DRAMA

While there are no auditions for admission to the Drama program, we do hold scholarship auditions and portfolio reviews each March (usually the third Saturday of the month) to determine initial offerings of Activity Grants for first year students only. Once students are here they may apply for these grants each semester, even if one is not initially received in March. We are only able to offer about six to incoming students, but about 50 continuing students are granted such scholarships. These grants are applied to tuition and serve as a subsidy to students heavily involved in departmental rehearsal and performance activities that make outside employment inadvisable. In addition to these activity grants, many of our students qualify for other university scholarships and loans.

How To Apply

1. Submit an application to the University.
   The student should file a formal application for admission to Hofstra as soon as possible, indicating on the application that he/she wishes to be a drama major. The standard Financial Aid Form should be obtained from the high school office and sent as soon as possible, asking that a copy be sent to Hofstra’s Admission Office.
2. Send all required material to the Drama and Dance Department no later than March 1.
   The applicant should write to the Department of Drama and Dance no later than March 1 informing the Department that he/she has applied for admission. This request for a grant should also include home address, telephone number, a resume of experience in theater work and programs corroborating this work. Two recommendations must be sent by adults who can comment on the applicant’s proficiency and potential in theater. These may be sent separately or included in the packet. This material should be forwarded to:
   
   David Henderson, Chair
   Department of Drama and Dance
   118 Hofstra University
   Hempstead, New York 11549-1180
   Fax: (516) 463-4001
   Email
3. Audition for, or interview with, the faculty.
   The audition/interview date is usually the third Saturday in March. A student will not be given a specific appointment on that date until the Department has been notified by the Admissions Office of his/her acceptance to the University, i.e, only accepted students may audition/interview for a grant.
   
   Students interested in performance should prepare an audition consisting of two contrasting pieces, preferably one classical, of no more than two minutes each. Students who wish to sing should prepare one monologue and 32 bars of one song. Bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No recorded accompaniment, please.
   
   Students interested in design, technical production, stage management, or directing, should bring portfolios, prompt books, photographs or other appropriate supporting material.
   
   Candidates who live at a considerable distance may submit an audition DVD or portfolio.
   
   Grants are awarded to freshmen on the basis of potential and talent. These awards are renewable and may be increased through significant activity in the Department. Students not awarded a grant in their freshman year may reapply at the end of the first semester. Transfer students are eligible after their first semester.