Scholarship Opportunities

All students seeking a theatre scholarship are asked to submit an application for admission to the admissions office before scheduling an audition. Each student who seeks a scholarship for study in the university’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in performance is required to audition for and interview with the performance faculty. Those seeking a scholarship for study in the theatre degree program with an emphasis in design and technology must interview with and submit appropriate materials to the design and technology faculty. Students unable to attend the scheduled Saturdays (February 13 and 20, 2010) may contact the academic assistant for the Department of Theatre at 570-372-4300 to discuss the possibility of a weekday audition or interview.

General Audition/Interview Procedures

Performance Emphasis Auditions and Interview

Students should prepare and perform two pieces, one dramatic and one comedic, not exceeding three minutes in combined length. One of the two pieces should be from the classical repertoire (Shakespeare, Molière, Goldini, Behn, Marlowe etc.), preferably in verse. The other piece should be contemporary, written no earlier than 1970. Although not required, students may sing an appropriate piece from the canon of musical theatre in addition to the required pieces above. However, an accompanist will not be provided; a cd/tape player will be available. Please do not sing without accompaniment. Students will then interview privately with the performance faculty.

Production and Design Emphasis Interview

Students should present two letters of recommendation attesting to their experience working in theatre design (costume, scenic and lighting), technology or stage operations. At least one letter of recommendation must be from an educator familiar with the student. Other possible recommenders may include volunteer supervisors, local theatre practitioners, or community leaders familiar with the student's technical theatre or design experience. We recognize that young designers and technicians probably do not have a formal portfolio upon leaving high school, but any materials such as blueprints, prompt books, costume pieces, makeup designs, renderings, sketches, paint elevations or production photographs would be helpful to our faculty in assessing the student’s experience and potential for focused study and success. Students will then interview privately with the production and design faculty.