Arts Merit Scholarships

Application

• Portfolio of 10-20 images of artwork as a JPEG sized between 300k and 500k.
• Document with information about each image: title, year created, dimensions and media.
• Résumé.
• 250- to 350-word statement addressing the following questions:
  • Why do you make art?
  • What concepts or subject matter do you focus on in your work, and why?
  • What materials, techniques and processes do you use to create your work?
  • Why do you want to major in art & design?

On-campus event

• Candidates must attend an on-campus event where they will tour Bucknell's art facilities and meet with current students, faculty and staff.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major in art & design.

Application

• Writing sample up to 800 words on an art historical topic you find interesting. Ideally, the writing sample will discuss at least one work of art, with a focus on the analysis of the work's subject matter and style, and include a visual analysis.
• Résumé.

On-campus event

• Candidates must attend an on-campus event where they will tour Bucknell's art facilities and meet with current students, faculty and staff.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major in art history.

Application

• One-page letter explaining why you are interested in the program and what skills or interests you would offer Bucknell's writing community.
• One document containing a writing sample of either three to five poems, a short story or a creative nonfiction piece (1,500 to 2,000 words, double-spaced, 12pt font).
• Teacher recommendation that discusses your writing and creative abilities.

On-campus interview process

• Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend an on-campus competition where they have individual conversations with creative writing faculty, meet current merit scholars and have the opportunity to tour department facilities, including:
  • Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts
  • Willard Smith Library
  • The film production lab

Other requirements

• Recipients must major or minor in creative writing.
• Recipients are expected to participate in community outreach projects and campus literary events.

Application

• One-page letter explaining why you are interested in studying film/media and what skills or interests you would offer Bucknell's film community.
• Teacher recommendation that discusses your aptitude for analyzing film/media and/or your creative abilities.
• Applicants should submit one of the following:
  • Sample film or televisual analysis that demonstrates critical thinking skills (1,500 to 2,000 words, double-spaced, 12pt font). No film reviews or sample screenplays.
  • Video reel of no more than four minutes highlighting creative film/audiovisual production work. You may submit a video file or link to YouTube, Vimeo or other video-sharing sites. This can be work produced for a class, in a summer workshop, independently or for the purpose of this application.

On-campus interview process

• Candidates must attend an on-campus interview where they have individual conversations with film/media studies faculty, meet current merit scholars and tour facilities.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major in film/media studies.

Application

• Two (2) short (250 words, each) responses, selected from a series of prompts, about the study of and experiences with literature.
• One (1) writing sample of literary criticism that exemplifies the applicant’s analytical work (2-3 double spaced pages).
• Teacher recommendation that discusses the applicant’s capabilities and progress in Literary Studies.

On-campus interview process

• Finalists must attend Arts Merit Weekend in which they: 
  • Meet with current Arts Merit Scholars and current Literary Studies faculty;
  • Tour department and university facilities;
  • Participate in a mock-class on Saturday morning;
  • Have individual conversations with the faculty liaisons; and 
  • Have the option of shadowing current classes on Friday afternoon, prior to the beginning of the Arts Merit Weekend

Other requirements

• Recipients must major in literary studies.
• Recipients will participate in community outreach projects and campus literary events.

Application

• Video (preferably featuring solo performances).
• Written description to identify who you are in group pieces.
• Résumé that addresses training background and performing experiences.
• Essay (up to 250 words) on this prompt: A liberal arts dance curriculum emphasizes a broad-spectrum view of the discipline — history, theory, performance, and design and production. It also examines dance's relationship to other academic disciplines. Why are you interested in a liberal arts program in dance?

On-campus audition

• Candidates must attend an on-campus audition where they participate in ballet, modern and jazz workshop classes, and perform a two-minute solo in their genre of choice (preferably close to ballet, modern or jazz).
  • If a candidate is unable to attend Arts Merit Weekend, please contact Kelly Knox, director of dance, at kknox@bucknell.edu to make alternative arrangements. 
• Candidates are responsible for bringing the accompanying music on CD or digital audio player; formal costumes are not required.
• Candidates may meet with past Arts Merit Scholarship recipients and participants of the dance program.
• Families are invited to a Q&A session with department students and faculty.

All prospective music majors will be considered for Arts Merit Scholarships, including:

• Bachelor of arts in music.
• Bachelor of arts music with a concentration in either performance, contemporary composition, or cultural and critical studies in music.
• Bachelor of music with a concentration in either education or vocal performance.

Application

• Department of Music Audition Form.
• Performance résumé that addresses your training background and experiences in music along with a list of any music honors and/or music awards received.
• Intended composition majors only: must provide samples of creative compositional work — scores and/or recordings.

