Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Liberal arts-based BA emphasizing general theatre education paired with secondary education methodology
•Casting and leadership positions earned by talent, not seniority — freshmen compete for roles alongside upperclassmen
•Guaranteed internship or research experience before graduation through Kansas City theatre partnerships
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Four mainstage productions per year on the Bill and Jean Buchanan Stage in Goppert Theatre (built 1974)
•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: 16,000+ sq ft of renovated and new construction (opened fall 2020)
•Includes expanded scene shop, two dedicated rehearsal halls, and the Sue King Willcox Music Hall
NOTABLE FACULTY & RECOGNITION
•Program led by Matt Schwader Harbor (MFA, University of Delaware PTTP) — professional actor with credits at The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, The Old Globe, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Actors Theatre of Louisville; SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity member
•Students swept KCACTF Region 5 Design & Technology Expo (2025): Ellie Peoples (Best Regional Lighting Design), Abigail Dearing (Regional Costume Design), Gabriella Fast (Regional Stage Management)
LOCATION
•Kansas City, MO — a major regional theatre market with 100+ arts organizations
•Over 19% of Avila undergraduates participate in performing arts
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityDec 15, 2026
Rolling
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply via Common App or directly through the Avila University website
•Rolling admissions with December 15 priority deadline
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition required for the BA Theatre program
•Contact the School of Performing Arts with questions about the program
CONTACT
•Matt Schwader Harbor, MFA — Chair, School of Performing Arts
•Phone: 816-501-2405
Scholarship Info
PERFORMANCE GRANT
•Amount varies — awarded to students demonstrating talent or interest in theatre
AVILA MISSION GRANT
•$1,000 annual — for students demonstrating talent or interest in theatre
UNIVERSITY AID
•100% of Avila first-year students receive scholarships or financial aid
•Avila Achievement Scholarship: $25,000–$30,000 based on GPA and ACT
Program info updated Mar 27, 1:25 PM
TRAINING
•Liberal arts-based BA emphasizing general theatre education paired with secondary education methodology
•Casting and leadership positions earned by talent, not seniority — freshmen compete for roles alongside upperclassmen
•Guaranteed internship or research experience before graduation through Kansas City theatre partnerships
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•Four mainstage productions per year on the Bill and Jean Buchanan Stage in Goppert Theatre (built 1974)
•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: 16,000+ sq ft of renovated and new construction (opened fall 2020)
•Includes expanded scene shop, two dedicated rehearsal halls, and the Sue King Willcox Music Hall
NOTABLE FACULTY & RECOGNITION
•Program led by Matt Schwader Harbor (MFA, University of Delaware PTTP) — professional actor with credits at The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, The Old Globe, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Actors Theatre of Louisville; SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity member
•Students swept KCACTF Region 5 Design & Technology Expo (2025): Ellie Peoples (Best Regional Lighting Design), Abigail Dearing (Regional Costume Design), Gabriella Fast (Regional Stage Management)
LOCATION
•Kansas City, MO — a major regional theatre market with 100+ arts organizations
•Over 19% of Avila undergraduates participate in performing arts
Updated Mar 27, 1:25 PM
Academic School Information
3.18
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
47%
Grad Rate
1,312
Enrollment
$52,773
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$42,000
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,053
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$15,694
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,939
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,682
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,852
Family Income $110k+$19,775
