Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or Virtual12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Comprehensive training in lighting, sound design, costume construction, and technical direction
•Hands-on experience with professional-standard equipment in dedicated theatre labs
•Safety and health protocols for the entertainment industry including rigging and set safety
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
•Work on multiple main stage and studio productions through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)
•Stage management, production management, and fashion show production coursework
NON-CUT PROGRAM
•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation
•12-14 students admitted per class
ALUMNI NETWORK
•Alumni in top roles at companies including Cirque du Soleil, Disney, and Broadway
•Internship opportunities at The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disney, Portland Center Stage, and Santa Fe Opera
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Priority (Fall)Jan 31, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$60Waiver
Prescreen Requirements
RESUME (required)
•Current resume including design/production experience, training, and education
HEADSHOT (required)
•Professional headshot
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Portfolio specific to your area of design interest
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (required)
•Letters supporting your application
Callback Requirements
Additional Materials
INTERVIEW
•Semifinalist candidates may be contacted for a telephone or video interview
•On-campus visits may be arranged in early March for final round if required
Good to Know
DEADLINES
•March 15 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships
•Late applications accepted until all spaces are filled
•Acceptd portal opens November 1
ADMISSION
•Must first be admitted to CWU through the Office of Admissions
•CWU admission application should be complete by January 1 for merit and talent award consideration
•Fall enrollment only
•Nearly one-third of admitted BFA students began at CWU the year prior to acceptance
What's The Process
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Submit resume and portfolio via Acceptd
•Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until spaces are filled
•Semifinalist candidates contacted for telephone or video interviews
•On-campus visits may be arranged in early March for final round if required
MANDATORY MEETING
•Schedule a mandatory online meeting with department advisor Taylor Brunwald after submitting your application
•Contact: Taylor.Brunwald@cwu.edu
Scholarship Info
THEATRE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Department scholarships available — separate scholarship application required (PDF form)
•CWU admission application must be complete by January 1 for merit and talent award consideration
•Submit FAFSA application for financial aid eligibility
Program info updated 2d ago
TRAINING
•Comprehensive training in lighting, sound design, costume construction, and technical direction
•Hands-on experience with professional-standard equipment in dedicated theatre labs
•Safety and health protocols for the entertainment industry including rigging and set safety
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
•Work on multiple main stage and studio productions through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)
•Stage management, production management, and fashion show production coursework
NON-CUT PROGRAM
•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation
•12-14 students admitted per class
ALUMNI NETWORK
•Alumni in top roles at companies including Cirque du Soleil, Disney, and Broadway
•Internship opportunities at The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disney, Portland Center Stage, and Santa Fe Opera
Updated 2d ago
Academic School Information
3.20
Avg GPA (W)
91%
Admit Rate
52%
Grad Rate
7,833
Enrollment
$61,580
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,417
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,526
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,476
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$11,846
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,942
Family Income $48k - $75k$16,022
Family Income $75k - $110k$21,682
Family Income $110k+$26,719
