Design: How to Apply

BACHELOR OF DESIGN (STAGE & SCREEN)

HOW TO APPLY

We interview all applicants and you do not need to have had prior theatre or film experience. There are no academic or physical requirements beyond a basic level of health and fitness, and a willingness to take on the work. 

Entry to the course is by portfolio and interview. 

Design students must have turned 18 years of age by the first day of the first term (Monday 18 February 2013). There is no upper age limit. This is an emotionally, intellectually and physically demanding course and our students need to bring to it a mature approach. 

Advice

Anyone is welcome to come into the school to observe a class or to experience the ambience of Te Whaea. Please call at least a fortnight in advance to make a time. 

Application Process

The deadline for applications for entry into the Design course in 2013 is Friday 28 September 2012. Download an application form here. 

Applicants must fill it out as soon as possible, together with the following attached: 

• a 500-word Personal Statement which addresses the following:
  • your ability to communicate ideas visually
  • the way you work things out (e.g. inspiration, research and working drawings for something you have made … or dream of making)
  • your particular area of interest in screen and/or stage
  • One example of a particular passion of yours. This might be a project that you are proud of or that you have initiated.
  • a portfolio of design work. We are looking for potential and ability in the following areas: drawing; creative innovation; design process; collaboration; visual communication and conceptual thinking.
    Put together a portfolio which gives us an insight into:

1. Select two or three of your most significant achievements to date and explain why you believe they are significant. What have you discovered about yourself from these achievements?
2.What do you hope to gain from your time at Toi Whakaari?
3.Why have you chosen to study Design? Why for stage and screen? Include some reference to how much theatre and screen you see and how you see yourself as a future practitioner in this field. You are encouraged to share some personal insights and influences that have shaped you.

• four current passport sized photos
• verified copies of academic transcripts (see frequently asked questions).
• two written references using this reference form .

Interview Process

Applicants attend a Powhiri at Toi Whakaari in Wellington on Friday 26 October, followed by lunch, koiwi, attendance at a Design workshop, and finally a ticket to the evening performance of the Toi Whakaari production The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. The weekend of 27 and 28 October is then set aside for interviews. 

During the interview the applicant’s sense of vocation and vision in relation to a career in the industry is assessed. If applicants are unable to travel to Wellington to be interviewed in person then alternative arrangements may be possible. 

Once these interviews are complete, successful applicants are offered a place or may be recalled for an additional interview in Wellington. All applicants will be notified of the interview panel’s decision by mail. 

Money

Bachelor of Design (Stage and Screen)

Fees for 2013 are yet to be confirmed. In 2012 tuition fees are $5742 ( incl GST).  There is also a Student Services Levy of approximately $300 – $450 per year (subject to confirmation). Students need to buy a small amount of equipment, and some texts. It is also recommended that students allocate an additional $1000 to $1500 per annum for associated course costs.

Students should contact  StudyLink as soon as possible prior to the beginning of the school year to start the application process.

International Students

Toi Whakaari welcomes applications from overseas students. With the exception of Australian students, overseas students are not eligible for any government support while studying at the school and have to pay full course fees. For more advice on international fees, click here. 

Receive Information on the Course

If you want to receive more information on the Performance Design course then simply fill out your details below and what you would like to receive and we’ll get it in the post for you.