On-campus event

• Music major candidates — including composition candidates — must attend an on-campus interview where they will have auditions and sample lessons with music faculty, meet current merit scholars and tour music facilities. Requests for virtual interviews and auditions (in the case a student cannot travel to campus, for example) may be made to the department chair.  
  • Instrumental auditions include a performance of two to three pieces from different historical periods and styles that best represent their technical and interpretative skills.
  • Vocal auditions are a performance of three to four songs including at least one song in a foreign language.
  • Singers who require an accompanist must provide their sheet music to the Department of Music as an email attachment to bross@bucknell.edu a minimum of two weeks prior to their audition date.
• Auditions are scheduled by completing and submitting the online audition form that can be located by clicking on “Auditions: What to Expect” on the music department page. An Early Decision applicant can arrange a weekday audition through Brenda Ross (phone 570-577-1216 or email bross@bucknell.edu).

All prospective non-music majors who wish to participate in music-department ensembles or chamber groups, or to provide musical accompaniment, are eligible for Arts Merit Scholarships.

Application

• Instrumental audition: Video featuring a solo performance (no large ensemble work) less than 10 minutes in length.
• Voice audition: Video featuring a solo performance — do not master the audio.

Other requirements

• Recipients will contribute to and make progress in the Department of Music and take free private lessons in their primary performance area.

Application

• Résumé that highlights depth and dimension of experience in theatre (acting, directing, design and technology).
• Two recommendations from theatre teachers, directors, coaches or mentors that discuss creative abilities, training and potential.
• Essay (up to 300 words) on this prompt: A liberal arts theatre curriculum emphasizes a broad-spectrum view of the discipline—history, theory, literature, performance, design and technology. It also examines theatre's relationship to other academic disciplines. Why are you interested in a liberal arts program in theatre?

On-campus audition

• Theatre performance candidates will present two contrasting monologues, each approximately one minute in length. (Optional: 16-bar song with your own recorded accompaniment.) Participation in movement, voice and improvisation workshops.
• Design and technology candidates present original artwork (drawings, paintings, technical drawings) and production work (via slides or photographs), and interview with a faculty member.
• All candidates' families are invited to a Q&A session and luncheon with department students and faculty.

Other requirements

• Theatre performance scholars must major in theatre. Design and technology scholars will major or minor in design & technology.

Double-majoring in at least one of the arts majors listed above? You are eligible to apply for an Arts Merit Scholarship.

As you prepare your application, please refer to the requirements for your arts-related major, as listed above.

The Department of Art & Art History has established the following criteria for the maintenance of the scholarship:

• Scholars must declare a major in either art & design or art history by the completion of their sophomore year.
• Scholars must take at least two courses in the department per year.
• Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in art & design and art history classes.
• Scholars must participate in departmental activities totaling no fewer than 10 hours per semester. For example, you might assist with special departmental events.
• Scholars must maintain a good attendance record and be active participants during class discussions.
• Scholars must exhibit an exemplary commitment to the discipline and complete course work at a consistently high level of quality, setting a good example for other art students.
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a pre-orientation program, held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
   

The Department of English has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:

• Scholars must major or minor in creative writing.
• Scholars will act as "goodwill ambassadors" for creative writing on campus, including attending all Stadler Center receptions and readings.
• Scholars will get preferential pre-enrollment in English courses of their choice each term (beyond their first term).
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.

The Department of Theatre & Dance has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:
 
Academic Requirements:
Upon receiving an Arts Merit Scholarship, you are expected to declare and work toward a dance minor. (See specific requirements in the Course Catalog). Even after fulfilling the requirements of the dance minor, you are expected to register for and participate in at least one technique class in the dance program each semester. There may be some exceptions made for theory classes in consultation with dance faculty.
 
Performance Requirements:
Upon receiving an Arts Merit Scholarship, you are expected to perform in and/ or contribute to the production of the dance program concerts (which could include helping backstage, running lights, choreographing, directing, etc.). There are four dance productions per year and it is expected that you will be involved as a performer and/ or production member for at least one performance per semester. There may be some exceptions made for theory classes in consultation with dance faculty.

Other Expectations:
Upon receiving an Arts Merit Scholarship, you will represent the dance program by participating in dance program activities (i.e. guest artist classes, attending campus performances, participating in community engagement/outreach, assisting with dance program concerts and other activities throughout the school year). You are expected to regularly participate in Sunday Master Classes, as well as be an active member of the Department of Theatre and Dance by attending or supporting department productions (including all theatre productions) as well as professional dance events brought through the Weis Center. You must participate in Arts Merit Weekend and one other admissions event throughout the year. Be around, get involved, share your creativity: help make our dance community a welcoming and engaged environment.

