CELEBRATE YOUR CREATIVITY AT NSU
If you’re passionate about art, dance, music, theatre, or any other performing and visual arts, then the Razor’s Edge Shark Talent Scholars Program at NSU Florida is for you. Imagine using your talents to:
- perform with NSU’s Shark Gold Singers
- perform with your troupe at a donor event
- energize the homecoming crowd in the NSU Drumline
- showcase your art at a gallery opening
- put on a theater show for your fellow Sharks
Whatever your gifts may be, as a Talent Scholar, you’ll brighten NSU with creativity and culture.
Scholars receive a $25,000 annual scholarship package and plenty of opportunities to cultivate a future career in the arts. Admission is based on a rigorous audition or portfolio review and interview during Shark Preview Weekend. Shark Talent Scholars are required to major or minor in an artistic discipline (art, dance, music, or theater).
Program Overview and Objectives
Shark Talent Scholars can choose either a major or minor in a Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) subject so you can combine your academic and artistic interests. For example, you can be enrolled in our premedical program and also minor in dance to qualify as a Shark Talent Scholar.
You’ll declare your major or minor during your first semester at NSU. Starting with your second semester, you’ll be required to enroll in classes in your major or minor until your degree is completed.
PVA Majors
- Art
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
PVA Minors
- Dance
- Graphic design
- Music
- Studio art
- Theatre
The shark talent program has not only driven me to become a better artist but has also led me to lifelong connections with other artists here in the NSU community. Shark Talent has allowed me to explore art in ways that no other institution could provide.
Cassidy L. | Environmental Science, Theatre
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Every semester, you are required to create art and share it with the NSU community. Display a painting in a gallery, dance in a showcase, play in a music ensemble, or perform in a theatrical play. Shark Talent also produces Shark Showcase, which is open to the NSU community to attend, each semester. You can perform or recruit acts into the showcase.
What Can You Gain as a Razor’s Edge Shark Cage Scholar?
Audition and Portfolio Requirements
Depending on the program you wish to enroll in, you’ll either prepare a performance or present your portfolio to the selection committee. Afterward, you will interview with Shark Talent coordinators and Shark Talent representatives. This interview is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your gifts and passion as well as to ask any questions you have about the program.
Note: Auditions are closed to outside observers.
Auditions by Program
For your portfolio review, you’ll showcase your best 10–15 photographs from high school coursework and college coursework, as well as a written artistic statement. In your portfolio, we want to see a unique approach to design and composition and innovative visual approaches. Your portfolio should also demonstrate the ability to draw from observation, elements, and principles of design and/or spatial organization, surface, and form.
Label each piece with all of the following information:
- Item number (1–15, as listed on Project Description Sheet, provided below)
- Your name
- Medium/materials
- Year executed
Image sizes should be 1–3 MB per image or less. Acceptable file formats are JPG, TIFF, PDF.
The Artistic Statement requirements are as follows:
- Do not exceed one typed page.
- Explain why you are interested in becoming an art and design major at NSU.
- Provide a statement of your goals as an artist/designer.
- Describe your specific artistic interests.
- Explain how your artistic interests are reflected in the submitted artwork.
Submission requirements are as follows:
- Use a legible typeface set at 12 pt.
- Double-space your statement, with 1-inch margins on all sides of an 8½-by-11-inch sheet of paper.
- Check grammar and word usage.
- Use the following acceptable file formats: PDF or .doc or .docx.
- Email your documents to Dan Gelbmann at gelbmann@nova.edu with “art portfolio submission, Last name, First Name” as the email subject line.
To audition for the dance program, you’ll perform a one- to two-minute solo in the style of your choice. Immediately following the solo portion of the audition, you’ll meet with Shark Talent coordinators and Shark Talent representatives for a brief interview to discuss your individual academic and artistic goals. The interview is an opportunity for NSU to get to know you as well as a chance for you to ask questions about the Shark Talent program.
The dress code requirements are as follows:
- Solid colors are preferred.
- Long hair should be secured away from your face.
- Dangling jewelry or watches should not be worn.
To audition for the music program, you’ll perform a one- to two-minute solo in the style of your choice. Immediately following the solo portion of the audition, you will meet with Shark Talent coordinators and Shark Talent representatives for a brief interview to discuss your individual academic and artistic goals. The interview is an opportunity for NSU to get to know you as well as a chance for you to ask questions about the Shark Talent program.
To audition for the theatre program, you’ll slate and perform two contrasting monologues (no longer than one minute each): one comedic and one dramatic. You may also choose to perform a monologue and a song from a musical. Immediately following the solo portion of the audition, you will meet with Shark Talent coordinators and Shark Talent representatives for a brief interview to discuss your individual academic and artistic goals. The interview is an opportunity for NSU to get to know you as well as a chance for you to ask questions about the Shark Talent program.
Shark Gold
Are you passionate about singing and always getting caught belting out Carole King or Frank Sinatra? Do you love singing in front of an audience? Warm up your vocal cords, and try out for Shark Gold—our program for singers. To become a Shark Gold member, students undergo a successful audition and interview process dedicated specifically to the Gold program.
Shark Gold Auditions are open to all NSU students and will occur the Sunday following the first week of the fall semester. To audition for NSU's Shark Gold singing group, you'll prepare one song by a famous artist from the 1950's - 1980's. Choose a song you are very comfortable with that best features your voice. Immediately following this portion of the audition, you will meet with existing Shark Gold members and Leadership for a brief interview to discuss your individual academic and artistic goals. The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you as well as an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the Shark Gold program. For more information, please contact Associate Professor and Shark Talent Coordinator: Dan Gelbmann at gelbmann@nova.edu
Program and Minor Requirements
Major or Minor in PVA
As a Shark Talent Scholar, you’ll declare a major (preferred) or minor in PVA and meet all requirements to stay in good standing with the program.
PVA Majors
- Art
- Dance
- Music
- Theatre
PVA Minors
- Dance
- Graphic design
- Music
- Studio art
- Theatre
What else do we expect from our Shark Talent Scholars?
The contribution you make to NSU comes in the form of creative talent. Whether it’s an art exhibition or dance performance, a singing concert or theater, your gifts ensure that art and culture form a cornerstone of life at NSU.
Community Engagement
Shark Talent Scholars keep NSU’s campus life vibrant and exciting. They use art to build community and bring together people from all walks of life.
Cocurricular Participation
Each semester, Shark Talent Scholars are required to participate in a concert, art gallery exhibition, theatrical or music production, or a Shark Showcase. Students can choose to perform, present, or help with the technical and logistical details.
Students are also required to attend monthly conclave meetings and serve on the internal Shark Talent Committee, the Shark Showcase Committee, the Entertainment Committee, or the Social Media Committee.
Serve as a Student Success Mentor
In your first year, you’ll receive training on how to be a student success mentor. In your second and third years, you’ll serve as an active mentor. In your fourth year, it will be your turn to train members of the incoming Razor’s Edge class and share what you’ve learned during your time as a mentor.
Live on Campus
Scholars within the Razor's Edge program are required to live on campus during their freshman and sophomore year, but are given the option to opt-out of university housing during their junior and senior year.
Academic Requirements at a Glance
Connect with the Razor’s Edge Shark Talent Scholars Program
Ready to dive in? We’re here to help!
Program Contact
If you have any questions about the program, please email Dan Gelbmann at gelbmann@nova.edu.
Prospective Students
Connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about the application process.
Learn How to ApplyCurrent Razor’s Edge Shark Talent Scholars
Get in touch with your career and academic success coach if you have questions about coursework or to chat about future career goals
Connect With Your Counselor