Ithaca College

Submitted on behalf of the Whalen Symposium Steering Committee:

The creation and production of live performances falls under a category of research known as the “scholarship of discovery.” This body of research and scholarly contribution is central to the education of students in the visual and performing arts.

This year the Whalen Academic Symposium is accepting live performance submissions from students.  Faculty sponsors may submit a performance using the online submission form found on the Whalen Symposium Website.  Once submitted, students may then submit abstracts for either:   Music Performance or Theatre/Dance Performance.  

To be eligible for participation, students must first submit an abstract outlining the nature of their research. A successful abstract for a creative work proposed for inclusion in the Whalen Symposium will include:

1) The artist’s initial question of investigation – (Why did you create or choose this piece?)
2) Brief articulation of artists, forms, methods, or movements inspiring or informing the creative work -- (Research)
3) How the work will be presented to the audience – (If performing the piece and indicating the necessary space requirements)
4) Proposed significance to the field – (What is new or revelatory about your creative work? What are you trying to communicate to the audience?)

Please see the Whalen Symposium Website for an example of an acceptable abstract.

Each approved submission will receive an 8 minute time slot in the Symposium to briefly introduce and perform the creative work. This time limit will be strictly enforced. Please make sure the proposed performance pieces are an appropriate length.

Ideas for abstract submissions for Music include, but are not limited to: solo performances, chamber ensembles, and original compositions.

Ideas for abstract submissions for Theatre/Dance include, but are not limited to: original monologue or scene performances, analysis and performance of a scene or monologue, solo dance performances, and original dance ensemble performance.

The performances of all students who indicate a desire to be considered for an award will be adjudicated by faculty members from the music and theatre arts departments. The two performances scoring highest will enjoy academic recognition as well as a $50 gift card to the Ithaca College Bookstore.

Abstract submissions for live performance pieces are due, with the approval of a faculty sponsor, by March 7, 2014.

If you have any questions please contact MaryAnn Taylor in the Office of the Provost:
(607) 274-1206 or mataylor@ithaca.edu.