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What to Pack for Arts Academy
Not sure what to pack? We've got you covered! Below you'll find required items for specific art areas, and required and optional items for students living on campus.
Required Items for Your Major
Each department has a list of materials and supplies unique to that art form.
No additional materials are required for Creative Writing students. Please see the "required items for all students" listed below.
Male Identifying Dancers
- At least 5 pairs of black-footed tights
- At least 6 dance belts
- At least 5 pairs of white ballet shoes and 5 pairs of black ballet shoes (ballet shoes will wear and tear at different places respective to the student)
- 1 pair of canvas split sole ballet shoes (in skin tone color or white to pancake to match skin tone)
- At least 10 white fitted t-shirts (leotards are acceptable, too)
- 1 pair of men’s black jazz shoes (which may also be used for character class)
- 1 pair of sneakers
Female Identifying Dancers
- At least 5 pairs of pink footed tights
- At least 5 pairs of pink ballet shoes (ballet shoes will wear and tear at different places respective to the student)
- 1 pair of canvas split sole ballet shoes (in skin tone color or white to pancake to match skin tone)
- 2 pairs of pointe shoes*
- At least 5 black leotards (any style)
- Two basic nude leotards (example)
- 1 pair of ladies black character shoes
- 1 pair of ladies black jazz shoes
- 1 pair of sneakers
*Pointe shoes: As this is an all encompassing dance program, pointe shoes will wear and tear at different places respective to each particular student. The Dance Division faculty will decide what is an appropriate amount of pointe work for the students based on abilities and overall safety and health of the student. Certain students may be using pointe shoes more or less than others based on the dance faculty’s assessment, so we ask that each student come prepared with at least two pairs of pointe shoes at the beginning of the academic year.
All Dancers
Hair Products:
Hair spray, hair gel/mousse, bobby pins, hair pins, hair nets, elastics, eyelashes, hair brush/comb, curling iron (if needed). Anything students use or share (pins, etc.) will need to be sterilized after every use.
Stage Make-up:
Female Identifying: Foundation, pink blush, fake eyelashes, brown eyeshadow, dark red lipstick (not cherry red) mascara, eyeliner
Male Identifying: Foundation, brown blush, brown eyeshadow, dark red lipstick, eyeliner
General: Clear deodorant (non staining for costumes), body adhesive (butt glue)
In the interest of Film & New Media students’ ability to access/practice their craft, each student is required to bring a personal camera, storage media, and other consumables/ technology. As a musician has an instrument and accessories to rehearse and practice techniques, Film & New Media majors should bring the following list of items:
- Technology
- Mac Laptop (MacBook Air, MacBook or MacBook Pro)
- Camera + Storage (see suggested options in this link)
- Sound Recording Device
- Headphones or earbuds (over-the-ear headphones preferable)
- Wristwatch (simple analog is fine)
- Safety / Clothing
- Winter hat, gloves, insulated boots, warm socks, winter coat
- We are often shooting exteriors in cold, wet weather.
- Grip gloves/work gloves (Set Hardware or Mechanix gloves)
- OPTIONAL: Leatherman or Gerber multitool (ship or pack in checked luggage)
- Winter hat, gloves, insulated boots, warm socks, winter coat
Please bring instruments and personal art supplies with which you like to work. We can make arrangements for acquiring any supplies you need as well.
Music students are responsible for providing the necessary materials and supplies for their area of study. You must provide supplies for your instrument such as strings, rosin, valve oil, etc. Additionally, specific performance attire is required—please see below for your program's requirements.
Performance Attire
For Orchestra, Chorus, and Wind Symphony students may select from either of the following options:
Solid black long sleeved formal blouse OR full-length dress, according to the following specifications:
- Neckline no more than two inches below the collarbone.
- A high cut back.
- No skin should be visible at the midriff whilst seated or standing.
- Full-length or 3/4-length sleeves which fall below the elbow. Translucent or lace sleeves are only permissible if the entire bodice is lined in solid black.
- Blouses can be paired with solid black full-length slacks/dress pants OR solid black floor-length skirt. Any slit must not rise above the knee.
- Knee or calf-length solid black hosiery/socks and black closed-toe dress shoes. No skin should be visible at the foot or ankle.
- A solid formal black jacket/blazer may be worn over the blouse.
