CSU, Chico | MUTA | Scholarships | Theatre Scholarships | Theatre Scholarship Information

Theatre Scholarship Information

Scholarships are available to majors and minors in the Department of Music and Theatre. Each scholarship has specific criteria, but university policy dictates that all recipients:

  • maintain full-time status with 12 units of coursework throughout the period of the award
  • maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (a higher GPA is required to obtain some scholarships)
In addition to these university requirements, theatre scholarship recipients must be significantly involved in departmental productions during both semesters of the academic year for which they receive the award and are asked to sign an acceptance letter agreeing to this requirement.

In order to apply for scholarships with the Department of Music and Theatre, students must complete a department scholarship, file a scholarship application with the Financial Aid Office between October 1st and December 15th. Students who wish to apply for scholarships but do not have financial need must also complete the application with the Financial Aid Office.  Portfolios and auditions are held in March of every year at CSU Chico.  Please contact the Department of Music and Theatre at (530) 898-5152 for additional information.

Awards are paid 50 percent at the beginning of each semester if the award is over $600. If under $600, the award will be paid 100 percent for the fall semester.

Scholarship Map

About Auditions

Current & Continuing Students

Auditions / Portfolios: Saturday, February 9, 2013 - 10:00am - 2:00pm - PAC 135
  • Audition / Interviews are limited to a total time of 5 minutes
  • Auditions will be held in Wismer Theatre, Performing Arts Center, PAC 135
  • A CD player will be provided. You should provide appropriate music.
  • An accompanist will be provided. You should provide appropriate music, properly cut, and clearly marked.
  • All who are auditioning should bring appropriate clothing for a movement/dance component. You will be taught a couple of very basic combinations. Basic jazz footwear will be fine.
  • Those interested in Musical Theatre scholarships should have two contrasting songs and one monologue.
  • Those interested in Theatre Performance scholarships should have two contrasting monologues. A third 'movement' piece is encouraged.
  • Those interested in Design or Stage Management should bring appropriate portfolio materials.

Incoming and Transfer Students

New/Transfer Students only: if you are unable to attend the live auditions, digital auditions must be submitted by February 1, 2013.

In order for your live audition or video/audio audition to be accepted, you must have completed and submitted the  Music and Theatre Department Scholarship Application.

To receive full scholarship consideration, all video and audio recorded, as well as live auditions must be submitted/received/held by no later than Friday, February 1, 2013 and you must have completed the Music and Theatre Department Scholarship Application. Please see below regarding specifics.

All scholarships are contingent upon successful acceptance to university.

Live Acting Auditions

To arrange for the live audition, please complete the Audition/Interview Request & Submission Form.  You will be contacted by a faculty member to arrange a date and time.Students must submit their Music and Theatre Department Scholarship application for their audition to be accepted.

Audition Information

  • Audition / Interviews are limited to a total time of 5 minutes
  • A CD player will be provided. You should provide appropriate music.
  • An accompanist will be provided. You should provide appropriate music, properly cut, and clearly marked.
  • Those interested in Musical Theatre scholarships should have two contrasting songs and one monologue.
  • Those interested in Theatre Performance scholarships should have two contrasting monologues. A third 'movement' piece is encouraged.
Live Portfolio Interview
  • Copies of an introduction letter & resume
  • Traditional Paper or Digital portfolios accepted
  • Applicants should provide their own computer for the interview if showing a digital or online portfolio.
  • if a projector is needed, please indicate such.
Recorded Audition

The Theatre and Musical Theatre degree programs encourages you to audition in person.  However, if you cannot do so please follow the guidelines below:

  • Consult the Acting Auditions Information link in the Live Audition section.
  • Record you video in an appropriate space with good lighting and sound quality. 
  • Video should be recorded on a high-quality recording device to provide the best image and sound.  Please use a tripod.
  • Video must be current (No more than 6 months old)
  • Dress as if this were a live audition situation
  • Upload your video to YouTube or another public video streaming site (websites requiring passwords to view videos will not be accepted).
  • Videos must be submitted by February 1st, 2013 for full scholarship consideration.
  • Remember to back up your recording for archival purposes.
Digital Portfolio Submission

The Theatre and Musical Theatre degree program encourages you to interview and present your portfolio in person.  However, if you cannot do so please follow the guidelines below:

  • Introduction letter and resume must be emailed to the department in .PDF format.
  • Portfolios may also be sent .PDF format or shared as a link to the applicants website.

Important Scholarship Dates for 2013-2014:

University Scholarship Application Timeline (REQUIRED for all current/returning students): October 1 - December 15, 2012 

Department of Music and Theatre Scholarship Application Timeline (REQUIRED for all students): October 1 - December 15, 2012

Theatre Department Auditions / Portfolios: Saturday, February 9, 2013 - 10:00am - 2:00pm

New/Transfer Students only: if you are unable to attend the live auditions, digital auditions must be submitted by February 1, 2013.

FAFSA Application deadline: March 2, 2012

TITLE IV SCHOOL CODE: 001146
Meriam Library 161
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA  95929-0705


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