Meetings between dance advisors and scholarship students will take place every semester to help keep you on track with the minor and answer any questions you have. Furthermore, we encourage you to take initiative in speaking to the faculty regarding creative ideas & inspirations or any time you would like feedback about your work/ participation in the dance program.

Auditions for dance productions will be held each semester. In your first year, you should plan on auditioning for all dance productions (both concert and showcase performances) in the fall and in spring semesters. If you elect to participate in other opportunities on campus not affiliated with the dance program (i.e., Bison Girls, Bisonettes, Irish Step, a capella groups, Cheerleading, Greek Life, sports teams, etc.), you should await casting for these productions until making other dance commitments. Your priority must be to the dance program and its activities, as you are accepting this scholarship as part of an educational mission. If you have any questions regarding conflicts that might arise with dance program activities, please check with the dance faculty first.

The Program in Film/Media Studies has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:

• Scholars must major in film/media studies.
• Scholars must take ENFS 130 in their first year of study at Bucknell.
• Scholars will get preferential pre-enrollment in film/media studies courses each term.
• Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 within the major and 2.5 overall.
• Scholars will act as “goodwill ambassadors” for film studies on campus (i.e. participating in the Film Club, assisting with Admissions events, promoting and attending student film showcases each semester).
• Scholars are expected to attend at least 3 screenings in the Tuesday Film/Media Series each semester.
• In their junior and senior years, scholars will serve as mentors for incoming scholars.
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
   

The literary studies program has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:

• Scholars must major in literary studies; double-majoring is acceptable and encouraged.
• Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the major and 2.75 overall. 
• Scholars will receive preferential pre-enrollment in literary studies courses of their choice each term. This pre-enrollment process will begin with a conversation with the faculty liaison who will then relay these preferences to the Registrar. 
• Scholars are expected to embody the best of the major and actively participate, lead by example, and model collegiality in the classes in which they are enrolled.  
• Scholars must enroll in either ENLS 199 or ENLS 203 (gateway requirements for the major) during their first year. 
• Scholars are strongly encouraged to take 1 English course (in any of the three programs) per semester. 
• Scholars will act as “goodwill ambassadors” for literary studies events on campus, including recruitment of prospective Arts Merit Scholars. 
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.
   

The Department of Music has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:

• Complete a major in music and continue to make academic progress.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in music and an overall GPA of 2.5.
• Demonstrate consistent musical growth through a jury showcase or other assessment each semester as determined by the music department.
• Meet lesson and ensemble requirements as communicated by the music department.
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.

The Music Department will be in touch with further details about your commitment, which typically includes ensemble participation.

The Department of Music has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:

• Scholars are required to participate in Bucknell's music program — at a minimum in department-sponsored performing groups, workshops, and private lessons.
• Scholars will have specific ensemble requirements which will be communicated by the department.
• Scholars are required to make academic progress, but are not required to major or minor in music.
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August. Registration fees are waived for Arts Merit Scholars.

The Music Department will be in touch with further details about your commitment, which typically includes ensemble participation.
 

The Department of Theatre & Dance has established the following criteria so that you will have as deep an experience as possible as a student in the program:

• Scholars focusing on performance must major in theatre. 
• Scholars focusing on design must (at minimum) minor in theatre.
• Scholars focusing on performance must audition for every main stage production and if cast must act in that production. If scholars are unable to perform in a production for personal reasons, they need to discuss this with the director before auditions (This excludes those already cast and in rehearsal for conflicting Department of Theatre & Dance main stage productions. (First Semester/First Year show counts towards this requirement)
• Scholars must actively participate in department productions each semester that they are on campus. Active participation means working on at least one and no more than two theatre productions each semester. Accepted participation includes mainstage productions, first-year showcase, student-directed showcase, cocktail theatre, and design or technical work coordinated through the department. Student-directed cocktail theatre productions count as participation only during the first semester of the scholar's first year on campus. 
• Scholars should take a foundation seminar offered by a theatre faculty member during their first semester of study. If the course the student is interested in is offered through the Arts Residential College, the student will register for that course by first joining the Arts Residential College and then selecting a course offered by that member of the theatre faculty. Scholars focusing on performance must also take Acting I in their first semester. 
• Scholars are allowed only one non-departmental performance commitment per semester. Exceptions may be made in terms of credit-bearing music department choral ensembles with permission of a member of the theatre faculty on a case-by-case basis. This permission must be obtained before a commitment to the ensemble is made. 
• Scholars must consult with their advisers in the Department of Theatre & Dance before auditioning and/or making choices on performing in all other performance groups and/or productions on campus. This includes Bucknell Opera Theatre, Camerata, Concert Chorale, a capella groups, dance groups, cheerleading, and other campus performances.
• Scholars are encouraged to participate in Arts First, a Pre-Orientation program held in August.