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Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Music education

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BFA Theatre Design and Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

Design studio sequence moves from TH 140 Introduction to Theatre Design and TH 266 Theatre Drafting into advanced design coursework in lighting (TH 468), scenery (TH 467), costume (TH 461), and sound (TH 456)

TH 393/493 Theatre Laboratory puts students to work with professional-standard lighting, sound, and scenic equipment in CWU's dedicated theatre labs

Safety and health protocols for the entertainment industry including rigging and set safety

Performance & Productions

Work on multiple main stage and studio productions through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Stage management, production management, and fashion show production coursework

Notable Alumni

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 8:24 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

TH 393/493 Theatre Laboratory puts students to work with professional-standard lighting, sound, and scenic equipment in CWU's dedicated theatre labs

Safety and health protocols for the entertainment industry including rigging and set safety

Performance & Productions

Work on multiple main stage and studio productions through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Stage management, production management, and fashion show production coursework

Notable Alumni

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

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

TH 393/493 Theatre Laboratory puts students to work with professional-standard lighting, sound, and scenic equipment in CWU's dedicated theatre labs

Safety and health protocols for the entertainment industry including rigging and set safety

Performance & Productions

Work on multiple main stage and studio productions through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Stage management, production management, and fashion show production coursework

Notable Alumni

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

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Deadline

First-year applicants

Fall Quarter 2026 First-Year Priority Application DateJan 31, 2026

Transfer applicants

Fall Quarter 2026 Transfer Priority Application DateMar 1, 2026

Undergraduate Admissions · cwu.edu Transfer · cwu.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Full ConsiderationMar 15, 2026

Final Acceptd DeadlineSep 18, 2026

Application portal · Acceptd

Prescreen Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Resume

Submit a current resume including design/production experience, training, and education

BFA Application Form

Submit the official CWU Theatre Arts BFA application form

Portfolio

Submit a portfolio specific to your area of design interest

Portfolio may include production or process photos, drawings, sketches, renderings, artwork, photography, or examples of built/painted/costumed/crafted work

Introductory Video

Include a video discussing your goals, aspirations, and comments on the uploaded material

Keep the introductory video to 3 minutes or less

Letter of Recommendation

Submit one recommendation from a teacher or professional familiar with your theatrical work

Enter the recommender's name and email in Acceptd so the system can send instructions

Application portal · Acceptd

Audition 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

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

March 15 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships

Acceptd final deadline for Fall 2026 submissions is September 18, 2026

Late applications accepted until all spaces are filled

Enrollment

Schedule a mandatory online meeting with department advisor Taylor Brunwald after submitting your application

Contact: Taylor.Brunwald@cwu.edu

Admission Pathway

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

Transfer Pathway

Nearly one-third of students admitted to CWU's BFA programs began at CWU the year prior to acceptance, and transfer or continuing students apply through the same departmental review. BFA admission still requires the portfolio and interview screening.

Application portal · Acceptd

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit resume, BFA application form, portfolio, introductory video, and recommendation through Acceptd

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until spaces are filled

Semifinalist candidates may be contacted for telephone or video interviews

On-campus visits may be arranged in early March for final round if required

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

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.20

Admit rate

91%

school-wide

Grad rate

54%

Enrollment

7.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,964

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$29,289

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$29,910

Before aid

Average net price

$18,476

After aid

Cost Attendance · cwu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

TH 393/493 Theatre Laboratory puts students to work with professional-standard lighting, sound, and scenic equipment in CWU's dedicated theatre labs

Safety and health protocols for the entertainment industry including rigging and set safety

Performance & Productions

Work on multiple main stage and studio productions through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Stage management, production management, and fashion show production coursework

Notable Alumni

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 Sep 3, 8:24 PM