There are two types of scholarships offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance: Departmental Theatre and Dance Scholarships and Thespian Scholarships.
Departmental Theatre and Dance Scholarships
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers renewable scholarships up to $5,000. These scholarships are awarded to students who intend to major or actively participate in the theatre or dance program at Wittenberg.
To be considered for a theatre or dance scholarship, you must be accepted to the University. Once accepted, the scholarship application and audition process is as follows:
• Send a cover letter indicating that you are applying for a Theatre and Dance Department Scholarship and indicate your specific area of expertise, e.g. acting, directing, dance, design, playwriting, stage management, technical theatre, etc. Also, discuss how participating in theatre or dance at Wittenberg will help you achieve your academic, vocational, or personal goals. With this letter, include your photo, a resume detailing your theatre and/or dance experience and a letter of reference from a teacher, director, or choreographer attesting to your theatre and/or dance ability. Mail these items to: Dr. Corwin Georges, Chairperson, Department of Theatre and Dance, Wittenberg University, P.O. Box 720, Springfield, OH 45501.
• Schedule an audition and/or interview with members of the theatre and dance faculty. For the acting audition, you should prepare two contrasting two-minute monologues. For the technical and design theatre interview, bring a portfolio of your work. For the dance audition, you will be taught a brief routine, participate in an appropriate technique class, and perform a dance of less than three minutes that you have choreographed or that has been set for you.
• For theatre auditions/interviews contact Dr. Corwin Georges at 800-677-7558, ext. 7465. For dance auditions contact Shih-Ming Li Chang at 800-677-7558, ext. 7466.
• If distance or time prevents a visit to campus, you may send a video of your theatre audition pieces, a portfolio of designs and a resume of technical experience, or other significant examples of your theatre work, such as a research paper, original script or stage manager's prompt book. Please note: if you are applying for a dance scholarship, you must audition in person with a member of the dance faculty.
The audition deadline is March 1, 2013. Wittenberg wants to recognize the accomplishments of all deserving students; therefore, students will receive the highest merit-based scholarship or special award from Wittenberg for which they qualify. Although financial need is not a determining factor in the scholarship process, students who demonstrate financial need greater than the amount of their scholarship will be eligible to receive other types of need-based assistance.
Thespian Scholarships
Qualified students who demonstrate dedication, ability, and desire to succeed in college-level theatre may be nominated for a Wittenberg University’s Thespian Scholarship. These $5,000 renewable scholarships recognize theatrical achievement and potential and are identified by Thespian Directors.
Ohio Thespian Directors who have led their troupes for five years or longer may nominate students. Each nominee must meet all admission standards and must complete the admission application process no later than January 15 of the year in which he or she plans to enroll. Additional financial aid and scholarships are available to nominees through Wittenberg’s Financial Aid Office.
**The combined total of Theatre, Dance, Thespian, and all other Wittenberg scholarships cannot exceed $25,000 annually.
Questions about the Department of Theatre and Dance and the audition and interview process may be directed to Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, Dr. Corwin Georges, at 800-677-7558, extension 7465 or via email at cgeorges@wittenberg.edu.
