Performing Arts Talent Scholarships
Unlock your creative future with a talent scholarship!
Your creative future starts at Detroit Mercy by earning a B.A. degree with a major in theatre! Join us as we DISCOVER new worlds and places that look just like our own. Learn by COLLABORATING and exploring diverse perspectives with courage and compassion. Develop diverse SKILLS leading towards many different career paths. Experience how MENTORSHIP is at the cornerstone of our program and the launching pad for a network full of connections and opportunities. Be amazed as you apply classroom theory to stage-time practice while creating transformative experiences that lead to FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES.
Before auditioning take a close look at our department webpage that highlights our core concepts that you will learn while a student at Detroit Mercy. Learn more about the Department of Performing Arts here.
Are you ready for your creative future to begin?
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Step One: Apply
Apply to the University of Detroit Mercy using the free online application and declare Theatre as your major.
Please remember to upload:
1. High School Transcript
2. ACT/SAT Scores (Optional)
3. Essay (250+ Words/No Prompt)
4. Two Letters of Recommendation
5. Resume
6. Headshot -
Step Two: Audition
Audition at a Theatre Festival
The Department of Performing Arts will be attending the college auditions at the following festivals:
Ohio Thespians Fall Conference November 2, 2024 in Powell, Ohio
Michigan Educational Thespian Festival Dec. 13-14, 2024 in Lansing, Michigan
If you are attending a festival and interested in Detroit Mercy, please stop by our information table at the festival and speak with a representative.
If you received a Talent Scholarship at a Festival:
Step One: Apply for admission to University of Detroit Mercy.
Apply for free using the Common App or at www.udmercy.edu/apply In your application, declare Theatre as your major.
Step Two: Submit your scholarship certificate.
Email a copy of your scholarship certificate to admissions@udmercy.edu to accept the offer by March 1, 2025. Admissions will work with Financial Aid to develop a full financial aid packet that will include this scholarship. Other scholarships and opportunities may be available based on your GPA, transcript and other factors.
Audition or Interview On Campus
Schedule a Detroit Mercy campus visit that will include an audition and interview with the Department of Performing Arts faculty and staff. To schedule a visit, please email theatre@udmercy.edu.
Audition or Interview Online
Email Video Submission (For Actors)
Your video should include an introduction, letting us know your name, your high school, and the play and playwright for your two audition pieces. Please view the above video to assist you in creating your email video submission. Audition pieces must meet the following requirements:
- Performers should prepare and present two (2) contrasting monologues OR 32 bars (or so) of a musical theatre song and one monologue. Auditions should be no more than 3 minutes total, which contains a slate/introduction, monologues, or monologue and song. Film and television monologues will not be accepted. Please contact the Performing Arts Department if you need assistance in finding monologues.
- Afterwards, please discuss your theatre passion. Why are you interested in majoring in theatre? How could you change the world with a degree in theatre? What are your dreams?
Email Video Submission (Non-Actors)
- Those who are auditioning in Technical Theatre or Stage Management will have a maximum of 5 minutes for their presentation. Participants are encouraged to introduce themselves and discuss their areas of technical interest with visual examples of the work they have created.
- Afterwards, please discuss your theatre passion. Why are you interested in majoring in theatre? How could you change the world with a degree in theatre? What are your dreams?
While stage managers, technicians, designers, theatre managers, and undecided theatre students do not have to perform monologues, they do need to upload a letter of recommendation from a theatre teacher or qualified professional that speaks about the student’s strengths.
How to submit your email video audition?
- Submit your video audition by emailing us at theatre@udmercy.edu. We accept video files and YouTube links to your video.
- We will confirm that we received your video and pair it with your online application to Detroit Mercy.
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Step Three: Visit Campus
You’re invited to get an insider’s look at academic life at University of Detroit Mercy! Sign up today at apply.udmercy.edu/portal/visit.
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Step Four: Experience Theatre at Detroit Mercy!
You are invited to attend a production at The Marlene Boll Theatre for free! Tour the facilities and meet our team of student and professional and artists before seeing a performance. Free tickets are available for you and your guests. Come see where your creative future can take you!
For tickets, email theatre@udmercy.edu.
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Step Five: Enter the Performing Arts Distinguished Artist Scholarship Competition
Step into the spotlight with the Performing Arts Distinguished Artist Scholarship Competition, where dreams take center stage and talent earns its well-deserved encore. This prestigious competition invites aspiring theatre artists to showcase their skills and passion through auditions or interviews, offering a golden opportunity to claim the spotlight and receive a remarkable 100% full-time undergraduate tuition scholarship.
Requirements:
- Must apply and be accepted into Detroit Mercy to major in Theatre by March 1, 2025.
- Must file a free application for Federal Student Aid by March 1, 2025.
- This award would replace any other institutional aid the student already received.
- Audition or interview on April 5, 2025. Video auditions/interviews accepted.
- Must maintain a 3.0 GPA and Theatre major while a student at Detroit Mercy. Other performing arts scholarships available up to $20,000 off tuition per year.
This scholarship offer replaces university aid previously awarded and can only be applied to the cost of full-time, undergraduate tuition beginning Fall 2025. Scholarship recipients must complete an application for admission, be regularly admitted to the Theatre program and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1, 2025. Other restrictions may apply. See the full terms and conditions for renewal guidelines.
In person auditions and interviews take place on April 5, 2025.
Follow these steps to secure your audition spot:
Need help finding a monologue? Try these resources:
Suggested Plays:
The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson, Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph, Passover by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu, Detroit ’67 by Dominique Morisseau, The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George, Born with Teeth by Liz Duffy Adams, Ohio State Murders by Adrienne Kennedy, Spike Heels by Theresa Rebeck, The Heidi Chronicles by Wendy Wasserstein, Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan, Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg
Suggested Collections:
Humana Play Festival (Any Year), Exceptional Monologues for Men and Women (Volume 1 or Volume 2) by Samuel French Publishing, The Best Men’s Stage Monologues (Any Year) by Smith and Kraus Publishing or The Best Women’s Stage Monologues (Any Year) by Smith and Kraus Publishing