Scholarship Details and Requirements

Incoming students entering the Theatre Arts program can audition/interview for a talent-based theatre arts scholarship. Scholarships apply for up to 4 years. The audition is for scholarship consideration only and does not affect entering the program as a bachelor of arts student.

You must meet the following criteria each year for continued eligibility:

  • Declared as a theatre major
  • 20 scholarship hours per year
  • Audition for all productions
  • Accept all production assignments
  • Attend all strikes
  • Attend all production meetings for shows you are assigned to as a creative team member (SM, ASM, designer, assistant designers) or any production meeting you are called to
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA and classroom participation
  • Punctual to and prepared for all rehearsals, fittings, and other calls
  • Professionalism and collegiality
  • Consistent class attendance
  • Adhere to all policies in the Theatre Arts program student handbook

For more information, contact the Theatre Arts program (theatreprogram@westminsteru.edu).

Auditions and Interview Steps

1. Apply to Westminster

Before you can audition for a performing arts program, you must submit an application for admission to Westminster. If you are interested in being considered for a performing arts scholarship, select “Yes” on the application when asked if you are interested in pursuing music, dance, or theatre. If you submitted your application for admission and did not indicate that you would like to audition for a performing arts scholarship, update your application in the application portal or email admission@westminsteru.edu and ask for your application to be updated. 

2. Audition

Once you've submitted your Westminster application, complete the performing arts audition form on your performing arts checklist in the application portal. You will also be able to schedule an in-person audition or submit a virtual audition portfolio through your application portal.

In-Person Audition Dates

  • February 8, 2025
  • February 22, 2025
  • March 8, 2025

Virtual Audition Portfolio

Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis and reviewed in alignment with the in-person audition dates.
  • Virtual Portfolio Priority Deadline: January 15, 2025

Portfolio Priority Deadline

  • January 15, 2025

3. What to Expect

An audition or interview is required to be considered for a scholarship. You have the option to audition in-person or submit an audition portfolio.

In-person Audition

If you have a background in performance, are interested in focusing on performance electives for the bachelor of arts degree, or are planning to later transition into the performance emphasis of the bachelor of fine arts degree, your scholarship audition must include:

  • Resume and headshot 
  • 2 contrasting monologues that are approximately 45 seconds each.  
    • One should be a classical or verse piece and the other can be a monologue of your style choice.  
  • Optional: in addition to the 2 contrasting monologues, you may also sing 16-32 bars of a musical theatre piece or song. Strongly encouraged for Musical Theatre minors.

If you have a background in offstage theatre work, are interested in focusing on production and design electives for the bachelor of arts degree, or are planning to later transition into the production and design emphasis of the bachelor of fine arts degree, come prepared for an interview with:

  • Resume 
  • A digital (pdf, presentation, etc.), online, or print portfolio (a computer and screen will be available during the interview)

Virtual Audition Portfolio

Performance Students: Please prepare, record, and submit a single video via a link or video file that includes the following materials. For your recording, slate your audition or state your first and last name. Please include your pronouns if you'd like to share and then perform your audition.

  • 2 contrasting monologues that are approximately 45 seconds each.  
    • One should be a classical or verse piece and the other can be a monologue of your style choice.  
  • Optional: in addition to the two contrasting monologues, you may also sing 16-32 bars of a musical theatre piece or song. Strongly encouraged for Musical Theatre minors.

Production and Design Students: Please prepare, record, and submit a single video via a link or video file that follows the instructions below. Please keep your video submission to five minutes or less. For your recording, slate your audition or state your first and last name and your area of interest in production and design (e.g. "I'm interested in lighting design and technology.")

  • Answer the following:
    • What is your favorite part about working behind the scenes? 
    • Tell us about your past theater experience. 
    • Describe what you think makes you a valuable member of a production team. 
    • Tell us about a time you found a creative solution to a technical theatre or design problem. 
    • Tell us about the most fun theatre experience you've had.  
    • What's your favorite show?  
    • What's a dream show that you'd like to be a part of someday? 
    • What's a unique skill you have?
    • What do you hope to learn more about by studying production and design at Westminster?  
    • What you hope to do after college with your theatre training?
  • Submit a portfolio of your work in theatrical production and design. Your portfolio can be a link to your portfolio website or a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation.