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Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, LA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

NAST accredited — one of only 150 programs in the U.S.

Designated Center of Excellence in the Arts by the University of Louisiana System

Training

Intensive conservatory-style training in acting, singing, and dance

4-6 full stage productions per semester including musicals, straight plays, and dance concerts

Small cohorts with personalized attention from 15 faculty members

Professional Development

Summer dinner theatre productions

Industry connections and career-ready portfolio building

Located in historic Natchitoches, LA — filming location of Steel Magnolias

Facilities

1,400-seat proscenium stage (AA Fredericks Auditorium)

125-seat thrust stage (Theatre West)

60-75 seat black box theatre (The Wann Theatre)

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

43%

Enrollment

5.5K

Earnings

$47K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,212

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$19,652

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,218

Before aid

Average net price

$13,606

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · nsula.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 18, 8:49 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NAST accredited — one of only 150 programs in the U.S.

Designated Center of Excellence in the Arts by the University of Louisiana System

Training

Intensive conservatory-style training in acting, singing, and dance

4-6 full stage productions per semester including musicals, straight plays, and dance concerts

Small cohorts with personalized attention from 15 faculty members

Professional Development

Summer dinner theatre productions

Industry connections and career-ready portfolio building

Located in historic Natchitoches, LA — filming location of Steel Magnolias

Facilities

1,400-seat proscenium stage (AA Fredericks Auditorium)

125-seat thrust stage (Theatre West)

60-75 seat black box theatre (The Wann Theatre)

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

NAST accredited — one of only 150 programs in the U.S.

Designated Center of Excellence in the Arts by the University of Louisiana System

Training

Intensive conservatory-style training in acting, singing, and dance

4-6 full stage productions per semester including musicals, straight plays, and dance concerts

Small cohorts with personalized attention from 15 faculty members

Professional Development

Summer dinner theatre productions

Industry connections and career-ready portfolio building

Located in historic Natchitoches, LA — filming location of Steel Magnolias

Facilities

1,400-seat proscenium stage (AA Fredericks Auditorium)

125-seat thrust stage (Theatre West)

60-75 seat black box theatre (The Wann Theatre)

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fees

Domestic Fee

$20

International Fee

$30

Deadline

International Preferred DeadlineJul 1, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

International Student Admission Requirements · nsula.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Auditions

Scholarship Audition (Natchitoches, LA)

Sep 25, 2026Oct 2 & 30, 2026Feb 19, 2027Mar 19, 2027Apr 23, 2027

Theatre · nsula.edu

Post-Enrollment Audition Requirements

No audition is required for the initial application. The optional scholarship review (audition) is separate from the internal audition gate students complete after enrollment.Gateway source

Songs

Song Selection

Two contrasting 30-60 second cuts of musical theatre songs, performed with accompaniment

Should demonstrate vocal, musical, and stylistic ability

Bring your own accompaniment on a digital device

Bring any necessary dongles/adapters to connect to the sound system

Monologues

One Monologue, 60-90 Seconds

From a play or musical

Should showcase acting, character development, and storytelling skills

Select material appropriate to your age and experience that demonstrates your strengths and potential as a musical theatre performer

Theatre · nsula.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Eligibility

Must maintain 2.5 GPA to participate in productions

Scholarships available to majors only

What's The Process

Audition Process

Contact Brett Garfinkel at garfinkelb@nsula.edu to schedule an audition

If unable to attend a scheduled date, request an alternative

Phone: 318-357-4483

Fall: September 19, September 26, October 25, October 31

Spring: February 20, February 28, March 13, April 24

Video submissions accepted year-round

Performance-based scholarships are awarded based on audition results and must be renewed annually

Audition Expectations

In-person auditions on campus in Natchitoches, LA

Video submissions also accepted

Dress in business/casual attire

Scholarship Info

Talent Scholarships

Performance-based scholarships available to declared majors

Awarded based on audition results

Students must reapply each year

Scholarship increases possible for students showing improvement

Scholarships may be reduced or revoked for GPA below 2.5 or lack of improvement

Out-of-State Tuition Waiver

Available to out-of-state students receiving theatre/dance scholarships

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.37

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

43%

Enrollment

5.5K

Earnings

$47K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$10,212

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$19,652

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,218

Before aid

Average net price

$13,606

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · nsula.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

NAST accredited — one of only 150 programs in the U.S.

Designated Center of Excellence in the Arts by the University of Louisiana System

Training

Intensive conservatory-style training in acting, singing, and dance

4-6 full stage productions per semester including musicals, straight plays, and dance concerts

Small cohorts with personalized attention from 15 faculty members

Professional Development

Summer dinner theatre productions

Industry connections and career-ready portfolio building

Located in historic Natchitoches, LA — filming location of Steel Magnolias

Facilities

1,400-seat proscenium stage (AA Fredericks Auditorium)

125-seat thrust stage (Theatre West)

60-75 seat black box theatre (The Wann Theatre)

Updated Aug 18, 8:49 PM

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