Arts Merit Scholarships

Professor Joe Meiser
Associate Professor of Art and Art History
Department of Art and Art History
jdm037@bucknell.edu

Professor Robert Rosenberg
Margaret Hollinshead Ley Professor in Poetry and Creative Writing
Department of English
rar025@bucknell.edu

Professor Kelly Knox
Associate Professor of Dance
Department of Theatre and Dance
kknox@bucknell.edu

Professor Dustyn Martincich
Professor of Theatre & Dance
Department of Theatre and Dance
dm048@bucknell.edu

Rebecca Meyers
Academic Film Programmer and Lecturer
Department of English
rm052@bucknell.edu

Professor Kenton Butcher
Assistant Professor of English
Department of English
kb052@bucknell.edu

Professor Nicholas Roseth
Assistant Professor of Music
Department of Music
ner008@bucknell.edu

Brenda Ross
Academic Assistant
Department of Music
bross@bucknell.edu

Mark (Hutch) Hutchinson
Co-Director of Theatre–Technical Coordinator
Department of Theatre and Dance
mwh012@bucknell.edu

Application

• Portfolio of 10 JPEG images of artwork.
• Document with information about each image: title, year created, dimensions and media.
• 200- to 300-word statement about why you want to major in art & design at Bucknell.

On-campus event

• An interview is not required.
• Regular Decision finalists are invited to attend the Arts Merit Weekend, where they will tour Bucknell's art facilities and meet with current students, faculty and staff.
• Early Decision scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major in art & design.

Application

• Submit either a text essay of 300-400 words or a video essay of 2-3 minutes in which you discuss one work of art that you find particularly compelling. Describe the work's most important elements, including its subject matter and style/technique. Reflect on its historical significance.

On-campus event

• Early Decision I & II Candidates
  • Early Decision candidates must reach out to the art history faculty liaison to arrange a Zoom meeting.
  • Early Decision scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend.
• Regular Decision Candidates
  • Finalists are invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend, where they will tour Bucknell's art facilities and meet with current students, faculty and staff.
  • Candidates unable to attend the on-campus event must reach out to the art history faculty liaison to arrange a Zoom meeting in place of the on-campus event.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major or minor 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.

Interview Process

• Early Decision I & II Candidates
  • Early Decision candidates must submit application materials by the established admissions deadlines and schedule their interview with the creative writing faculty liaison.
  • Early Decision scholarship recipients are invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend.
• Regular Decision Candidates
  • Finalists must attend Arts Merit Weekend, in which they:
    • Meet with current Arts Merit Scholars and current creative writing faculty.
    • Tour the department and university facilities, including the Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts.
    • Participate in a mock class on Saturday morning (in lieu of a formal interview).
  • Finalists that are unable to attend the Arts Merit Weekend must reach out directly to the creative writing faculty liaison to arrange a virtual. interview.

Other requirements

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

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.
• Submit one of the following:
  • Sample film or televisual analysis (1,500 to 2,000 words, double-spaced, 12pt font) that demonstrates critical thinking skills. No film reviews, please.
  • Sample screenplay (in proper screenplay format).
  • Video excerpt of creative film/audiovisual production work. No more than five minutes, please. For longer films, it is best to share the first five minutes of the work. In the case of shorter films, combining a 3-minute film with the first 2 minutes of another film is permitted. However, please note that this should not be a highlight reel. 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.

Interview Process

• Early Decision and Regular Decision candidates must participate in a virtual interview where they have individual conversations with film/media studies faculty. All interviews will be conducted virtually.

On-campus visit

• An on-campus visit is not required, however an in person opportunity to meet current merit scholars and majors, and tour our facilities, is encouraged if it can be arranged – either during Arts Merit Weekend, or at another time.
• Candidates must contact the faculty liaison to arrange a campus visit outside of Arts Merit Weekend. If a campus visit is not possible, these chances to learn more about our program can be done virtually.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major or minor in film/media studies.

Application

• Two short (250 words, each) responses, selected from a series of prompts, about the study of and experiences with literature.
• One 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 excellence in literary studies.

Interview Process

• Early Decision I & II Candidates
  • Early Decision candidates must submit application materials by established admissions deadlines and schedule their interview with the literary studies faculty liaison.
  • Early Decision scholarship recipients are invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend.
• Regular Decision Candidates
  • 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.
    • Have the option of shadowing current classes on Friday afternoon, prior to the beginning of the Arts Merit Weekend.
• Finalists that are unable to attend the Arts Merit Weekend must reach out directly to the literary studies faculty liaison to arrange a virtual interview.

Other requirements

• Recipients must major in literary studies.
• Recipients must participate in community outreach projects and campus literary events.
• Recipients must participate in future Arts Merit activities.

Application

• Video (preferably featuring solo performances in all dance styles studied).
• 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?

Audition process

• Candidates must attend an on-campus audition where they participate in ballet, modern and jazz workshop audition classes, and perform a two-minute solo in their genre of choice (preferably something close to ballet, modern or jazz).
• 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.
• Early Decision candidates must reach out to the dance faculty liaison to schedule an audition prior to your application round deadline. Early Decision scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend.
• Regular Decision finalists complete their audition through the Arts Merit Weekend. If a finalist is unable to attend Arts Merit Weekend, please contact the dance faculty liaison to make alternative arrangements.

Other requirements

• Recipients must minor in dance.

All prospective music majors who complete an audition will be automatically considered for Arts Merit Scholarships.

Application

• Complete the form on the Department of Music auditions webpage to sign up for an audition slot.

On-campus event

• Refer to the Department of Music auditions webpage for specific audition requirements.
• 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 (such as long-distance travel) may be made to Brenda Ross (bross@bucknell.edu).

Other requirements

• Recipients must participate in assigned ensembles related to their instrument or voice area.

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

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

No on-campus event is required

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?

Audition process

• 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.
• Stage management/design and technology candidates present original artwork (drawings, paintings, technical drawings, stage management books) 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.
• Early Decision candidates must reach out to the theatre faculty liaison to schedule an audition prior to your application round deadline. Early Decision scholarship recipients will be invited to attend Arts Merit Weekend.
• Regular Decision finalists complete their audition through the Arts Merit Weekend.
• If candidates are unable to attend an on campus audition, an online audition will be arranged.

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.

Feb. 12–13, 2027

Feb. 11–12, 2028

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

• By the completion of their sophomore year, scholars must declare a major in art & design, or a major or minor in art history
• 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 & 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 one 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.