High School Open House

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The Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce our 2026 High School Open House on Thursday, November 12, 2026. This event allows high school juniors and seniors to spend the day at the Fresno State Theatre and Dance Department. The day includes scholarship auditions and interviews, workshops, facility tours, and a pizza-dinner social. It concludes with a special invited dress rehearsal performance of "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" directed by J. Daniel Herring.

DAY OVERVIEW (subject to change):

10:00 am - 10:30 am | Registration
10:30 am - 11:30 am | Welcome Ceremony & Keynote Presentation
11:45 am - 12:45 pm | Scholarship Auditions and Interviews/Facility Tours
12:50 pm - 1:50 pm | Lunch
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Workshops
5:00 pm - 6:40 pm | Pizza Social and Town Hall Meeting
6:45 pm - 7:15 pm | Pre-show Discussion with Director J. Daniel Herring
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm | Final Dress Rehearsal, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane"

Schools wishing to attend our event should register by November 9, 2026. 

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High School Open House Registration

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Theatre and Dance Scholarship Auditions and Interviews

We are pleased to offer scholarships in acting, dance, design/tech, and theatre education. Auditions and interviews will take place during the High School Open House event. Any high school senior interested in a scholarship and who has applied to Fresno State may audition or interview.

Please complete the registration form by Monday, November 9, 2026, at noon.

All students auditioning for a scholarship must have their teacher complete the Teacher Scholarship Recommendation Form. 
Teacher Recommendation Form

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Acting Auditions
The Acting Scholarship Auditions consist of a memorized audition package, which should include two contrasting monologues (or one monologue and one song) no longer than 4 minutes.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly before submitting the registration form.

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Dance Auditions
The Dance Scholarship Auditions consist of a short solo dance work.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly before submitting the registration form.

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Design/Tech Interviews
The Design/Tech interviews consist of pre-selected questions and an optional portfolio review. 
Please read the guidelines thoroughly before submitting the registration form.

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Theatre Education Interviews
Auditions include an interview and a performance/presentation component.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly before submitting the registration form.

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If you have any questions relating to the High School Open House, please contact our Faculty Coordinator, Nicola Olsen. 

Nicola Olsen / nicolaolsen@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.7595

If you have specific questions about degree programs or the audition/interview process, please contact one of our advisors.

All Theatre Arts emphasis:
Melissa Gibson / mgibson@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.2522 

Dance:
Kenneth Balint / kbalint@mail.fresnostate.edu / 559.278.5848