Randolph College For The Performing Arts

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Procedure for Pitching Play Ideas and Hiring Director/Instructors for Play Production 5

Randolph College

Procedure for Pitching Play Ideas and Hiring Director/Instructors for Play Production 5 

Overview 

This procedure outlines the steps for director-applicants to pitch their play ideas to Randolph College for the Performing Arts. It also details the hiring process based on the selected play and the alignment of the director’s vision with our students’ educational needs. As an educational institution, our productions are a course that students complete for a mark, the most important factor in our decision-making is alignment with the Learning Objectives.  

The Learning Objectives for Play Production 5 are: 

  1. Apply Acting Techniques under Professional Direction: Apply advanced acting, voice, and movement skills, benefiting from direct coaching and insights from a professional director, to deliver nuanced and compelling performances. 

  2. Collaborate Professionally within a Director-Led Production: Demonstrate the ability to work efficiently within a professional production environment, aligning with the vision and leadership of the director while effectively collaborating with cast and crew. 

  3. Analyze and Implement Script Interpretation from a Director's Perspective: Conduct thorough script analysis, interpreting character motivations, themes, and subtext, and integrate direction-based feedback to enhance performance consistency and depth. 

  4. Incorporate Technical Elements Guided by Professional Standards: Adapt to and respond to design and technical aspects of the production (sets, lighting, costumes, sound) under the guidance of a professional director, ensuring seamless integration in live performance. 

  5. Develop Professional Discipline and Reflect on Growth: Demonstrate professionalism by maintaining focus, stamina, and adaptability throughout the rehearsal and performance process, reflecting on personal and ensemble growth. 

For the musicals (Musical Production 6), the College selects the show best suited to showcase the group. We accept applications from Directors, Choreographers and Music Directors on a rolling basis. We will contact interested parties based on their applications, existing body of work, portfolios and alignment with our student’s educational needs. To express interest in Directing, Choreographing or Music Directing one of our musicals, please look for open call on this page: https://www.randolphcollege.ca/careers  

Step 1: Call for Proposals 

Timeline: Annually (specific dates to be announced) 

  1. Application: The college will announce a call for proposals via our website, social media, and relevant industry networks. 

    1. Interested applicants may reach out to the Program Manager to acquire additional details about the current students, the program in general, and educational needs of the project.  

  2. Eligibility: Director-applicants with a proven track record in directing plays are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to directors with a teaching background, who can clearly articulate their pedagogical approach. 

  3. Submission Requirements: 

    1. Play Synopsis: A brief overview of the play, including themes, target audience, and relevance to our curriculum. 

    2. Script Version and Publisher: Students must have access to an official script by the first day of rehearsal.  

      1. Scripts with a rights holder: Directors must submit with their application a link to the current rights holder and version of the script for the play they are proposing.  

      2. Scripts in the public domain: Directors must submit the version of the text that students will receive on the first day of rehearsal.  

    3. Director’s Statement: A personal statement outlining the director’s vision and how it aligns with student learning and engagement. 

    4. Resume/CV: A summary of relevant experience and previous work. 

  4. Deadline: All submissions must be received by the deadline posted on the application form. 

Step 2: Review and Selection Committee 

The selection committee is formed by the Department Heads and the Program Manager. 

  1. Review Process: 

    • Each committee member will independently evaluate the proposals based on the following criteria using a scoring system for fair evaluation: 

      • Artistic merit of the play 

      • Alignment with the educational goals of the college 

      • Director’s experience and vision 

      • Inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives  

  2. Shortlisting: The committee will shortlist the top proposals for further consideration. 

  3. Additional: The committee may also request shortlisted candidates to speak to other play titles identified as of interest to the college. Candidates will be sent a script in advance.  

Step 3: Interviews and Final Selection 

  1. Interviews: 

    • Selected directors will be invited for an interview to discuss their proposals and vision in more detail. The interview will include a Q&A session with the committee, allowing for an interactive discussion on how the director plans to engage and educate students during the process. 

  2. Feedback Session: 

    • After the interviews, the committee will meet to discuss impressions and insights gained from the interviews. 

  3. Final Selection: 

    • The committee will vote on the proposals based on the interview performance, overall alignment with student needs, and the educational value of the selected play. 

    • The committee will select one play and its respective director per cohort for hiring. 

Step 4: Notification and Contracting 

  1. Notification: 

    • The chosen director will be notified of their selection via email. All applicants will receive feedback on their submissions and interviews. 

  2. Contracting: 

    • A formal contract will be prepared outlining the terms of engagement, including rehearsal schedules, production timelines, and compensation. CAEA members will be engaged under a DOT agreement. 

Step 5: Production Planning 

  1. Kick-off Meeting: 

    • A meeting will be scheduled with the director, faculty, and relevant staff to outline the production process, expectations, and roles. 

  2. Integration with Curriculum: 

    • The director will work closely with faculty to integrate the production into the academic framework, ensuring that students are actively involved in all aspects of the performance. 

 

Right of First Refusal and Policy on Multiple Submissions 

Right of First Refusal 

  1. Definition: The college grants director-applicants a right of first refusal for their proposed play, which extends for two years following the initial proposal submission date. 

  2. Terms: 

    1. During this two-year period, the college will not present the proposed play to another director for consideration. 

    2. If the college decides not to proceed with the proposed play within this two-year period, the director will be notified in writing. 

  3. Post-Two-Year Period: 

    1. After the two-year period, the college retains the right to consider the proposed play for production with another director. 

    2. The original director will not have a claim to future productions of the play beyond this period. 

Policy on Multiple Submissions 

In the case of multiple directors submitting the same play to direct, the two-year right of first refusal does not apply. 

  1. Identifying Duplicate Proposals: 

    1. If multiple directors submit proposals for the same play, the selection committee will review all submissions concurrently. 

  2. Evaluation Criteria: 

    1. Each submission will be assessed based on the following: 

    2. Artistic vision and direction 

    3. Unique interpretation of the play 

    4. Previous experience and suitability for the project 

    5. How each director's vision aligns with the educational needs of our students 

  3. Interview Process: 

    1. If multiple directors are shortlisted for the same play, each director will be invited to an interview. The committee will encourage a dialogue about their distinct approaches to the play. 

  4. Final Decision: 

    1. The committee will select the director whose vision for the play best aligns with the college’s educational objectives and artistic goals. 

    2. All directors who submitted proposals for the same play will receive feedback on their submissions and the rationale behind the final decision. 

 

This section ensures clarity on the rights of directors regarding their proposals and outlines a fair process for handling multiple submissions of the same play. For further inquiries or clarifications, please contact the Program Manager programmanager@randolphcollege.ca 

Conclusion 

This procedure aims to foster collaboration between director-applicants and our college, ensuring that selected plays enhance the educational experience of our students. By aligning artistic vision with educational goals, we create opportunities for meaningful engagement in the performing arts. 

For questions or additional information, please contact the Program Manager programmanager@randolphcollege.ca