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Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, LA

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Program

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

3.37

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

43%

Grad Rate

5.5K

Enrollment

$47K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated Jul 27, 3:00 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

Official Source

Program AppApplication

Apply

Auditions

Scholarship Audition (Natchitoches, LA)

Sep 19 & 26, 2026Oct 25 & 31, 2026Feb 20 & 28, 2027Mar 13, 2027Apr 24, 2027

Official Source

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

•One musical theatre selection, at least 16 measures

•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

Official SourceVerified 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

3.37

Avg GPA (W)

93%

Admit Rate

school-wide

43%

Grad Rate

5.5K

Enrollment

$47K

Earnings

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

Official source 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 Jul 27, 3:00 PM

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