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DePaul University

Chicago, IL

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

SelectiveUnder 12 Students

Program Recognition

DePaul describes it as a unique program for aspiring dramaturgs and critics

Part of The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)

Training

Combines broad-based liberal arts education with hands-on conservatory training in script analysis, dramatic theory, and new play development

Additional experience through educational outreach in museums, community centers, and schools

Program head Rachel Shteir — 2025 Guggenheim Fellow; forthcoming book Why Theater Matters under contract with Yale University Press

Notable Alumni

Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel ('17) — dramaturg and journalist; EDI & education consultant on the Broadway premiere of English at Roundabout Theatre

Professional Development

Career paths include Broadway production, criticism, directing, literary management, playwriting, production dramaturgy, and workshop education

Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree option available

Location

Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood — direct access to one of the country's most active professional theatre scenes

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.78

Admit rate

76%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

14.1K

Earnings

$69K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$51,303

Before aid

Average net price

$30,902

After aid

Undergraduate Tuition And Fees · depaul.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 4d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

DePaul describes it as a unique program for aspiring dramaturgs and critics

Part of The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)

Training

Combines broad-based liberal arts education with hands-on conservatory training in script analysis, dramatic theory, and new play development

Additional experience through educational outreach in museums, community centers, and schools

Program head Rachel Shteir — 2025 Guggenheim Fellow; forthcoming book Why Theater Matters under contract with Yale University Press

Notable Alumni

Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel ('17) — dramaturg and journalist; EDI & education consultant on the Broadway premiere of English at Roundabout Theatre

Professional Development

Career paths include Broadway production, criticism, directing, literary management, playwriting, production dramaturgy, and workshop education

Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree option available

Location

Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood — direct access to one of the country's most active professional theatre scenes

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

DePaul describes it as a unique program for aspiring dramaturgs and critics

Part of The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)

Training

Combines broad-based liberal arts education with hands-on conservatory training in script analysis, dramatic theory, and new play development

Additional experience through educational outreach in museums, community centers, and schools

Program head Rachel Shteir — 2025 Guggenheim Fellow; forthcoming book Why Theater Matters under contract with Yale University Press

Notable Alumni

Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel ('17) — dramaturg and journalist; EDI & education consultant on the Broadway premiere of English at Roundabout Theatre

Professional Development

Career paths include Broadway production, criticism, directing, literary management, playwriting, production dramaturgy, and workshop education

Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree option available

Location

Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood — direct access to one of the country's most active professional theatre scenes

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App· Only option

Deadline

The Theatre School University Application DeadlineFeb 1, 2027

Undergraduate · theatre.depaul.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the interview.

Apply

School Website

Fee

Interview Fee

$65

Deadline

Application / Interview RegistrationFeb 1, 2027

Audition

In-Person Interview (Chicago)Feb 20, 2027

How To Apply · theatre.depaul.edu Auditions And Interviews · theatre.depaul.edu

Interview Requirements

Additional Materials

Resume

Letters of Recommendation (2 Required)

From a teacher, director, or employer — not family members or personal friends

Photograph

For identification purposes; does not need to be an official headshot

Writing Sample (dramatic critique & mission statement)

3 pages each · 2 questions

Dramatic critique: The first part should be three pages on a dramatic subject, such as an analysis of a play that you have read or seen
Mission statement: The second part should be a three page mission statement describing your objectives in the theatre

The two parts may be submitted together or as separate documents. Submit in Blue Demon Domain.

How To Apply · theatre.depaul.edu

Good to Know

Enrollment

Must specify BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism as intended major on application

Cannot apply undecided to The Theatre School

Cannot submit more than one application at a time to DePaul University

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit the DePaul University application naming BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism as your intended major

Within about 24 hours, access the Blue Demon Domain application portal

Upload the $65 interview fee and all major-specific materials before registering for an interview

Application materials are due no later than February 1 (some DePaul pages add: or two weeks before your interview date, whichever is earlier)

Audition Expectations

Required one-on-one faculty interview

Interviews are offered in person in Chicago or virtually via Zoom

Fall 2027 interview days listed for BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism: Saturday, February 20 (Chicago)

Virtual interviews are available November 15 through February 20

Decisions

Admission decisions are released by mid-March with Theatre School Scholarship and financial aid information

Deadline to respond to an offer of admission is May 1

Scholarship Info

Theatre School Merit Scholarship

Every admitted Theatre School student receives a renewable merit-based scholarship ($15,000–$30,000)

Based on combination of academic record and audition/interview performance

Automatically considered — no separate scholarship application required

Renewable up to four years provided student remains in good standing

FAFSA not required for Theatre School Scholarship (but recommended for additional need-based aid)

Scholarship amount and renewal requirements communicated in admission decision letter

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.78

Admit rate

76%

school-wide

Grad rate

68%

Enrollment

14.1K

Earnings

$69K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$51,303

Before aid

Average net price

$30,902

After aid

Undergraduate Tuition And Fees · depaul.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

DePaul describes it as a unique program for aspiring dramaturgs and critics

Part of The Theatre School — the Midwest's oldest theatre conservatory (est. 1925)

Training

Combines broad-based liberal arts education with hands-on conservatory training in script analysis, dramatic theory, and new play development

Additional experience through educational outreach in museums, community centers, and schools

Program head Rachel Shteir — 2025 Guggenheim Fellow; forthcoming book Why Theater Matters under contract with Yale University Press

Notable Alumni

Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel ('17) — dramaturg and journalist; EDI & education consultant on the Broadway premiere of English at Roundabout Theatre

Professional Development

Career paths include Broadway production, criticism, directing, literary management, playwriting, production dramaturgy, and workshop education

Combined Bachelor's and Master's degree option available

Location

Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood — direct access to one of the country's most active professional theatre scenes

Updated 4d ago