Activity Grant Scholarships

Drama Activity Grants

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:
Jean Dobie Giebel, Chair
Department of Drama and Dance
118 Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York 11549-1180
Fax: (516) 463-4001
E-mail: DRMJDG@Hofstra.edu

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. Candidates who live at a considerable distance may submit a videotape or other supporting material if not applying as a performer. Students interested in performance should prepare an audition consisting of two contrasting pieces, preferably one classical. Students may also sing but should bring their own accompanying cassette. Students interested in design, technical production, stage management, directing, etc., should bring portfolios, prompt books, photographs or other appropriate supporting material.

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.

Dance Activity Grants

While there are no auditions for admission to the Dance Program, we do hold auditions (usually the second Saturday in March) for placement in the technique classes, and to determine Activity Grant awards. The Dance Program administers a limited number of talent/activity grants that may range from $500 to $5,000 per year and are renewable. They are based primarily on the student’s potential as a dancer and his/her contribution to the program. Additional grants are also available for outstanding continuing students. Departmental scholarships are in addition to any other university scholarships, grants or loans for which the student might qualify.

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 dance 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) Register for auditions with the Dance Department beginning the first week of January.
The applicant should contact the Department of Drama and Dance at (516) 463-5444 beginning the first week in January and no later than March 1 informing the Department that he/she has applied for admission and wishes to register for an audition.

3) Audition for the faculty.
The audition date is usually the second Saturday in March, beginning at 9:00 AM. The applicant must bring with them an 8 x 10 photograph, preferably full-length, with name, address, and telephone number clearly printed on the back, along with a list of prior dance experience: type of training, names of teachers and schools attended, years studied and the number of times per week classes were taken.
The audition will consist of a technique class in Modern and Ballet which runs approximately 2 hours. Dancers who pass the technique audition will present a short solo dance of no longer than 1 to 2 minutes. The solo may be an excerpt from a dance previously learned or choreographed, but please note that Tap is not considered for the dance audition and Pointe is not preferred. If using music, the applicant must supply a CD or cassette tape. Audio resources will be provided.

For More Information About Our Programs

If you have not yet visited our campus, you are encouraged to do so. Arrange to meet with the department chair, take a tour of the campus and speak with students. You may call the department secretary Sherrie Basile at (516) 463-5444 to make an appointment.