition to be considered for performances. Your scholarships must be applied toward the cost of tuition, and the combination of Knox scholarships and grants and federal and state grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. You may also qualify for additional need-based financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans.
Want to tour and audition in person? We’re so convinced you’ll like it that we’ll help pay for your visit! Click here to apply for up to $500 in reimbursement for travel costs.
Interested in the fine arts? Fill out this form to learn more about what you could be doing at Knox!
1. Record yourself performing two short dance pieces: one dramatic, one light (comedic or romantic).
Each should be 1.5 - 2 minutes long.
Represent a range of styles.
The performances should be only you—not a group piece.
Videos containing segments of recent performances will not be considered.
2. Link both performances into the application.
3. Record yourself engaging with the questions below. This will be built into the application, so no need to record yourself prior.
4. Submit your recorded interview and performances.
Interview Questions
How long have you been studying dance?
What forms/dance styles have you studied?
Who choreographed the work you are auditioning with?
How do you see dance fitting into your college experience?
What would you be interested in learning more about at the college level?
Our dance minor is a well-rounded program in that our coursework includes: dance technique, dance history, dance theory, improvisation, anatomy, choreography & production. Please describe any experience you have had in any of these fields of dance.
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as you remain in good academic standing. Music scholarships are contingent on your participation in the music department (i.e. music class, ensemble, lesson) for 6 of your 12 terms at Knox. Your scholarships must be applied toward the cost of tuition, and the combination of Knox scholarships and grants and federal and state grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. You may also qualify for additional need-based financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans.
Auditions can be presented in-person on campus or submitted electronically.
Want to tour and audition in person? We’re so convinced you’ll like it that we’ll help pay for your visit! Click here to apply for up to $500 in reimbursement for travel costs.
Interested in the fine arts? Fill out this form to learn more about what you could be doing at Knox!
Questions? Contact music@knox.edu
If you plan on auditioning in person, please come prepared to perform with the following details and information below. Schedule your on-campus audition.
1. Prepare at least one solo work that demonstrates your current skill level and artistry. Memorization is not required. Additional materials could include collaborations (e.g. chamber, band, with accompaniment).
Submit a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes of total performance (individual pieces may be shorter).
State the title and composer of each work on the recording or include a set list.
2. You will answer the following questions:
How have you developed since you began learning music?
What are your recent musical pursuits?
What would you like to do with music in college?
3. Submit the form.
Video submission requirements:
Cannot be edited; video and audio must be synchronized
Acoustic instruments (including voice) cannot use audio effects or manipulation (reverb, autotune, etc.)
For voice auditions, the torso and above must be visible
For instrumental auditions, the entire instrument must be visible
1. Students interested in music composition should submit a portfolio showing evidence of creative musical activity.
This can include musical scores, lead sheets, song lyrics/audio examples, song demos, tracks or beats created with software, recordings of improvisation, or sketches of pieces.
2. Each submission must include the title and year of the composition, and if applicable the text and English translation.
3. For notated compositions, please submit a PDF of the score. For electronic recording, please specify what software was used to create the work.
4. You will answer the following questions:
How have you developed since you began learning music?
What are your recent musical pursuits?
What would you like to do with music in college?
5. Upload your submission to your form and hit submit.
MIDI realizations of notated compositions are acceptable.
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as you remain in good academic standing. Your scholarships must be applied toward the cost of tuition, and the combination of Knox scholarships and grants and federal and state grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. You may also qualify for additional need-based financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans. We welcome submissions in any style, within a given genre or presented in hybrid forms. All submitted material must be entirely original; no collaborative work or AI-generated text is permitted.
Interested in the fine arts? Fill out this form to learn more about what you could be doing at Knox!
1. Compile your best work into a manuscript, but do not exceed 20 pages. All submitted material must be entirely original; no collaborative work or AI-generated text is permitted. Manuscripts can be submitted in one (or more*) of the following categories:
Poetry (5-8 pages)
Fiction (one short story)
Creative non-fiction (one essay on any topic)
Journalism (2 articles of investigative reporting)
Playwriting (one-act play)
Critical essay (one analytical paper on literature, film or dramatic performance)
2. Your manuscript should be typed, paginated, and include your name on each page.
3. Upload your portfolio.
Submit work with these criteria in mind:
Your submission may include works previously submitted for a class or published in a newspaper or journal.
Students may choose to submit in multiple genres. In such cases, preferences will be given to manuscripts that possess a strong writing aptitude and demonstrate an awareness of craft.
We welcome submissions in any style, within a given genre or presented in hybrid forms.
If your submission leans into mixed media, be sure to include enough writing for faculty to gauge your skill.
Scholarships are renewable annually as long as you remain in good academic standing. Theatre scholarships are contingent on your participation in the theatre department (i.e. theatre classes, performances, scene shop, costume studio, ushering) for 6 of your 12 terms at Knox. Those awarded scholarships are not guaranteed to be casted—all student’s opportunities are equal. Your scholarships must be applied toward the cost of tuition, and the combination of Knox scholarships and grants and federal and state grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. You may also qualify for additional need-based financial assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans.
All students are required to schedule an interview with a faculty member after submitting to discuss their monologues, portfolios, and motivators behind pursuing theatre. Portfolios, resumes and monologues must be uploaded before your appointment. Faculty will reach out to the applicant.
Want to tour and audition in person? We’re so convinced you’ll like it that we’ll help pay for your visit! Click here to apply for up to $500 in reimbursement for travel costs.
