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Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio 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 RequiredPortfolio RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Music education

Music performance

Quick links

BFA Theatre Design and Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredPortfolio 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

Professional Development

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, 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 2d ago

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

Professional Development

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, 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

Professional Development

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, Portland Center Stage, and Santa Fe Opera

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Application · Common App

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Final Acceptd DeadlineSep 13, 2027

Application portal · Acceptd

Prescreen Requirements

Resume

A resume of your work in theatre

Portfolio

Submit a portfolio specific to your area of design interest

A portfolio including production and/or process photos, drawings, sketches, renderings, other artwork or photography

Introductory Video

An introductory video including your goals and aspirations and short comments on the material you have uploaded

Keep the introductory video to 3 minutes or less

Letter of Recommendation

Letter of recommendation from teacher or other professional who is familiar with your theatrical work that comments on your potential as a student and theatre artist

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

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

March 15 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships

Enrollment

Schedule a mandatory online meeting with a department advisor

Program contacts: Christina Barrigan, christina.barrigan@cwu.edu, or Jerry Dougherty, jerald.dougherty@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, 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

Professional Development

Students have recently completed internships with Seattle Musical Theatre, The 5th Ave Theatre (Seattle), Disneyland, and Disney World

Students have secured employment with theatres including The Old Globe, Steppenwolf Theatre, Portland Center Stage, and Santa Fe Opera

Updated 2d ago