Dear prospective students:

We are most pleased that you have chosen the Youth Performing Arts School as your first choice for a high school.  YPAS is a nationally-renowned, college-preparatory, free public school.  All YPAS students also receive all of the benefits of superior academic training at duPont Manual High School - a National School of Excellence.

The Department of Design and Production is one of the most unique aspects of the Youth Performing Arts School.  In the entire nation, only a very small number of performing arts schools offer a major in this field.  Most students cannot obtain formal technical theatre training until college.  Thus, students who maintain an overall "B" average and excel in their Design and Production classes have always earned multiple college scholarship offers.

The Department of Design and Production provides both traditional classroom instruction and "hands-on" experience in all of the areas of technical theatre - Scenery, Costumes, and Lighting/Sound.  All students receive training in all of these areas; students are not allowed to specialize in one specific production area.

All incoming students, regardless of their grade level, will be scheduled for classes in Stagecraft (scenery construction), Costume Construction, and Stage Electricity.  The second year of the program, the student will be scheduled for classes in Costume History, Stage Sound, and Property Construction.  The third year includes Drafting, Script/Character Analysis, and Rendering (drawing and painting).  The fourth year of the program is custom-tailored to the needs of the student.  And in all cases, the student is expected to earn at least a "C" in every class.  Students who do not earn at least a "C" in any given class will repeat the class the following year.

Much of the invaluable "hands-on" experience is provided in a mandatory "laboratory" class that meets after the traditional school day.  Scenery, Costumes, and Lighting for the major YPAS productions are created during this class time.  Normal hours for this class are 2:30-5:30 P.M.; the class usually meets every day throughout the year.  Schedules of specific times and dates are always provided. Participation in organized high school sports and/or transportation home are common complications.

Students considering this program are encouraged to "shadow". During the shadowing experience, prospective students will be paired with a current YPAS Design and Production student and given the opportunity to experience the unique, after-school classes by participating in scenery, costuming, and lighting labs. Students who are active participants will get a much better feel for what is involved in the program and have more fun. To request a "shadow" date, please call (502) 485-8127.

We know that the YPAS application process is very intimidating to most students.  Perhaps I can offer some insight into the process and calm your nerves.

• All of the paperwork (recommendations, transcripts, etc.) must be submitted prior to the interview.  It is perfectly acceptable to bring any additional paperwork to the audition; we can add it to your packet.

• Interviews will begin at approximately 3:30 P.M.

• Parents are encouraged to accompany students to their interviews. Students will be given the option of interviewing with or without their parents in the room.

• At the interview:

• Relax.  Remember:  We want you to succeed both in your interview and in your high school career at YPAS.

• Students need to talk about themselves and their previous experiences. 

• Students will need to talk about any previous experience they have had in technical theatre or related fields - for example: sewing, art, or woodworking.

• Most students have had little or no previous experience.

• Students are encouraged to bring examples of their work.

• Students will be asked to explain their motivation for choosing the Design and Production Department. "Why do you want to attend YPAS?" "Why have you chosen Design and Production as your major?"

• Students are encouraged to "shadow" YPAS after-school classes.  Students who have shadowed will be asked to talk about their experience. 

• Students and parents will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the program, the school, and/or other issues.

If you have questions or concerns that need to be addressed prior to the interview, or if you need to reschedule your interview appointment, please call or email Lamont Cowden at YPAS (485-8355).  Otherwise, we will look forward to meeting you at your scheduled interview.

Sincerely,

Lamont Cowden, Chairperson

Design and Production Department