Theatre at McNeese

Undergraduate Financial Awards/Scholarships   

 

The University and the Theatre Program of the Department of Performing Arts offer numerous financial awards and scholarships to support the educational goals of its majors.  The initial entrance audition serves as the audition for all awards and scholarships offered by the Theatre Program.  Continuing Theatre Arts majors who desire to initially apply for or maintain a scholarship must complete the continuing eligibility process listed under each award.

 

Departmental Awards and Scholarships

 

Departmental Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are available to highly-qualified theatre majors on a competitive basis.  Initial award decisions are based upon the student’s entrance audition.   Awards range from $ 250 to $500 per semester and, if the student maintains eligibility and funds are available, may be renewed each academic year for a total of four years.  The Theatre Program Scholarship Committee is responsible for all award decisions. 

 

To be initially eligible for a departmental scholarship, an entering student must:

· Apply for admission to the University.

                                   Application for Undergraduate Admission

                           Proof of Immunization Compliance Form

· Meet the established minimum criteria for a departmental scholarship including

1) full acceptance to the University;

2) a 2.50 or higher cumulative high school GPA on an unweighted 4.00 scale;

3) and a competitive ACT or SAT score.

· Complete and submit the Theatre Arts Audition/Scholarship Application as soon as possible.  April 1st Priority Date

· Perform an entrance/interview audition. See the Admission/Auditions page for a description of the audition/interview process and criteria.

 

To maintain eligibility for a departmental scholarship, a continuing student must: 

· Complete and submit the Theatre Arts Audition/Scholarship Application.

· Complete the annual audition and interview process at the end of the academic year.

· Remain in good academic standing with the university.

· Maintain a 3.00 GPA in theatre courses; 2.50 overall GPA.

· Remain a full-time student during each semester of the award.

· Earn 12 semester credit hours toward degree plan requirements each semester of the award.

· Demonstrate academic and performance growth.

 

If a student fails to maintain eligibility, a probationary status is placed upon the award during the subsequent semester.  During the probationary semester, the student will receive the service award.  If the student fails to meet the award’s eligibility criteria at the end of the probationary semester, the award is revoked.  If an award is revoked, a student may file an appeal utilizing the established award appeal process.

                      Theatre Arts Program Awards/Scholarship Appeal Process

 

Distinguished Achievement Awards

A limited number of Distinguished Achievement Awards are given each year to those theatre majors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.  The awarded is funded through departmental accounts. 

          

· Initial award decisions are based upon the results of the student’s entrance/interview audition and high school academic and dramatic achievements.

· Awards are $500 per semester and, if the student maintains eligibility and funds are available, may be renewed for a total of eight academic semesters. 

· The Theatre Program Scholarship Committee is responsible for all Distinguished Achievement  Award decisions. 

· Initial eligibility criteria is the same as that for a Departmental Scholarship including the submission of a completed Theatre Arts Audition/Scholarship Application.

· Continued eligibility criteria is the same as that for a Departmental Scholarship with the exception of a required 2.75 overall GPA.

 

Friends of the Theatre Performance Awards

A select number of Friends of the Theatre Performance Awards are named each academic year.  This award was created through gifts to the Theatre Program from alumni and regional/community supporters to assist the education goals of the program’s majors.

 

· Initial award decisions are based upon the results of the student’s entrance/interview audition and high school academic and dramatic achievements.

· Awards range from $150 to $500 per semester and, if the student maintains eligibility and funds are available, may be renewed for a total of eight academic semesters. 

· The Theatre Program Scholarship Committee is responsible for all Friends of the Theatre award decisions. 

· Initial eligibility criteria is the same as that for a Departmental Scholarship including the submission of a completed Theatre Arts Audition/Scholarship Application.

· Continued eligibility criteria is the same as that for a Departmental Scholarship.

 

Endowed and Direct Donor Scholarships

Five endowed and direct donor scholarships funded by gifts to the McNeese Foundation are awarded to highly-qualified theatre majors each academic year.  These scholarships were established to honor individuals whose work, teaching/mentoring, and lives significantly impacted the theatre arts in the Southwestern Louisiana region.

 

Each award has its own specific criteria for initial awarding and continued eligibility.  Decisions concerning endowed and direct donor scholarships are the responsibility of the Theatre Program Scholarship Committee.  All endowed and direct donor scholarships require an annual audition and interview at the end of the academic year to maintain.  To be considered for an endowed or direct donor scholarship, students must submit a completed Theatre Arts Audition/Scholarship Application. 

             Theatre Program Endowed/Direct Donor Scholarships Listing and Eligibility Criteria

 

University Financial Aid and Scholarships

1. Non-Resident fee waiver awards are available to qualified entering and continuing students from states other than Louisiana in the form of ACCESS Awards/Non-Resident Fee Waivers.  In order to gain this award, a student must:

 

· Meet the established criteria for the award according to the published guidelines.

· Complete and submit the Access Award/Non-Resident Fee Waiver Form.

· Apply for admission to the University.

 

2. Entering students seeking financial assistance from the University in the form of grants, loans, jobs on

campus, or TOPS must:

 

· Complete and submit the FAFSA preferably in February of the senior year.

· Apply for admission to the University.

· Complete and submit the MSU Financial Aid Data Form to the McNeese Financial Aid Office.

· The Priority Deadline for all financial aid forms to be filed is May 1.

 

3. Entering students seeking financial assistance from the University in the form of academic scholarships must:

 

· Complete and submit the University Academic Scholarship Application.

· Apply for admission to the University.

· The Priority Deadline for all University Academic Scholarships is December 1.

                          Award notification is normally in March for the fall semester.

 

4. Entering students who have demonstrated academic success in high school and who wish to be intellectually challenged during their studies at McNeese, may be eligible to participate in the Honors College, which includes a significant financial award.  For information, eligibility criteria, and an application, use the following links:

                                       McNeese Honors College Information and Award Criteria

                                       Honors College Scholarship Application