Theatre & Dance

Any student wishing to enroll as a Theatre major at UW-La Crosse must complete an application through Acceptd and schedule an interview/audition with members of the theatre faculty prior to admission to the program. The interview process offers the prospective student the opportunity to visit the campus, meet theatre students and faculty, attend a production/rehearsal, and share details about their past experiences and future goals. The interview also provides theatre faculty an opportunity to better know each prospective student's theatrical experiences and talents, educational goals, and career expectations.

Program Entry Interview Requirements

Every prospective theatre major must prepare the following materials as part of the interview process:

1. Start the UWL Admission Application Process. The interview process and admission application process can occur simultaneously. It is important that you apply to UW-La Crosse as early as possible. Be sure to choose "Theatre" as your major on your application so we can track the progress.
2. Submit an Acceptd application to the program.  UWL Theatre and Dance uses the application software program called Acceptd.  This is separate from the UWL Admission application.  Students can begin submitting their Acceptd applications to the UWL Theatre program on September 1st.
3. Proven academic success. Admission to UW-La Crosse is highly competitive; therefore, it is vital that you maintain a strong academic standing during your high school career. If you think you may not meet all of the admission criteria, contact the Department of Theatre Arts to schedule a "petition for talent" audition/interview.
4. Schedule a program entry interview. After completing the Acceptd application, you will be granted access to the Acceptd Schedule to schedule an on-campus and/or Zoom interview.  For more details, please contact Nic Barilar at nbarilar@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8521. 
5. When completing the Acceptd application, you will need the following items, (Additional details can be found on the Acceptd application form):
   1. Resume.
   2. Headshot
   3. Design/Tech/Management Students:  Portfolio material (renderings, production photos, prompt books, scenic models, etc.). During the interview, be prepared to talk about your work, the choices you made preparing it, and what excited you about it.
   4. Performance/Acting  Students: One 60-90 second monologues (one serious/one comedic)
   5. Musical Theatre Students:  One 60-90 second contemporary monologue and two 60-90 second contrasting songs
   6. One page personal essay explaining your reason for choosing theatre arts as a college major and your career goals/objectives.
   7. Two letters of recommendation from teachers/guidance counselors/etc. (only required if seeking a "petition for talent" admission).

Program Entry Interview Dates

To schedule an interview session, please complete the Acceptd application form.  If you plan to participate in the UW-La Crosse Campus Close Up, you must register for it through Admissions. 

• Friday, October 18, 2024 (Campus Close Up/Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, November 1, 2024 (Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, November 8, 2024 (Campus Close Up/Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, November 15, 2024 (Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, December 6, 2024 (Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, February 21, 2025 (Theatre Interviews--Zoom)
• Friday, February 28, 2025 (Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, March 7, 2025 (Theatre Interviews--In Person)
• Friday, March 28, 2025 (Theatre Interviews--Zoom)
• Friday, April 18, 2025 (Theatre Interviews--Zoom or In Person)
• Friday, April 25, 2025 (Campus Close Up/Theatre Interviews--In Person)

For More Information

Nic Barilar, Recruitment Liaison
350 Center for the Arts
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI  54601
Phone:  608.785.8521
Email:  nbarliar@uwlax.edu