Solid black two-piece suit with a white shirt, including black jacket and black non-tuxedo pants with no visible patterns or pinstripes, with the following items:
- Solid white long-sleeved, collared, button-down dress shirt. All buttons and seams should be white and without visible labels, logos, or patterns.
- Solid black long tie.
- Solid black belt with unobtrusive buckle.
- Solid black socks and black dress shoes.
For solo recitals, chamber music concerts, and composition performances:
- Semi-formal to formal concert attire. A suit, a semi-formal or formal dress, or a blouse with a skirt or dress pants are all acceptable.
- Attire may be any color.
- Chamber groups should coordinate their attire.
Prohibited Attire
- T-shirts, polo shirts, denim, leather, jersey and other casual knit fabrics or items.
- Sneakers and other casual shoes.
- No skin should be visible at the midriff, feet, or ankles.
- Hair ornaments, and extraneous material such as feathers or fringe on the sleeves and collar.
- Cologne and perfume.
- Conspicuous and/or obtrusive jewelry.
Contemporary Music
All students should be dressed modestly for all performances. This means modest necklines, hemlines, clothing should cover midriff completely, and no under garments of any kind (slips, corsets, bralettes) should ever be worn as attire.
It is recommended that each student bring dress clothes for performances. Any combination of dress shirt, slacks, skirts, tops, or dresses along with one pair of dress shoes (no heel exceeding 3 inches) and opaque black tights (for skirts and dresses). Because many performances are web streamed live, we ask that you consider dress attire with minimal pattern as that can translate blurry in HD.
For popular music students and jazz students, you should bring at least one outfit that is solidly black.
There will be a station at audition sign-up for ordering concert attire online if you need help. Feel free to contact J Berry with questions. New students, please have a picture of your concert attire (including shoes) with you at audition sign-up so it can be approved. If it is on order, please bring confirmation of your order.
All Seniors And Post Grads:
Seniors and postgraduates are encouraged to purchase the following in preparation for Prescreens, Digital Auditions, and Digital Portfolio Reviews.
Rehearsal/Performance:
All Theatre performance majors must bring the following:
Male Identifying:
- Breathable mask
- Black tie character oxfords
- Black dress pants
- Knee pads
- Make-up kit NYE creme kit, like this example
- Black jazz shoes
- Dance belt
- Mascara - like this example
- Kit container - like these: example 1, example 2.
- A closed container that is portable and can be sanitized. Please label with your name.
Female Identifying:
- Breathable mask
- Black or tan or both (if you have them) 2"-heel character shoes
- Make-up kit NYE creme kit, like this example
- Full, knee-length rehearsal skirt (not a pencil or fitted skirt)
- Black jazz shoes
- Knee pads
- Convertible strapless bra
- Mascara - like this example
- Kit container - like these: example 1, example 2.
- A closed container that is portable and can be sanitized. Please label with your name.
It is essential that all Theatre Performance Majors bring their own makeup and hair tools. Cross contamination or sharing of items will not be permitted.
Scene Shop
When working in the scene shop, all students MUST wear shoes that have both closed toes and closed heels. This is for your safety. You should also have some old, loose-fitting clothes that you do not mind getting dirty.
Dance Class
Students planning to take a dance class (Dance for Musical Theatre, Dance Styles, General Dance, Song and Dance Lab, or Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop) should bring comfortable, modest movement clothes. They should be form-fitting, full-coverage tops, and tights, leggings or pants in addition to the following:
Female Identifying
- Ballet shoes
- Pink tights
- Black leotard
Male Identifying
- Black or white ballet shoes
- Black men’s tights
- White t-shirt
- White socks
- Dance belt
Theatre Design & Production:
Rehearsal / Work Calls / Scene Shop:
- Stage blacks: long sleeved shirt, pants, socks, closed-toed shoes (black only, no insignias, no brands, nothing that isn’t flat black)
- 6” - 8” C-wrench, like this example
- Small black flashlight with belt holster
- 11 in 1 screwdriver, like this example
- Mechanic safety gloves, like this example
- Dust mask, like this example
- Safety goggles, like this example
- Ear plugs, like this example
Scene shop: When working in the scene shop, all students MUST wear shoes that have both closed toes and closed heels. This is for your safety. You should also have some old, loose-fitting clothes that you do not mind getting dirty.
