Talent scholarships

These scholarships are based on an evaluation of the talent of individual students by faculty and advisors and provide funds approximately equal to half of the cost of in-state tuition. The determination of the awards is strictly the decision of Wayne State University. 

  • Music

    The Department of Music awards talent-based scholarships to undergraduate and graduate music majors with superior academic records and high musical achievement. These scholarships require recipients to maintain a 3.0 grade point average, participate in a major ensemble as assigned by the Department of Music, and enroll for a minimum of twelve undergraduate credit hours per term (nine graduate hours per term). Talent-based scholarships are renewable up to four years for undergraduate students and up to two years for graduate students.

    All incoming students are considered for a talent-based scholarship during their audition. 

    Students will be notified by mail in March/April if they have been selected for a talent-based scholarship for the following academic year.

  • Theatre

    Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University awards a number of four-year scholarships to promising young theatre and dance students. Awards are achieved by audition and/or interview and are available in both the performance (acting) and the production (scenic, lighting, costume, and stage management) areas.

    Questions? Email James Fortune at james.fortune2@wayne.edu

  • Dance

    Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University awards a number of four-year scholarships to promising dance students. Talent scholarships are awarded by audition only.

    Talent Scholarships minimum eligibility requirements:

    • You will be graduating from high school in the spring or summer of the current school year with a minimum 2.75 high school grade point average.
    • You are admitted to Wayne State University.
    • You completed the audition process to the Wayne State University Department of Theatre and Dance

    Talent Scholarship Award recipients must meet the following guidelines:

    1. Be a full-time student at WSU for eight consecutive semesters carrying 12-16 credits hours during each Fall and Winter term;
    2. Be a Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Major in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts for eight semesters, following the Dance Major curriculum;
    3. Maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall and a 3.0 grade point average in dance courses;
    4. Perform every semester for eight consecutive semesters, being a member of one of the WSU Dance Companies for at least two semesters.*
    5. Perform other related activities and events in the Dance Department as requested by the company director(s) or Chair of the department.**
    6. Conduct oneself professionally and respectfully at all times, both on-campus and off-campus, when representing WSU and the Department of Theatre & Dance. ***
    7. Fully abide by the WSU Student Code of Conduct at all times, both on-campus and off-campus, when representing WSU and the Department of Theatre & Dance. ***
    8. Dance majors who have completed 45 credits hours but have not completed Basic Composition (BC) will be placed on department probation and will be ineligible to be cast and perform in dance companies, touring, or repertory (faculty and guest artists) in the courses DNC 5000, DNC 5610, DNC 5800.
    9. Scholarships are renewed contingent upon successful annual review.

    * Exceptions are granted by the Chair for Student Teaching, Study Abroad, and other special circumstances.
    ** These may include fundraising activities, donor and sponsor events, or other scholarship related activities.
    *** Unprofessional conduct or violation of the WSU Student Code of Conduct is grounds for immediate termination of the scholarship.

    Questions? Email James Fortune at james.fortune2@wayne.edu