Department of Theatre

Admissions

UNCW Department of Theatre program brochure: https://uncw.edu/theatre/images/thrdeptbrochure.pdf

The Department of Theatre enjoys a student population of talented, motivated young artists interested in exploring the art and craft of theatre. Our department's faculty have impressive academic and professional credentials. Below is basic information to assist students with enrollment in both UNCW and the Department of Theatre.

  • To arrange a visit to the Department of Theatre contact Sue Wilder, Administrative Assistant at 910.962.2061 or email wilders@uncw.edu.
  • Complimentary tickets to Department of Theatre productions are available to prospective students and guests upon request.

UNCW Theatre - Early Major Admission Requirements

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 https://www.uncw.edu/admissions/FirstYear.html, 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/interview applications should be submitted to Dr. Katherine Montwieler,  two weeks prior to the requested audition date, if possible. Applications can be found at: Theatre Early Major Application

Audition/interview date for Fall 2023 entry into program is: February 25 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in person.  And for those who need to audition via Zoom: February 25 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please contact Interim Theatre Chair Dr. Katherine Montwieler for more information or to schedule an audition/interview. 

Audition/Portfolio/Interview Information:

Interview (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 Design/Technical and Theatre Studies 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 Theatre Studies 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 Theatre Studies Option, then your portfolio should reflect your area of interest.

Audition/interview applications should be submitted to Dr. Katherine Montwieler, if possible, two weeks prior to the requested audition date. Applications can be found at: Theatre Early Major Application

Audition/interview date for Fall 2023 entry into program is: February 25 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in person.  And for those who need to audition via Zoom: February 25 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Please contact Interim Theatre Chair Dr. Katherine Montwieler for more information or to schedule an audition/interview. 

UNCW Transfer Students Requirements

https://www.uncw.edu/admissions/Transfer.html

  • 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.
  • 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 to to 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, wilders@uncw.edu or 910-962-2261
  • If you wish to schedule an appointment to have a campus tour.  Contact admissions at: https://uncw.edu/admissions/visit/index.html

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 2023 semester. (UNCW Office of Financial Aid/Scholarships webpage.)

The Department of Theatre is proud to announce recipients of 2022-2023 theatre scholarships:

Kathleen Price Bryan Scholarship  – Megan Morley
The Doug Swink Scholarship  – Alessandra Mantovani & Rachel Wilson
The Nikkita Donyal Johnson Diversity Scholarship  – Lilly Ferguson
The Terry Rogers Award  – 
  
Departmental Awards 

Most Valuable Player Design and Technology – Julia Gambon
Most Improved Design and Technology – Alex Sargent
Most Improved Performance  – Brenna Flanagan & Zach Harris
Most Valuable Player Performance – Khori Talley
Rookie(s) of the Year – Cole  Warren, Elizabeth  Montgomery & Paris  Oliver 
Best All Around – Davis Wood
Academic Achievement – Julia Murray

 

Theatre Department Degree Requirements

https://uncw.edu/theatre/Academics/curriculum

Admissions Information

Department of Admissions (910) 962-3243

https://www.uncw.edu/admissions/FirstYear.html

UNCW Academic Calendar

http://catalogue.uncw.edu/

Other Calendars

https://events.uncw.edu/mastercalendar/

Contact information and important numbers

Department of Theatre Main Office Sue Wilder . wilders@uncw.edu (910) 962-2061
Interim Chair of the Department of Theatre, Dr. Katherine Montwieler. montwielerk@uncw.edu (910) 962-3328
Department of Admissions . (910) 962-3242
University Switch Board . (910) 962-3000