Carthage College
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Ranked No. 2 Best School for Drama and Theater Arts in Wisconsin
•Regularly invited to perform at Kennedy Center regional American College Theater Festival
NEW PLAY INITIATIVE
•Since 2008, commissioned prominent American playwrights to create original works
•Students collaborate directly with playwrights on world premieres
•Unique opportunity to work with playwrights active at the highest levels of professional theatre
CURRICULUM
•Intensive playwriting coursework including verbatim theatre techniques and ensemble/experimental theatre
•Strong English and creative writing component
•Courses in acting, play reading, and theatre survey
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Four faculty- or guest-directed Main Stage shows each year
•Multiple student-directed productions in studio space
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Fee
$35Waiver
International Transfer Fee
$40Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Auditions
On-Campus InterviewFeb 7, 2026
Virtual Interview (limited availability)Feb 13, 2026
On-Campus InterviewFeb 14, 2026
On-Campus InterviewFeb 21, 2026
Interview Requirements
WRITING SAMPLES (required)
•Two writing samples:
-5-6 pages from a play you have written or are currently working on
-A short story, poetry, or research paper/essay written for a class is also accepted
RESUME (required)
•Theatre-related resume
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•Two letters of recommendation
•May be emailed directly to vpascholarships@carthage.edu
HEADSHOT (optional but helpful)
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Step 1: Apply to Carthage via Common App or Carthage application
•Step 2: Submit the Theatre Audition Form to schedule your interview
•Students must be accepted into the College before end of February for scholarship eligibility
ELIGIBILITY
•Admitted first-year students intending to pursue the Playwriting major
•Current students are not eligible — contact the Theatre Department chair directly
What's The Process
REVIEW FORMAT
•In-person interview with the Theatre Department faculty
•Submit writing samples for review
•In-person meetings encouraged for best scholarship consideration
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Create a digital portfolio of writing samples and share via web link, Google Drive, AirDrop, etc.
•Complete interview via Zoom
•Upload resume and recommendation letters to shared Google Drive folder at least one week prior
PROGRESSION
•At end of sophomore year, all theatre majors evaluated for junior standing
•Requires 2.5+ GPA in major, participation in co-curricular elements, and service requirements
CONTACT
•Heidi Baehr, VPA Scholarship Coordinator
•vpascholarships@carthage.edu | 262-551-5859
Scholarship Info
THEATRE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Scholarships stack with most other awards
•Renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic progress and completing work assignments
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
3.30
Avg GPA (W)
84%
Admit Rate
63%
Grad Rate
2,628
Enrollment
$56,950
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$36,500
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$24,813
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$18,307
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,228
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,692
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,465
Family Income $110k+$27,527
