Work Sample Requirements
In order for applications to be considered by MacDowell’s admissions panels, please follow the work sample requirements for the discipline in which you are planning to apply. Applicants may submit only one application (in one discipline) in a two-year period.
- All submitted work samples should have been completed within the past four years, unless otherwise noted. A note of explanation should accompany any work sample completed outside of this timeframe.
- Any work done with a collaborator must be noted. Please describe your role with respect to the work.
- Work Samples are submitted by uploading media within the online application. All text-based work samples must be submitted in English.
For technical support regarding any of the media requirements, please see the Help page on the SlideRoom application or contact support@slideroom.com.
Architecture & Landscape Architecture
Whenever possible, please include a visual representation of the work you are proposing to do at MacDowell.
If proposing design work:
- Upload 10 images of work completed within the past two years, along with an explanation of significant features. Please include details of equipment and methodology of the final product in the additional details field for each image.
- Upload a PDF file of a one-page Executive Summary of your C.V.
If proposing a writing project:
- Upload a PDF file of a 10-page writing sample completed within the past two years, related as closely as possible to the proposed project.
- Upload a PDF file of a one-page Executive Summary of your C.V.
Film/Video Arts
If you are proposing to write a screenplay, follow the screenwriter's requirements. Otherwise, follow the film/video requirements.
Screenwriters:
- Upload a PDF file of a full screenplay (in English).
- Upload a PDF file of a one-page summary of the same screenplay.
- Upload one visual sample, if available. The visual sample can be of the same project or a different project.
Film/Video:
Submit two different film or video samples completed within the past four years. Work-in-progress is strongly recommended. Do not submit trailers or director reels. Video work intended for gallery installation should be submitted through the Visual Arts category.
- Upload two different films (short or feature length - full running time). For longer works, indicate a five-minute excerpt for the panel to watch. If the full work is available online through Vimeo or YouTube, you may Link to Media on the Media page. Please ensure the link is correct, active and linked for 12 weeks after the deadline. For password-protected work, upload a PDF of the URL and password.
Interdisciplinary Arts
Submit documentation of two different projects completed within the past four years. If your work involves time-based elements such as movement or dance, video documentation of the work is strongly preferred. Work samples should demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of your work and clearly convey the context in which the work was presented.
You may submit up to five items per project. The following types of documentation are allowed:
- Images
- Scripts, work plans or story boards as PDF files. Press kits, reviews and CV’s are not appropriate.
- Audio files
- Videos. Submit a continuous clip of not more than 10 minutes per video. Do not send a highlight reel. Whenever possible, include the original music or soundtrack of the video excerpt.
If the full work is available online through Vimeo, YouTube or SoundCloud, add the location in the URL field of the Label Media step on the Portfolio Page. Please include passwords for password protected works. Give a brief description of each work sample in the additional details box.
Literature
Submit a writing sample in the same genre in which you are applying. Work-in-progress is strongly recommended. Book proposals do not qualify as a writing sample. Work must be in English. Your name and the title of the piece should appear on the first page of each uploaded file.
Upload a PDF file in manuscript format, double-spaced, and in an easily readable, 10- or 12-point font. Files cannot exceed 10 MB each.
- Fiction writers: 15 pages minimum, 25 pages maximum. Total page count cannot exceed 25.
- Nonfiction writers: 15 pages minimum, 25 pages maximum. Total page count cannot exceed 25.
- Poets: 6-10 poems in ONE PDF document. Poets do not need to double-space their submissions. Total sample should not exceed 15 pages.
- Translators: Only those translating work into English are eligible to apply. Following the guidelines above, upload an excerpt of the work in its original language along with the English translation.
- Podcasts: One script (text) with accompanying audio.
For instructions on saving a Word document as a PDF, please use the instructions listed on the Help page of the SlideRoom application or contact support@slideroom.com.
Music Composition
Upload an audio recording and accompanying score (if applicable) of three representative works, at least one of which was completed within the last four years. Presentation and professionalism of scores is important.
- Please title the audio file to correspond with the title (and movement) of the score. For works with multiple movements, include not more than three movements.
- Audio files are limited to 30 MB in size. Larger files may be excerpted. In the additional details box, mark the excerpt location in the accompanying score.
- Please title the PDF of the score or lead sheet to correspond with the title of the audio file.
- Composers who do not use traditional scores must upload a PDF describing the transmission/performance method (lead sheet, chord chart, mixing software screen capture) of their work, in the work sample section of the application.
Theatre
Submit a sample of a completed work from one of the categories below. Do not submit work-in-progress or reviews of your work. Writing samples must be in English.
Playwrights:
- Upload a PDF of a full script.
- Upload a PDF of a 30-page excerpt from the same script.
Librettists/Musical Theatre:
- Upload a PDF of a full book.
- Upload a PDF of a 30-page excerpt from the same book.
- Upload an audio recording from the same work: limit of three audio tracks. Please note where the audio is located in the corresponding book.
Performance/Devised Theatre:
- Upload a video or video clip of your visual work.
- Upload a PDF of a comprehensive work plan, describing what you would do at MacDowell. If working collaboratively, each member of the collaboration should specify their role in the project.
- Upload a PDF of a transcript, text, or written documentation of the performance. If your work is not text-based, please include a written explanation of how the work unfolds in time.
Generative Directors:
- Upload a PDF of a detailed proposal, text or transcript, or storyboard that explains the new work.
- Upload a PDF of a comprehensive work plan for your time at MacDowell.
- Upload original source material to be adapted, if applicable.
Visual Arts
Submit examples of your visual artwork.
Upload eight digital images:
- Preferred file size for still images is less than 3 MB each, though SlideRoom will allow up to 5MB per image.
- Only one artwork per image, unless it is an installation view.
- Two of the eight images may be detail shots, installation views (to show scale), or video, when appropriate.