NSU Theatre & Dance2024-03-14T07:25:42-06:00

Welcome to NSU Theatre & Dance

Northwestern State University Department of Theatre and Dance is designated as the Center for Excellence in the Arts for the University of Louisiana System and is one of only 150 programs in the United States accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

We specialize in undergraduate training with Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Dance, Production + Design, and Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Theatre with a concentration in Performance & Directing.

Thank you for visiting our site, please look around to discover more about our exciting program! You may contact us at any time if you have any questions regarding the Theatre & Dance Department.

Northwestern Theatre and Dance provides performance/talent-based scholarships to majors and minors in the department. To receive a scholarship, prospective students must go through an audition/interview process. Students from states outside of Louisiana may also qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver as part of their scholarship award.

  • Performance & Directing students must present two, contrasting, one-minute, memorized monologues from plays. Preferably a Shakespearean or classical monologue and a contemporary monologue.
  • Musical Theatre students must present two contrasting monologues as mentioned above. Plus, at least sixteen measures from a musical theatre selection. The student is asked to bring their own accompaniment on a digital device as well as any dangles to plug the device into the sound system.
  • Dance students must present a two-to-three-minute dance solo in any style. The student may be asked to demonstrate a few technical skills as well as be interviewed by the dance faculty. Students should bring their accompaniment on a on a digital device as well as any dangles to plug the device into the sound system. Please wear appropriate dance attire.
  • Production + Design students will be evaluated based on an interview process. Students are asked to bring materials that would qualify their work experience, skills and talent. These materials can include, but not be limited to portfolios, photographs of productions, designs, artwork/drawings, prompt scripts, and director’s book.

*** Students auditioning/interviewing for scholarships should dress in business/casual attire. ***

Upcoming Audition Dates:

  • September 29th, 30th, October 20th, and October 27th
  • February 9th, March 2nd, March 8th, and April 26th

We are currently accepting video submissions with requirements above. Please use the below contact info with questions or to submit your videos.

Students are required to contact Brett Garfinkel at garfinkelb@nsula.edu to make an appointment for an audition. If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled auditions dates please request an alternative day that would work better for you.

If you have any further questions you may call the Theatre & Dance office at 318-357-4483.

Students should also visit the “Future Students” webpage on the NSU website, /futurestudents/ to inquire about applying to NSU, campus tours, housing, etc.
https://www.nsula.edu/theatre/theatre-faculty/

Summer theatre camp has been cancelled due to the pandemic. The safety of our counselors and campers is of most importance. Please stay safe, thank you.

(please fill out and email to Wanda Lucas).

Theatre & Dance News

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Contact Us

NSU Theatre & Dance
Rm. 100-F, Old Fine Arts Building
Phone: 318-357-4483
theatreanddance@nsula.edu

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    Employer Testimonials

    Whether you want to build a new professional theatre, improve your existing standards, or continue casting and using the hardest-working, best prepared talent, you need to give artists with NSU on their resume your highest consideration. Building our theatre over the past 9 years, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with how prepared their students are. They were serious, prepared, and tireless in their execution of performance art. The NSU instructors are doing wonderful things in Natchitoches. I strongly recommend getting to know this program, its professors, students and alumni. You’ll not only be surrounding yourself with some of the most passionate, trained artists in today’s market, but you may reconnect with the reasons you fell in love with theatre as well.

    Tim Moore, Artistic Director, Thingamajig Productions, Pagosa Springs, CO
    In the past few years we have had the opportunity to hire several performers, techs and costume students from NSU. Without exception, they have been knowledgeable in their discipline, hardworking, professional in their approach to the job, and a delight to be around. We are pleased that NSU continues to turn out high quality students.
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