<York Calendars<Undergraduate Calendar 2001-2002<Faculty of Fine Arts<Admission

Applicant Evaluation Procedures

In addition to the regular requirements for admission to the University, the Faculty of Fine Arts requires an evaluation of an applicant's suitability for any of its programs. The requirements for each department are detailed below. In order to be evaluated, a candidate must have applied for admission to the Faculty of Fine Arts.

To obtain an appointment for an evaluation interview/audition and for further information regarding the evaluation procedures, contact the appropriate department office. For general information concerning the Faculty of Fine Arts, contact the Fine Arts Liaison and Advising Office, 213 Centre for Fine Arts, 416-736-5135.

Applicants who reside outside Toronto should contact the department or the Liaison and Advising Office to enquire about alternate arrangements for the audition/evaluation. Several departments hold auditions in selected major cities across Canada, appointments and details for which may be obtained by contacting the department offices.

Program in Fine Arts Cultural Studies

Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire designed to demonstrate their general background, various interests in the fine arts disciplines and writing ability. An interview is not required, but may be granted if requested.

For an Evaluation/Application questionnaire, please contact the Fine Arts Cultural Studies program office at 416-736-5822 (facs@yorku.ca).

Department of Dance

Applicants are required to audition for the department. The audition consists of a short class in modern dance, ballet and improvisation taught by dance faculty followed by a personal interview. Out-of-town applicants unable to attend an audition may be evaluated by submitting a video in VHS format and three letters of reference.

For for further information, contact the Department of Dance, 416-7365137 (dance@yorku.ca).

Department of Design

The final selection of qualified candidates is based on the ranking of three criteria: overall academic results, a questionnaire and a portfolio. Questionnaires will be provided to all applicants to the program. Selected candidates invited to an interview must bring a portfolio of creative work, with detailed documentation. Specific requirements will be forwarded to the selected candidates. The interviews will focus upon the applicants' understanding of communications design and their conceptual, visual and communications abilities. For further information, please contact the Department of Design, 416-736-5885 (ysdn@yorku.ca).

Department of Film & Video

All applicants will be mailed a Supplementary Application Package. Applicants will be asked to outline their background and interest in film and video, and all of the arts. Within this package applicants must also provide a letter of intent, letters of recommendation and examples of their critical and/or creative writing.

For a Supplementary Application Package and/or further information, please contact the Department of Film & Video, 416-736-5149 (flmvideo@yorku.ca). An early application is strongly recommended.

Department of Music

All applicants will be mailed an evaluation package including written instructions, a music theory test, a copy of the departmental handbook and a compact disc (CD). Applicants are asked to complete and return the theory test, and to submit a 500-word letter of intent outlining their reasons for applying and future plans.

The CD includes a series of diverse musical excerpts performed and/or composed by York Music students and faculty. Applicants will be asked to comment on these musical examples in writing.

Applicants are also asked to submit a recording of two contrasting pieces demonstrating their abilities and interests on the instrument(s) of their choice. Recordings or scores of original compositions or arrangements are welcome. Recordings may be submitted on audio or videotape, CD, DAT, e-mail attachment or made accessible on the Internet.

Department of Theatre

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following:

A questionnaire focusing on their background in Theatre. This is not a theatrical skills assessment, but rather an opportunity for applicants to express themselves and exhibit their interest in theatre.

A public oral presentation of no more than three minutes. This presentation could take many forms: for instance, a monologue from a play; or a talk about a production recently seen, directed or designed; or information about a play written by the applicant, or a reading from it giving the background to the work. The Department of Theatre needs to ascertain how applicants present themselves in public, how they perform, or how they speak about some aspect of theatre. All applicants - no matter what their area of prime interest - must be prepared to make this public presentation. Therefore this should be planned in advance.

A brief personal interview. Normally the questionnaire/presentation/interview process will take place during a half-day visit to the York campus or in another location closer to the applicant's home town. If there are significant reasons that an applicant cannot attend a personal interview/evaluation, the applicant should discuss with the department other evaluation methods, such as video auditions, portfolio or written submissions and/or telephone interviews.

Successful applicants will be expected to complete a medical questionnaire prior to beginning classes.

If further information is required, please contact the Department of Theatre at 416-736-5172 (theatre@yorku.ca).

Department of Visual Arts

All applicants are asked to complete a Visual Arts Applicant Questionnaire. Applicants to studio art are also expected to attend an on-campus portfolio evaluation appointment. Art history applicants have the option of attending an on-campus information session.

Prospective students must have applied for admission to the program in order to receive information from the department regarding evaluation appointments. Any questions about the departmental evaluation process should be directed to the Department of Visual Arts, 416-650-8191 (visarts@yorku.ca).