Admission to the University
Admission to UNCW and the Department of Theatre’s Early major consists of a dual admission process. While application to the university is through the Office of Admissions, formal admission to the Department of Theatre and its Early major degree options must be made through an Audition/interview Admission process.
Admission to the Department of Theatre’s EARLY MAJOR
The Early major allows students to start their Theatre training beginning in their freshman year instead of waiting until their Sophomore year. Application to the Department of Theatre may be scheduled prior to your application to the University. However, acceptance to the Department of Theatre does not guarantee admission to UNCW.
Every applicant interested in being accepted into the theatre’s Early major at UNCW is also required to audition/interview before you are select for acceptance into the theatre program.
Audition/Portfolio/Interview Information:
An Interview is required for all early major students.
All students will be interviewed as part of the early major process. During the interview we will discuss what experience you have, what your career goals are and why you are interested in majoring in Theatre at UNCW.
Audition Monologue: Required for Performance, Optional for Custom option
Actors have 60-120 seconds to present a monologue. All auditionees are required to perform a monologue from a PLAY. The following tips may be helpful as you are preparing your monologue:
- Choose a piece from a play rather than a film, monologue book or website
- Must be memorized
- Read and have knowledge of the play that the piece is from
- Do not perform a self-written monologue
- Choose a character that is close to your age
- No use of props or costumes
- Time yourself beforehand so you are comfortable with the time limit and do not have to rush. Allow yourself ample rehearsal time. You can never be too prepared! Remember; confidence is the key to shaking your nerves!
Portfolio Presenters: Required of Design/Technical and Custom options
Be prepared to discuss your training, course work, production experience, hobbies and interests.
Your portfolio should be a visual representation of your work and interests. You can bring drawings, photos, models, prompt books, PowerPoint Presentations, etc. We are not looking for polished portfolios but rather we are interested in what your experiences have been thus far and what your goals are for the future. If you plan to use a laptop, be sure to bring an extension cord as well as the device (no computers will be provided).
Review the following tips for a successful portfolio presentation:
- Present work that caters to the area of study you would like to pursue
- Think “outside the box” when determining how/what you will be presenting
- If you’re interested in Set Design, include images of your scenery, painting, designs or plans
- If you’re interested in Costuming, include production photos, swatches, actual costumes or sketches
- If you’re interested in Lighting, include production photos, lighting plots, visual research or story boards
- If you’re interested in Stage Management/ Technical Direction, include photos of productions you have directed/stage managed, scripts with blocking, rehearsal schedules, concepts or show research
- If you’re interested in our Custom Option, then your portfolio should reflect your area of interest.
Audition/interview applications should be submitted, if possible, two weeks prior to the requested audition date. Applications can be found at: Theatre Early Major Application
Auditions for Fall 2022 entry into program will be done via Zoom. Please contact Department Chair Thomas Salzman about scheduling a date and time.
UNCW Transfer Students Requirements
Audition/Interview is Highly recommended but not required for transfer students. However the audition/interview will help us place you in the correct classes and degree options. Contact the Chair of the Department for more information or visit the Admissions webpage.
Transfer students matriculate directly into the theatre major.
Department Visit and Tour
- Prospective students are encouraged to plan a full-day visit to the campus, including a campus tour which typically features the Cultural Arts Building. In addition, scheduling an appointment with the department chair is recommended. Attending a class session may also be arranged.
- While auditioning and portfolio review are not required for admission except for “Premajors”, we invite you present work such as a monologue, sample designs, production photos, prompt book, or research paper.
- It's helpful for us to know what motivates you to pursue a B.A. theatre degree at UNCW. Be prepared to tell us what interests you about our program and to discuss your goals.
- Once you apply to be admitted into UNCW be sure to keep us informed about your status, and do not hesitate to contact us with questions.
- If you wish to schedule an appointment to visit the department contact Susan Wilder, or 910.962.2261
- If you wish to schedule an appointment to have a campus tour, contact admissions.
Current UNCW Students wishing to declare Theatre Major
- Audition/Interview is Highly recommended but not required for current UNCW students. However, the audition/interview will help us place you in the correct classes and degree options. Contact the Chair of the Department for more information.
- Students declare their major through the online portal.
- We strongly advise freshman students planning to major in theatre to begin taking classes in theatre during the fall semester of their freshman year.
- First year students are eligible to audition as freshmen, and participate in a number of Department related events.
- As a freshman you are a member of University College, and can declare your major only after completing 24 credits. Most majors declare in their second semester of their freshman year. We don't want you to get lost in the freshman shuffle, so once on board, let us know you are here and we can help guide your first year experience at UNCW.
Scholarships & Departmental Awards
These scholarships are for current Theatre majors. The next call for scholarship applications will be issued during the Spring 2022 semester. (UNCW Office of Financial Aid/Scholarships webpage.)
The Department of Theatre is proud to announce recipients of 2021-2022 theatre scholarships:
- Kathleen Price Bryan Scholarship – Brenna Flanagan & Megan Morley
- The Doug Swink Scholarship – Cierra Peterkin
- The Nikkita Donyal Johnson Diversity Scholarship – Ashley Jackson
- The Terry Rogers Award – TBD
Departmental Awards
- Most Valuable Player Design and Technology – Nick Mason
- Most Improved Design and Technology – Hunter Rock
- Most Improved Performance – Cierra Peterkin & Breonte’ Scarboro
- Most Valuable Player(s) Performance – Davis Wood & Dajah Glenn
- Rookie(s) of the Year – Meghan McDonald & Megan Morley
- Best All Around – Cassie Frazier
- Academic Achievement – Brenna Flanagan & Jude Corbett
Theatre Department Degree Requirements
Learn more about curriculum requirements
Admissions Information
Department of Admissions 910.962.3243
Visit Admissions Webpage
UNCW Academic Calendar
View the Academic Calendar
Other Calendars
View Other Calendars
Contact information and important numbers
Department of Theatre Main Office
Sue Wilder | 910.962.2061
Chair of the Department of Theatre
Tom Salzman | 910.962.7364
Department of Admissions
910.962.3242
University Switch Board
910.962.3000