Art supplies for class:
- Paper and brush accessory pack, like this example
- Watercolor palette, like this example
- Scale rule, like this example
All new and returning students in the Visual Arts Division must provide the following materials for their own use, which should not be shared with others. Materials listed under “All Visual Arts Students” are required for all students to provide, regardless of their schedule. Once students have enrolled in classes, they will be required to purchase the materials listed for those specific studios. In some cases, students will be assigned materials or tools for their own use during that class. We will share that list once classes are scheduled. If a student has financial limitations that may prevent them from obtaining these materials, please reach out to Visual Arts Division Director Melinda Ronayne directly to request assistance and alternatives.
All Visual Arts Students
All students, new and returning, need to have an art box or tool box containing the supplies listed below. This can be purchased in the Scholarshop on campus for approximately $150-$170. If you already have a box, you do not need to purchase one at the Scholarshop, but you do need to make sure you have all of these materials.
Supplies in the Art Box:
- 16" Tool Box
- 18" Stainless Ruler
- 8.5"x11" Hardbound 70# Sketchbook
- 8" Scissors
- 3/4" Masking Tape
- 3/4" Blue Artist Tape
- #1 Knife with #11 Blades
- #11 Blade 5 pack
- (2) Black Fine/Ultra Fine Point Sharpies
- Black Sharpie Chisel Tip
- (2) Large Glue Sticks
- 2" Gesso Brush
- #12 Round Short Taklon Brush
- #10 Bright Long White Taklon Brush
- #5 Filbert Brush
- #1 Watercolor Round Kolinsky Sable Brush
- #3 Watercolor Round Kolinsky Sable Brush
- Magic Rub Eraser
- Graphite Drawing Pencil Kit
- Lumograph Hard Pencil Set 12 Degrees
- Small Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Other Supplies (not included in the Art Box)
- Digital camera (DSLR Recommended): There are many DSLR cameras on the market that will work great. If you need a suggestion, we recommend an entry-level camera, either the Nikon D3500, or a Canon EOS Rebel with a basic 18-55mm lens to start. A point and shoot camera, like a Nikon Coolpix could work as well.
- Minimum 32GB SDHD Card
- Sturdy portfolio: We recommend a nylon, waterproof fabric or plastic/PVC portfolio at least 24” x 26” in size with a shoulder strap.
Visual Arts Clothing Requirements
- Apron or smock
- Closed toed shoes: All Visual Arts students are required to wear sturdy closed toed shoes with back and heel support in the Visual Arts Building at all times. Protective footwear is required for safety purposes. We do not recommend ballet flats or other shoes that do not provide proper support and protection.
- Professional dress clothing: Students are required to have professional dress clothing to wear on the days we have critiques, presentations, and gallery openings.
Required items for all students living on campus:
- Apple Laptop, macOS High Sierra 10.15.5 or later
- Alarm clock (because your phone dies in the middle of the night)
- Backpack or book bag
- School and office supplies
- Laundry basket, detergent, quarters, etc
- Blanket or comforter
- Standard twin sheets (NOT XL)
- Pillow and pillow cases
- Microwaveable dish/cups
- Eating utensils for personal use
- Socks
- Shoes
- Pajamas, slippers
- Toiletries
- Bath towels/washcloths
- Casual and dress clothes
- Warm clothes for outdoor classes
- Winter boots
- Winter coat
- Hat, scarf, gloves
- Raincoat, umbrella
Optional Items
- Bedside light (no halogen lights, no clip lights)
- Bike, bike lock
- Shower caddy or tote
- Small rug
- Mini-refrigerator
- Crates for storage
- Ethernet cable
- External hard drive
- Power strip with surge protector
- Small fan
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
The Arts Academy does not insure any personal property of students, faculty, or staff (including musical instruments) either on or off campus, in rooms, or other storage areas. Please make certain that all valuables are insured through your family homeowners insurance policies. Record the serial number, model, and other identifying information to aid in the event of loss.
Do not bring appliances such as irons, hot pots, popcorn poppers, electric blankets, or any appliance with a heating coil. Residence halls are equipped with irons, microwave ovens, and hot water pots. Do not bring any skis until after winter break. Also note, shower curtains are provided.