HomeScholarships
The theatre department of Wayne State University awards a number of four-year scholarships to promising young theatre students. Awards are achieved by audition and/or interview, and are available in both the performance (acting) and the production (scenic, lighting, costume, and make-up design) areas.
Talent scholarships are designed as four-year awards for theatre majors. In order to ensure the continuation of the stipend, a student must stay in residence for four consecutive years at Wayne State University, maintain a 2.5 grade point average and be a visible part of the theatre program. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in termination of the scholarship.
To be eligible for an award, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have maintained a 3.0 GPA in high school
- Submit an application and two letters of recommendation by Jan. 15
- Submit resume
- Present a prepared audition or be interviewed
Announcements will be mailed to award winners in early February.
|
Scholarship/Award |
Eligibility |
Amount (Dependent upon availability of funds) |
Additional Information |
| Talent Scholarship |
Entering Freshmen who are selected in competitive auditions and/or interviews held each winter | Approximately half tuition per academic year (fall & winter terms)
Renewable each year for a total of four years of baccalaureate study |
Click here for the current general, college-wide application (.pdf). For elements in the application process that are specific to theatre, such as scheduling an audition, contact the department: (313) 577-3508. |
| Theatre Activity Awards |
Students who have consistently made contributions to the theatre and have shown a serious commitment to the theatre program |
Amount varies depending on activity |
|
| Blakely Scholarship |
Students with senior standing who have active theatre program participation |
Amount varies |
|
| Robert T. Hazzard Scholarship |
Outstanding students with senior standing |
Amount varies |
|
| Tracey Lupo Memorial Scholarship |
A senior student who is an all-around contributor to the Department of Theatre |
Amount varies |
|
| Russell McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship |
Outstanding undergraduate theatre majors |
Amount varies |
|
| Molson Scholarship |
A sophomore, junior or senior student |
Amount varies |
|
| National Costumers Association Memorial Endowment Award |
Outstanding theatre majors concentrating in costuming |
Amount varies |
|
| Margaret and Richard Spear Scholarship | A sophomore, junior or senior student who has demonstrated excellence and/or ability to make a meaningful contribution in a given area of theatre | Amount varies | |
| Lily Tomlin Scholarship | Outstanding undergraduate theatre majors | Amount varies | |
| Leonard L. and Mary B. Zudick Theatre Student Scholarship | Outstanding undergraduate theatre majors | Amount varies | |
Initial Selection Process
It is your responsibility to fill out the application form and mail it to the Department of Theatre, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202-3489. Be sure that those writing letters of recommendation for you have our correct address and are aware of the deadline. Should you, due to unforeseen circumstances, be unable to make the deadline, it is permissible for you to hand deliver your credentials at the time of your audition. However, please inform us by Jan. 15 of your intention to do so.
Even if you have already been accepted by another university, you are welcome and encouraged to audition for and apply to Wayne State University.
The Audition Process
Acting Auditions:
You should select, prepare and memorize two selections, each approximately two minutes in length, from plays which you are familiar. One should be a role of the type you think best suits you, while the other should display your skills in characterization. Make sure you do not exceed your total time of four minutes.
Musical Auditions:
You may add one minute to your allotted time for a musical audition. Only select this option if your gifts are exceptional. No musical accompaniment will be provided for singers, but you may bring a cassette recording.
Design/Technical Theatre Interviews:
(Costume or scenic design and construction, lighting design, make-up design and stage management)
You are encouraged to have a teacher accompany you and to display and discuss your work. Please feel free to bring any renderings of costumes or set designs, models, light plots, prompt books, production photographs, etc. If your technical theatre experience has been largely or exclusively in construction, that is perfectly acceptable. Most importantly, this is an opportunity for you and your instructor and/or parent to report on your accomplishments, interests and goals, and to ask questions about our program.
Some Tips on Auditioning
Selection Material:
Seek materials in all cases that demonstrate your basic performance skills: clear speech, animated movement, the ability to characterize. Generally, a monologue which is in the dramatic present-tense rather than the story-telling is more suitable for audition. Soliloquies are ready-made audition selections, but are not found too often in contemporary literature. You may find excellent material in a dialogue scene with another character that, by changing a few lines to incorporate their questions or lines as rhetorical questions, will allow you to speak the entire piece to an imaginary partner. Consult your teachers for help in making your selection and preparing your audition. Evidence of imagination and preparation will be considered as part of your presentation.
- You will be ushered onto the stage by a stage manager who will announce your name.
- You will announce your selections, either before you begin, or immediately preceding each piece. Give only play title, author and character portrayed.
- A rehearsal chair and table will be provided. Do not use any props or costumes. You should be well, but modestly, dressed, in clothes that provide ease of movement.
- Place your imaginary characters downstage of you so that you work full front for as much of your audition as possible.
- Do not seek to make eye contact with auditioners.