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Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program profile

12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Music education

Music performance

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 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

In-depth study of the actor's craft including script analysis, character development, voice, and movement

Acting sequence runs from TH 244 Acting I through TH 346 Acting VI

Consent-based environment emphasizing creative collaboration

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Training across diverse performance styles including drag performance, puppetry, and physical theatre

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Directing coursework including devised theatre

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, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

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

In-depth study of the actor's craft including script analysis, character development, voice, and movement

Acting sequence runs from TH 244 Acting I through TH 346 Acting VI

Consent-based environment emphasizing creative collaboration

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Training across diverse performance styles including drag performance, puppetry, and physical theatre

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Directing coursework including devised theatre

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, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Non-cut program with progressive evaluation

12-14 students admitted per class

Training

In-depth study of the actor's craft including script analysis, character development, voice, and movement

Acting sequence runs from TH 244 Acting I through TH 346 Acting VI

Consent-based environment emphasizing creative collaboration

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Training across diverse performance styles including drag performance, puppetry, and physical theatre

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Directing coursework including devised theatre

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, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

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

Monologues

Prepare two age-appropriate, fully memorized contrasting monologues

Keep each monologue to 90 seconds or less

Introduce each piece by title and author

Video Format

Film continuously with no editing

Upload each monologue as a separate video file

Optional Submission Pieces

90-Second clip of a movement piece

90-Second song section

90-Second production clip

Additional Materials

Headshot

Submit a current headshot

Resume

Submit a resume of your theatre work

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

Audition Requirements

Additional Materials

Interview

Candidates who pass the first round may be asked to complete a Zoom or phone interview with faculty before being invited to join the program

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

March 15 for full consideration for fall admission and scholarships

Enrollment

Schedule a mandatory online meeting with department advisor Grace Pearsons

Contact: grace.pearsons@cwu.edu, Emily Rollie, emily.rollie@cwu.edu, or Kathryn Stahl, kathryn.stahl@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 program's artistic screening.

Application portal · Acceptd

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit two monologue videos through Acceptd

Candidates who pass the first round may be asked to interview via Zoom or phone with faculty

Audition Expectations

Introduce each performance piece by title and author

Film continuously with no editing

Upload each required video as a separate file

Keep yourself continually visible from the waist up during performance recordings

Use a neutral background with clear contrast

Use accompaniment if you dance or sing

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

In-depth study of the actor's craft including script analysis, character development, voice, and movement

Acting sequence runs from TH 244 Acting I through TH 346 Acting VI

Consent-based environment emphasizing creative collaboration

Performance & Productions

Multiple main stage and studio productions each season through Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE)

Training across diverse performance styles including drag performance, puppetry, and physical theatre

Professional Development

Career and portfolio preparation coursework

Directing coursework including devised theatre

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, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival

Alumni working professionally in NYC, LA, Portland, Orlando, and Seattle

Updated 2d ago