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
HANDS-ON TRAINING
•Courses in scenic design, lighting and sound, scenic painting, costumes, drafting methods
•Students involved in every aspect of theatrical production
•Includes drawing and foundations coursework (Art department)
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Four faculty- or guest-directed Main Stage shows each year
•Multiple student-directed productions in studio space
•New Play Initiative — collaborate with prominent American playwrights on world premieres
GUEST ARTISTS
•Central location between Milwaukee and Chicago brings professional theatre practitioners to campus regularly
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 Portfolio ReviewFeb 7, 2026
Virtual Portfolio Review (limited availability)Feb 13, 2026
On-Campus Portfolio ReviewFeb 14, 2026
On-Campus Portfolio ReviewFeb 21, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Bring a portfolio indicating your accomplishments
•Examples include:
-Artwork, plans, or pictures (paper or digital — bring laptop or tablet if digital)
-Prompt books and other stage management materials
-Prop or costume pieces you have built or designed
-Set models, cue sheets, light plots, or digital files of sound design work
•Portfolios should be neat and organized with details listed (date, size, medium, etc.)
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 portfolio review
•Students must be accepted into the College before end of February for scholarship eligibility
ELIGIBILITY
•Admitted first-year students intending to pursue the Technical Direction or Design major
•Current students are not eligible — contact the Theatre Department chair directly
What's The Process
REVIEW FORMAT
•In-person portfolio presentation and interview before a panel of two or more theatre faculty
•In-person reviews encouraged for best scholarship consideration
•This is a portfolio review, not a performance audition
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Create a digital portfolio and review with faculty over Zoom
•Share via web link, Google Drive, AirDrop, etc.
•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
