Northwestern Theatre and Dance provides performance/talent based scholarships to theatre majors, theatre minors and dance minors. To receive a scholarship, prospective theatre/dance students must go through an audition/interview process. Students from states outside of Louisiana may also qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver as part of their scholarship award.

• Actors must present two, contrasting, one minute, memorized monologues from plays. Preferably a Shakespearean monologue and a contemporary monologue.
• Musical Theatre Actors must present two contrasting monologues as mentioned above. Plus, at least sixteen measures from a musical theatre selection. The student is asked to bring their own digital accompaniment (CD/phone). If the student has formal dance training, it is suggested he/she prepare a two to three minute dance piece.
• Dancers must present a two to three minute dance piece. The student will be given a skill placement test and be interviewed by the dance faculty. Students should bring their dance accompaniment on a CD/music player/phone and bring appropriate dance attire.
• Designers/Directors/Stage Managers/Stage Technicians will be evaluated based on an interview process. Students are asked to bring materials that would qualify their work, experience and talent. These materials can include, but not be limited to portfolios, photographs of productions, designs, artwork/drawings, prompt scripts, and director’s book.

*** Students auditioning/interviewing for scholarships should dress in business/casual attire. ***

Upcoming Audition Dates:

We are currently accepting video submissions with requirements above. Please use the below contact info with questions or to submit your videos.

Students are required to call 318-357-4483 or contact Brett Garfinkel at garfinkelb@nsula.edu to make an appointment for an audition.
Selected audition dates are listed above. However, students can call to request alternate audition dates at 318-357-4483 or contact Brett Garfinkel at garfinkelb@nsula.edu.

Students should also visit the “Future Students” webpage on the NSU website, https://www.nsula.edu/future-students/ to inquire about applying to NSU, campus tours, housing, etc.

“Whether you want to build a new professional theatre, improve your existing standards, or continue casting and using the hardest-working, best prepared talent, you need to give artists with NSU on their resume your highest consideration. Building our theatre over the past 9 years, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how prepared their students are. They were serious, prepared, and tireless in their execution of performance art. The NSU instructors are doing wonderful things in Natchitoches. I strongly recommend getting to know this program, its professors, students and alumni. You’ll not only be surrounding yourself with some of the most passionate, trained artists in today’s market, but you may reconnect with the reasons you fell in love with theatre as well.”
Tim Moore, Artistic Director, Thingamajig Productions, Pagosa Springs, CO

“In the past few years we have had the opportunity to hire several performers, techs and costume students from NSU. Without exception, they have been knowledgeable in their discipline, hardworking, professional in their approach to the job, and a delight to be around. We are pleased that NSU continues to turn out high quality students.”
Cedar Point Entertainment, Sandusky, OH

Summer theatre camp has been cancelled due to the pandemic. The safety of our counselors and campers is of most importance. Please stay safe, thank you.