Department of Performing Arts - Theater and Dance

$2,500 and $5,000

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding first-year students who display high aptitude for study in the performing arts. The awards include a service component and allow students to use their talents for the benefit of others.

This scholarship is given to a first-year student who intends to concentrate in theater performance. The student demonstrates outstanding performance potential during the scholarship audition process.

This scholarship is intended for a freshman or sophomore in the design/tech concentration. The recipient exhibits dedication, reliability and a capacity for developing theater artistry.

This scholarship is awarded to a freshman or sophomore who intends to major in theater with a music-theater dance concentration. The scholarship recipient demonstrates proficient dance technique/abilities combined with outstanding performance potential.

This scholarship is awarded to a freshman or sophomore who intends to major in theater and who demonstrates high scholastic aptitude, outstanding performance potential and has a vision for a lifetime of engagement in theater arts.

This scholarship is awarded to a first or second-year student planning to major in theater who is pursuing a sub-discipline in design, management, directing, history or technology. The successful recipient shows potential for artistic growth, creativity and dedication to the craft of theater.

This scholarship is awarded to a freshman or sophomore who intends to major in theater with a concentration in acting or music-theater/dance. The recipient demonstrates extraordinary artistic talent and the ability to succeed in all university endeavors. The scholarship is designed to promote and enhance artistic quality at Christopher Newport.

These scholarships are given to four sophomores, juniors or seniors who have exhibited outstanding academic achievement, artistic promise and dedication to the Department. Frequently these scholarships are awarded to recipients of the above awards, provided the student maintains academic and production excellence.

Please submit four files:

• One dramatic monologue video, 60-90 seconds from first word of dialogue (.mp4 or .mov)
• One comedic monologue video, 60-90 seconds from first word of dialogue (.mp4 or .mov)
• Performance resume (.pdf)
• Current moderate-to-high-quality photo/headshot (.jpg or .pdf)

Please clearly name all files with the candidate's last and first name, and some indication of the contents (e.g., Lloyd-Gregg-Comedic-Monologue.mp4).

Notes on Video Submissions

• Use wide-screen or landscape format/orientation
• Frame should start at mid-thigh/waist and reach 6-10 inches above the head
• Lighting should allow for clear vision of the auditioner with no shadow on the eyes
• Slate/introduce each piece with your name and the show it is from
• If at all possible, songs should have recorded or live piano accompaniment
• Videos should have no internal edits; please trim the beginning and end, if possible, for a clean presentation
• Do multiple takes of each piece and send us your best work
• Be aware of your background to present the least distractions (we want to watch YOU)
• Dress appropriately for a professional audition

In Person Requirements for Acting Candidates

• Two contrasting 60-90 second monologues (e.g., dramatic/comedic, classcial/contemporary, think of them as pieces that show you off in different ways)
• Current photo or headshot (if available) and performance resume (.pdf)
• All acting candidates are encouraged to attend the dance call at noon

Please submit 5-6 files:

• One monologue, 60-90 seconds from first word of dialogue (.mp4 or .mov)
• One up-tempo song from musical theater, 16–32 bars (.mp4 or .mov)
• One ballad from musical theater, 16–32 bars (.mp4 or .mov)
• Performance resume (.pdf)
• Current moderate-to-high-quality photo/headshot (.jpg or .pdf)
• Optional: dance video, 45-60 seconds of any dance style(s) (musical theater preferred)
  • Some of our scholarships have a dance component as an element of the consideration.
  • If including a dance video, please combine the headshot and resume into one .pdf document. SlideRoom has a 5-file upload limit.

Please clearly name all files with the candidates' last and first name, and some indication of the contents (e.g., Lloyd-Gregg-UpTempo.mp4).

Notes on Video Submissions

• Use wide-screen or landscape format/orientation
• Frame should start at mid-thigh/waist and reach 6-10 inches above the head
• Lighting should allow for clear vision of the auditioner with no shadow on the eyes
• Slate/introduce each piece with your name and the show it is from
• If at all possible, songs should have recorded or live piano accompaniment only
• Videos should have no internal edits; please trim beginning and end, if possible, for a clean presentation
• Do multiple takes of each piece and send us your best work
• Be aware of your background to present the least distractions (we want to watch YOU)
• Dress appropriately for a professional audition

In-Person Requirements for Musical-Theater / Dance Candidates

• One 60–90 second monologue
• Two songs, 16–32 bars of each, from musical theater, one up-tempo, one ballad
• Current photo or headshot (if available) and resume (.pdf)
• Sheet music marked for your audition cut (accompanist provided)
• Attendance at the dance call at noon

Please submit:

• A compiled portfolio document (one file) with examples of creative works (.pdf)
  • Portfolios and samples may include: production photos, process photos, plans or light plots, script analyses, renderings, or any other item that illustrates a student's experience and/or abilities
• A 500-750-word essay explaining theater area of interest and highlighting 2-3 accomplishments represented in the portfolio. (.doc or .pdf)
• An up-to-date resume with 2-4 references (.doc or .pdf)