Public school7.8K

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

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 Students

Browse programs

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 Students

Quick Links

BFA Theatre Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BFA Musical Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual OnlyMTCP Participant

Program profile

12-24 Students

Quick Links

BA Theatre Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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 Students

Quick Links

BM Composition

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredInternal AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Education

Choral Music Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

K-12

Quick Links

BM Music Education

Instrumental Music Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

K-12

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Vocal Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Keyboard Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BM Music Performance

Percussion/Wind/String Specialization

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Quick Links

BA Music

General Music Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

•12-14 students admitted per class

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

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

3.20

Avg GPA (W)

91%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

7.8K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

•12-14 students admitted per class

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

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

•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

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

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$60

Deadline

Priority (Fall)Jan 31, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Full ConsiderationMar 15, 2026

Final Acceptd DeadlineJun 30, 2026

Prescreen Requirements

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

Official Source

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

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•March 15 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships

•Acceptd final deadline for Fall 2026 submissions is June 30, 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

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

3.20

Avg GPA (W)

91%

Admit Rate

school-wide

54%

Grad Rate

7.8K

Enrollment

$62K

Earnings

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

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

•12-14 students admitted per class

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

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 2d ago