Northwestern State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
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 & PRODUCTIONS
•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
FACILITIES
•1,400-seat proscenium stage (A.A. Fredericks Auditorium)
•125-seat thrust stage (Theatre West)
•60-75 seat black box theatre (The Wann Theatre)
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Summer dinner theatre productions
•Industry connections and career-ready portfolio building
•Located in historic Natchitoches, LA — filming location of Steel Magnolias
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Domestic Fee
$20Waiver
International Fee
$30
Program AppApplication
Apply atEmail
Auditions
Scholarship Audition (Natchitoches, LA)Sep 19, 2026
Scholarship Audition (Natchitoches, LA)Sep 26, 2026
Scholarship Audition (Natchitoches, LA)Oct 25, 2026
Scholarship Audition (Natchitoches, LA)Oct 31, 2026
Audition Requirements
Songs
ONE MUSICAL THEATRE SELECTION, 16+ bars
•At least 16 measures from a musical theatre song
•Bring your own accompaniment on a digital device
•Bring any necessary dongles/adapters to connect to the sound system
•No a cappella
Monologues
TWO CONTRASTING MONOLOGUES, 1 min each
•One Shakespearean or classical monologue
•One contemporary monologue
•Both must be memorized and from published plays
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Good to Know
AUDITION DATES
•Fall: September 19, September 26, October 25, October 31
•Spring: February 20, February 28, March 13, April 24
•Video submissions accepted year-round
ELIGIBILITY
•Must maintain 2.5 GPA to participate in productions
•Scholarships available to majors only
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person auditions on campus in Natchitoches, LA
•Video submissions also accepted
•Dress in business/casual attire
SCHEDULING
•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
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
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
93%
Admit Rate
44%
Grad Rate
5,519
Enrollment
$47,021
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$8,864
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,652
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,606
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$11,693
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,261
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,549
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,777
Family Income $110k+$19,077
