Bates College
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+ Affirming
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•~10 performance events annually including plays, dance concerts, devised work, and showcases
•Three on-campus theaters for mainstage and intimate productions
•Faculty are active professionals in their fields
AREAS OF FOCUS
•Acting (Devising Performance, Voice and Speech, Advanced Acting)
•Design, Management, and Technical Theater (Scene, Lighting, Costume Design, Stage Management)
•Directing (Introduction to Directing through Advanced Directing)
•Theater Studies and Dramaturgy
•Playwriting (Introduction through Advanced Playwriting)
CURRICULUM
•Balanced curriculum spanning artistic training, technical skills, and theater literature/history/theory
•Senior thesis requirement — substantial artistic project in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, stage management, playwriting, or technical theater
•Open to all students — both majors and non-majors participate in productions
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Study abroad credit may be applied with department permission
•Cross-listed courses with Dance, Music, and other departments
•Prepares students for graduate work in humanities, professional training, or direct career entry
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 15, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 10, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 10, 2026
Good to Know
ARTS SUPPLEMENT
•Optional arts supplement may be submitted through the Common App
•Supplement is not required for admission or for declaring the major
APPLICATION
•Apply via Common App, Coalition App (Powered by Scoir), or Bates application portal
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only — no mid-year or rolling admission
•Test-optional admissions policy
•No application fee
What's The Process
NO AUDITION REQUIRED
•Admission is to Bates College, not to the Theater program directly
•Students declare the Theater major after enrolling
•All interested students are welcome to participate in productions regardless of major
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
4.01
Avg GPA (W)
13%
Admit Rate
92%
Grad Rate
1,753
Enrollment
$69,498
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$63,478
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,703
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$4,263
Family Income $30k - $48k$6,296
Family Income $48k - $75k$8,602
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,744
Family Income $110k+$49,109
