Northwestern State University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
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
•Hands-on experience in lighting, set design, costume design, and stage management
•Work on 4-6 full stage productions per semester
•Learn from working professionals with industry and academic experience
FACILITIES
•Scene shop, costume shop, light shop, sound shop, and paint shop
•Design lab with computers, digitizer tablets, Photoshop, Adobe Suite, Vectorworks, AutoCAD
•42-inch color plotter for design output
•State-of-the-art lighting including ETC boards and Varilite moving lights
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Summer production opportunities
•Build an industry-ready portfolio through real productions
•Career paths in scenic design, costume design, stage management, and technical direction
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Domestic Fee
$20Waiver
International Fee
$30
Program AppApplication
Apply atEmail
Auditions
Scholarship Interview (Natchitoches, LA)Sep 19, 2026
Scholarship Interview (Natchitoches, LA)Sep 26, 2026
Scholarship Interview (Natchitoches, LA)Oct 25, 2026
Scholarship Interview (Natchitoches, LA)Oct 31, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO (bring to interview)
•Portfolios of previous work
•Photographs of productions
•Designs and artwork/drawings
•Prompt scripts
•Director's book
•Any other materials demonstrating work experience, skills, and talent
Good to Know
INTERVIEW DATES
•Fall: September 19, September 26, October 25, October 31
•Spring: February 20, February 28, March 13, April 24
•Video/virtual submissions accepted year-round
ELIGIBILITY
•Must maintain 2.5 GPA to participate in productions
•Scholarships available to majors only
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•Portfolio-based interview with faculty
•In-person on campus in Natchitoches, LA
•Video/virtual interviews also accepted
•Dress in business/casual attire
SCHEDULING
•Contact Brett Garfinkel at garfinkelb@nsula.edu to schedule an interview
•If unable to attend a scheduled date, request an alternative
•Phone: 318-357-4483
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Scholarships available based on portfolio review and interview
•Available to declared majors only
•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
