Case Western Reserve University
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Two-semester directing sequence culminating in directing a short play
•Study all facets of theater: acting, design, dramaturgy, and stage management
•Core courses in performance, design, and theater history
FACILITIES & CONNECTIONS
•Home of the Maltz Performing Arts Center
•Four fully produced mainstage productions each year
•Collaboration with Cleveland Play House and Great Lakes Theater Festival
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Joe Russo (MFA '95) — Emmy winner for Arrested Development, co-director of Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War
•Tim Perfect (MFA '97) — associate artistic director and casting director, co-founder of Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
•Fabio Polanco (MFA '97) — directed at Berkeley Rep and St. Louis Rep, now faculty at Kent State University
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Application Fee
$75Waiver
Fee waiver available via Common App
Program AppApplication
Deadline
Arts Supplement (for Virtual Event consideration)Feb 1, 2026
Auditions
Virtual Scholarship Event (Zoom, by invitation)Feb 16, 2026
In-Person Theater Weekend (CWRU Campus, Day 1)Feb 20, 2026
In-Person Theater Weekend (CWRU Campus, Day 2)Feb 21, 2026
Interview Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required for scholarship)
RESUME
•One-page resume documenting theater experience (directing, acting, playwriting, design, stage management)
DIRECTOR'S CONCEPT
•1-2 page concept for a published play or musical you would direct
•Detail your vision: characters, moods, tones, visual aspects
•Describe what you want the audience to take away in terms of central themes
PRODUCTION PHOTOS
•Photos from previous directing projects (if applicable, not required)
•Be prepared to discuss your interest and passion for directing
ARTS SUPPLEMENT VIDEO (if submitting remotely)
•Short video describing your work and how CWRU theater would help your journey as a director
•Upload documents and photos representing your work
Good to Know
ADMISSION
•No portfolio or interview required for admission — apply to CWRU via Common App
•Declare Directing concentration after enrollment
SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
•Must submit CWRU application by January 15
•Four full-tuition scholarships available for theater majors
•First-time college students only — transfer students ineligible
CONTACT
•Professor Christopher Bohan — christopher.bohan@case.edu, 216-368-6097
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO REVIEW PROCESS
•Portfolio presentation is for scholarship consideration only — not required for admission
•Any student admitted to CWRU may declare a Directing concentration
PORTFOLIO REVIEW OPTIONS
•In-Person Theater Weekend: February 20-21, 2026 at CWRU campus
•Virtual Event: President's Day, Monday, February 16, 2026 via Zoom (by invitation — must submit Arts Supplement by February 1)
•Individual Campus Visit: schedule with Professor Bohan during the school week
•Arts Supplement: upload documents, photos, and video to CWRU application Arts Supplement
NOTIFICATION
•Award selections made in first week of March
•Included in Regular Decision admission letters (second or third week of March)
Scholarship Info
FOUR FULL-TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS
•Four full-tuition, four-year scholarships for theater majors (room and board not included)
•Must declare theater major by end of freshman year and maintain stipulated GPA
TWO $10,000 SCHOLARSHIPS
•Two four-year $10,000 scholarships for theater minors or extracurricular participants
•Must contribute to theater productions annually and maintain stipulated GPA
ELIGIBILITY
•First-time college students only — transfer students ineligible
•International students eligible
•All Early Action and Regular Decision applicants eligible
•May audition/present portfolio before submitting CWRU application
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:15 AM
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Two-semester directing sequence culminating in directing a short play
•Study all facets of theater: acting, design, dramaturgy, and stage management
•Core courses in performance, design, and theater history
FACILITIES & CONNECTIONS
•Home of the Maltz Performing Arts Center
•Four fully produced mainstage productions each year
•Collaboration with Cleveland Play House and Great Lakes Theater Festival
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Joe Russo (MFA '95) — Emmy winner for Arrested Development, co-director of Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War
•Tim Perfect (MFA '97) — associate artistic director and casting director, co-founder of Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
•Fabio Polanco (MFA '97) — directed at Berkeley Rep and St. Louis Rep, now faculty at Kent State University
Updated Mar 27, 2:15 AM
Academic School Information
3.78
Avg GPA (W)
37%
Admit Rate
87%
Grad Rate
6,437
Enrollment
$87,989
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$66,608
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$41,190
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$19,025
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,506
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,849
Family Income $75k - $110k$26,159
Family Income $110k+$53,061