Interested in the fine arts? Fill out this form to learn more about what you could be doing at Knox!
1. Compile your best work into a manuscript, but do not exceed 20 pages. All submitted material must be entirely original; no collaborative work or AI-generated text is permitted.
Playwriting (one-act play)
2. Your manuscript should be typed, paginated, and include your name on each page.
3. Upload your portfolio.
4. All materials (portfolios, resumes and/or monologues) must be uploaded before scheduling your interview.
5. Schedule your interview as a trip to campus, or—if you are meeting virtually—faculty will review your submission and email you directly to schedule your interview.
Submit work with these criteria in mind:
Your submission may include works previously submitted for a class or published in a newspaper or journal.
We welcome submissions in any style, within a given genre or presented in hybrid forms.
If your submission leans into mixed media, be sure to include enough writing for faculty to gauge your skill.
If you plan on auditioning in person, please come prepared to perform and interview.
1. You must submit two monologues: one dramatic, one light (comedic or romantic). The pieces should be fully memorized and staged to include movement.
One monologue should be from the classical repertoire (Shakespeare, Moliere, etc.), and the other should be modern (post-1875). Preferably, your classical monologue should be in verse.
Each monologue should not exceed two minutes in length. Shakespeare, for instance, need only be about 20 lines of text.
Video example of a dramatic monologue
Video example of light monologue
2. All materials (portfolios, resumes and/or monologues) must be uploaded before scheduling your interview.
3. Schedule your interview as a trip to campus, or—if you are meeting virtually—faculty will review your submission and email you directly to schedule your interview.
Video containing footage of other performances will not be considered.
Tips For Recording
Set the camera up in a static long shot, so that all of you can be seen. Please use a tripod.
Avoid multiple camera angles, close-ups, and a lot of editing.
Be sure to establish your marks (boundaries on the floor), so you do not step off frame, and allow yourself to move according to how you have blocked.
Be sure that you are well lit. It is helpful to use a neutral background like a blank solid wall.
Wear colors that will contrast with your background wall.
Rehearse on camera and review takes to assure you are comfortable being on camera.
If you wish to present an acting audition, you are welcome to do so. If you plan on presenting your portfolio in person with your interview, please bring materials needed.
1. Submit a resume indicating the play(s) that you have directed and any production(s) on which you were the assistant director/stage manager.
Feel free to include any other production experiences you have had anywhere or include paperwork used to stage manage (run sheets, call sheets, but prop book is not necessary).
2. Choose a play you have directed (or one that you love) and write a two-page essay.
If applying for student directing, write on how you approached or would approach the production.
If applying for stage management, discuss your contribution to the overall success of the production.
3. All materials (portfolios, resumes and/or monologues) must be uploaded before your interview.
4. Schedule your interview as a trip to campus, or—if you are meeting virtually—faculty will review your submission and email you directly to schedule your interview.
The following prompts are to assist you in the essay, but are not exclusive or all need to be addressed:
If you chose the play, what about the play drew you to it? Discuss the themes that you sought to illuminate and how you led staging and coached the actors to achieve your interpretations.
If you are imagining directing a production, what design element might best carry out your approach and vision? How could you convey to a designer the qualities of your ideas without dictating the design?
If you directed a designed production with technical support, discuss the ways in which you sought to inspire the designers and strove to create a unified production.
What did/would you hope the audience might walk away from your production thinking or feeling? Might they have been changed in some way?
How did the experience transform you as an artist?
If you wish to present an acting audition, you are welcome to do so. If you plan on presenting your portfolio in person with your interview, please bring materials needed.
1. Send a link to an electronic portfolio. If you do not have a portfolio, send visuals you might have of a production you designed (visuals include designs, photographs, working drawings, prompt books).
2. Upload a resume of productions on which you have worked and in what capacity.
3. Include any technical drawings or renderings you created and any experience you have with any specialized equipment (Q-Lab, sound systems, CAD programs, In-Design, Vector works, Google Sketch-up).
4. All materials (portfolios, resumes and/or monologues) must be uploaded before your interview.
5. Schedule your interview as a trip to campus, or—if you are meeting virtually—faculty will review your submission and email you directly to schedule your interview.
This is required for all theatre submissions.
1. Upload all materials needed to your application.
2. Watch your email for faculty to review your submission and schedule a virtual interview or schedule your on-campus interview. If you would like assistance, Knox covers travel costs of up to $500.
3. Talk about why theatre matters to you and share your passion. Prepare your discussion in advance by writing out your thoughts. Rehearse your discussion, but don't try to script or memorize it.
4. Be prepared to discuss your acting process, monologue, resume, or portfolio at length.
5. You may be asked to re-do sections of your audition piece to incorporate a new intention, a different emphasis, or other directorial suggestions.
The following prompts are to assist you, but are not exclusive or all need to be addressed:
Why do you want to participate in theatre in college?
What role do you hope theatre will play in your life when you graduate?
Theatre often is characterized as being like a family (for better or worse!) and many people particularly value that attribute, but what deeper meaning does theatre hold for you?
Have you had a profound or transformative experience seeing or working on a production?
How do you view the theatre’s power of transformation? What do you value about the theatre’s role in society and the lives of not only theatre makers but also of theatre viewers?
https://www.knox.edu/admission/scholarships/auditions-and-portfolios-in-the-arts
Printed on Saturday, December 21, 2024
