Private school1.3K
Program
Program snapshot
Admissions
No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App RequiredProgram
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Program snapshot
Admissions
No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App RequiredBrowse programs
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BA Theatre
Program snapshot
Admissions
No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App RequiredTraining
•Liberal arts-based BA emphasizing broad theatre study across acting, directing, theatre history, criticism, design, lighting, costume work, and stagecraft
•Casting and leadership positions are earned by talent, not seniority; freshmen can compete for roles alongside upperclassmen
•Guaranteed internship or research experience before graduation through Kansas City theatre partnerships
•Program led by Matt Schwader Harbor (MFA, University of Delaware PTTP), a professional actor with credits at The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, The Old Globe, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Actors Theatre of Louisville
•Avila students swept the KCACTF Region 5 Design & Technology Expo in 2025 with awards in lighting, costume design, and stage management
Performance & Productions
•Students work on four productions each year and can gain stage or backstage experience early in the program
•Recent seasons include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 1984, The Cherry Orchard, RENT, The Curious Incident, and Spelling Bee
•Access to the 200-seat Frantze Family Black Box Theatre for intimate and experimental work
Professional Development
•Partnerships with New Theatre & Restaurant, Theatre for Young America, and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
•Students perform alongside working Kansas City professionals through company partnerships
Facilities
•Goppert Performing Arts Center includes the main stage, Frantze Family Black Box Theatre, scene shop, two rehearsal halls, and Sue King Willcox Music Hall
Location
•Kansas City, MO offers a regional theatre market with 100+ arts organizations
•Over 19% of Avila undergraduates participate in performing arts
Academic info
Snapshot
3.18
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
school-wide
47%
Grad Rate
1.3K
Enrollment
$53K
Earnings
10yr after
Costs & Aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,053
after typical aid
Tuition & Fees
$42,000
before aid
Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.
$0-30k$15,694
$30-48k$14,939
$48-75k$14,682
$75-110k$17,852
$110k+$19,775
Program info updated May 12, 1:28 AM
Program Highlights
Training
•Liberal arts-based BA emphasizing broad theatre study across acting, directing, theatre history, criticism, design, lighting, costume work, and stagecraft
•Casting and leadership positions are earned by talent, not seniority; freshmen can compete for roles alongside upperclassmen
•Guaranteed internship or research experience before graduation through Kansas City theatre partnerships
•Program led by Matt Schwader Harbor (MFA, University of Delaware PTTP), a professional actor with credits at The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, The Old Globe, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Actors Theatre of Louisville
•Avila students swept the KCACTF Region 5 Design & Technology Expo in 2025 with awards in lighting, costume design, and stage management
Performance & Productions
•Students work on four productions each year and can gain stage or backstage experience early in the program
•Recent seasons include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 1984, The Cherry Orchard, RENT, The Curious Incident, and Spelling Bee
•Access to the 200-seat Frantze Family Black Box Theatre for intimate and experimental work
Professional Development
•Partnerships with New Theatre & Restaurant, Theatre for Young America, and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
•Students perform alongside working Kansas City professionals through company partnerships
Facilities
•Goppert Performing Arts Center includes the main stage, Frantze Family Black Box Theatre, scene shop, two rehearsal halls, and Sue King Willcox Music Hall
Location
•Kansas City, MO offers a regional theatre market with 100+ arts organizations
•Over 19% of Avila undergraduates participate in performing arts
Training
•Liberal arts-based BA emphasizing broad theatre study across acting, directing, theatre history, criticism, design, lighting, costume work, and stagecraft
•Casting and leadership positions are earned by talent, not seniority; freshmen can compete for roles alongside upperclassmen
•Guaranteed internship or research experience before graduation through Kansas City theatre partnerships
•Program led by Matt Schwader Harbor (MFA, University of Delaware PTTP), a professional actor with credits at The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, The Old Globe, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Actors Theatre of Louisville
•Avila students swept the KCACTF Region 5 Design & Technology Expo in 2025 with awards in lighting, costume design, and stage management
Performance & Productions
•Students work on four productions each year and can gain stage or backstage experience early in the program
•Recent seasons include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 1984, The Cherry Orchard, RENT, The Curious Incident, and Spelling Bee
•Access to the 200-seat Frantze Family Black Box Theatre for intimate and experimental work
Professional Development
•Partnerships with New Theatre & Restaurant, Theatre for Young America, and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
•Students perform alongside working Kansas City professionals through company partnerships
Facilities
•Goppert Performing Arts Center includes the main stage, Frantze Family Black Box Theatre, scene shop, two rehearsal halls, and Sue King Willcox Music Hall
Location
•Kansas City, MO offers a regional theatre market with 100+ arts organizations
•Over 19% of Avila undergraduates participate in performing arts
Updated May 12, 1:28 AM
