2014 2015 Brutus Tryout Information

2014 – 2015 Brutus Tryout Information
Introduction
The following is an excerpt from a commencement speech delivered by Woody Hayes on March
14th, 1986 to OSU graduates:
“I would like to start with something I have used in almost every speech, and this is, ‘paying
forward.’ And that is the thing that you folks can do with your great education for the rest of your
life. Try to take that attitude toward life - that you're going to pay forward. So seldom can we pay
back because those who helped most--your parents and other people--will be gone, but you'll find
that you do want to pay. Emerson had something to say about that: "You can pay back only
seldom." But he said, "You can always pay forward, and you must pay line for line, deed for deed,
and cent for cent." He said, "Beware of too much good accumulating in your palm or it will fast
corrupt." That was Emerson's attitude, and no one put it better than he did."
Each student that has had the honor of representing Brutus, especially the last couple of decades,
has taken the approach that it is time to give back to the University that has given each of us so
much. Now it is your turn. It takes tremendous effort, dedication, and devotion for you to continue
the great tradition of Brutus at The Ohio State University- but becoming the character is the great
joy of each Brutus’ time as an undergraduate and indeed will transform your relationship with your
alma mater for the rest of your life.
Are you ready?
Brutus Tryout Prerequisite information
All candidates in the Spirit Program must truly embody the “student-athlete”, whereby playing the
character is secondary only to your academic pursuits at The Ohio State University. To be
considered for Brutus, candidates must meet the tryout pre-requisites below:
 Be a current, enrolled student at The Ohio State University, Main Campus by day 1 of
being selected
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At least freshman status during the semester of your tryout.
In good academic standing (By the NCAA / Big Ten Standard)
○ Cumulative GPA must be a 2.0 or higher. (Once on the team, a student-athlete
must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or higher, in order to remain
on the team. All student athletes must abide by the following standards) (attach
Constitution here):
Pre-tryout Opportunities
Interested Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend at least one Orientation Session and at
least two days of Brutus Clinics. Candidates are also encouraged to attend a Skit Workshop
Orientation (Attendance Strongly Encouraged)
This is an informational session where interested candidates will learn about the Brutus tryout
process. Current Brutus team members and coaches will discuss various aspects of the tryout
process, such as skits, skills clinics, and more. Candidates will learn the requirements and
commitments necessary to become a Brutus team member. It is important to reiterate that
candidates must attend at least one session in order to try out.
Skit Workshop (Attendance Strongly Encouraged)
The skit workshop provides a tutorial for producing a high-quality skit. You will learn how the skit
factors into the tryout process, how to develop a central theme, basic prop building techniques, as
well as a view into what judges will be evaluating. While the workshop is optional, it is highly
recommended that you attend. Creating engaging and clever skits is an essential skill for
candidates trying out.
Character Skill Clinics (Attendance Strongly Encouraged)
Character skill clinics are strongly recommended for all Brutus candidates. They run between one
and two hours each morning. It is recommended for candidates to attend as many of the clinics as
possible to help prepare candidates for tryouts.
Candidates will learn the classic Brutus characteristics that are essential to the tryout process and
becoming a successful mascot. You will learn the following:
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“Who is Brutus” Brutus character
Mascot 101
Walk
Emotion
Improvisation & Impromptu exercises
Signature Poses
Dances
Situational response
*Use the clinics as an opportunity to ask questions and learn from former Brutus Team members.
Brutus Tryouts weekend
Final Character Skills Clinic – Friday, April 11th (Optional)
This will be your final opportunity to get some time in the outfit, & ask any last minute questions
that you may have. It also will give you an opportunity to interact with past Bruti & get any last
minute advice you may be looking for.
Interview- Saturday, April 12th (Mandatory)
Your interview time will be determined on the last Character Skill Clinic before tryouts. This is
usually the day before the interview. Each candidate will meet with a committee comprised of a
variety of Brutus Buckeye alumni, athletic department officials, coaches, and / or other friends of
the Brutus Program. Please dress in business professional attire for your interview.
Brutus Skills and Improvisation- Sunday, April 13th (Mandatory)
The second day is a joint tryout with the entire Spirit Program and it encompasses the skit, Brutus
Skills, and an “Improvisation” round.
On Camera
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Candidates display an ability to entertain a broadcast camera
Candidates demonstrate Brutus Skills learned in the clinics
Situational Improvisation
Candidates create the Brutus character in two different situations. Judges will evaluate each
candidate’s emulation of the Brutus character, prop usage, and creativity.
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First situation - A tryout staffer gives instructions to a candidate and he or she will respond
to the situation within the Brutus character.
Second situation - Judges evaluate a candidate’s creativity. With music and a small
selection of props provided by the judges, candidates will act out an improvised scene to
music.
Skit
Candidates will perform their own creative skit for the judges, where they will be scored on their
ability to be creative, while maintaining the qualities & attributes of Brutus. It’s important that
candidates have a well-defined theme, use props, & really develop the character of Brutus.
General Skit Rules
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Candidates have a maximum length of one minute for set-up, two minutes for skit
material, and one minute to clean up after the skit ends.
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The two-minute skit allows for a maximum of 10 props, no larger than 5'x5'x5'.
Any prop that does not meet the requirements will not be permitted in the skit.
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Costume pieces must be immediately placed on the ground if removed. If used in
a skit, they count as props.
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A prop may not have any flaps or attachments that extend the prop to more than
five feet. Props may not be stacked together or attached to exceed five feet.
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Each item thrown into the crowd will count as one prop, i.e. four t-shirts thrown into
the crowd count as four props.
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The use of pyrotechnics, fire extinguishers, extension cords, and motors are
prohibited.
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There will be a maximum of two people allowed to assist the candidate with the
skit. This includes prop set-up, skit participation, and clean up.
Fight Song
This will be the final opportunity for candidates to show off the skills that they have developed. You
will join the cheerleaders, & dance team in front of your biggest fans. As the sounds of TBDBITL’s
“Across the Field” roars in the background, it will be your job to engage & excite the crowd using
the trademark moves of Brutus the Buckeye.
2014 Tryout Dates and Times
Orientation sessions
The Fawcett Center, 3rd floor, Conference Room 3
February 17th, 2014, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
February 18th, 2014, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
March 3rd, 2014, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
March 4th, 2014, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Skit Workshop
St. John Arena – Main Court
March 15th, 2014, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Character Skill Clinics
St. John Arena – Main Court
April 5th, 2014, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
April 6th, 2014, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
April 11th, 2014, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Interviews
Longaberger Alumni House
April 12th, 2014, 5:30 PM – 9:45 PM
Improvisation Round
FFH – Weight Room Side
April 13th, 2014, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Skits
St. John Arena – Main Court
April 13th, 2014, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Fight Song
St. John Arena – Main Court
April 13th 2014, 1:30 PM
Team Selection
Upon conclusion of skits, and after a deliberation period, the team will be announced.
A post tryout dinner / meet & greet will occur for the candidates who make the team and for their
families to meet the coach and some of the alumni of the program (time & location TBA).
If you have any questions in regards to the information listed above, please contact Ray Sharp at
[email protected]