Northwestern State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Louisiana's only public BFA in Dance
•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
•Rigorous technique training in ballet, modern, and contemporary styles
•Choreograph and perform your own culminating dance concert
•4-6 full stage productions per semester including dance concerts
•Guest artists and national festival exposure
FACILITIES
•Large dance studio with sprung dance floor
•Dedicated tap dance studio with sprung tap floor
•1,400-seat proscenium stage and intimate performance spaces
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Summer Dance Intensive program
•Summer dinner theatre productions
•Career paths in performance, choreography, education, and dance therapy
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
Dance
DANCE SOLO, 2-3 min
•Perform a solo in any dance style
•May be asked to demonstrate additional technical skills
•Bring your own accompaniment on a digital device
•Bring any necessary dongles/adapters to connect to the sound system
ATTIRE
•Wear appropriate dance attire
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
•Faculty interview may be part of the audition process
•Dress in appropriate dance 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 and faculty interview
•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
