Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualModerately Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
Moderately Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PARTNERSHIP:
•Coursework in both directing (THRE 314 Principles of Play Directing, THRE 315 Advanced Directing) and stage management (THRE 272 Stage Management)
•Cooperative pre-professional program in association with Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia — the nation's longest-running professional theatre
•Small liberal arts college environment with close faculty mentorship
CURRICULUM:
•THRE 282 Barter Observationship included as a BFA core requirement
•THRE 480 Professional Theatre Experience (up to 6 credits) provides hands-on industry experience
•THRE 415 The Business of Theatre taught by industry professionals
RECOGNITION & OUTCOMES:
•Emory & Henry Promise covers tuition cost for eligible Virginia students
•Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top regional university and best value school
•Alumni have gone on to work at Barter Theatre, Portland Playhouse, regional theatre, film, and Disney World
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Early Action IIJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionJul 13, 2026
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
Jan 24, 2026
Audition
Super Saturday (On-Campus, Emory, VA)Jan 24, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•A portfolio of your directing and/or stage management work to date
-May include: production photos, annotated working scripts, programs, reviews, etc.
OTHER MATERIALS:
•HEADSHOT
•RESUME
Good to Know
SUBMISSION OPTIONS
•Submit via Acceptd OR attend Super Saturday in-person event — do not do both
•No on-campus auditions or portfolio reviews except Super Saturday
FEE WAIVER
•$35 Acceptd application fee — waivers available for students who meet economic need indicators on the Common Application
•Contact Acceptd Support (support@getacceptd.com) to receive a fee waiver prior to submitting
What's The Process
PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION:
•Submit portfolio and materials via Acceptd OR attend Super Saturday event — do not do both
•Deadline: January 24, 2026
INTERVIEW:
•Applicants notified around February 1 if passed to interview round
•If applying after January 31, allow one week for review
•Be prepared to answer questions such as:
-Who is your favorite playwright and why?
-Who/what is your greatest artistic influence as a director?
-Describe your experience at a particularly influential production you have seen
-Name a play you would like to direct and tell us why
-What do you see as the main role/job of the director in a production?
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
•Students must demonstrate promise of pre-professional abilities
•May audition prior to enrollment or petition after beginning
•BFA students jury yearly before department faculty
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIP
•4-year renewable $1,000 Talent Scholarship through auditions and interviews
•Students receive additional scholarship funds for completing an official campus visit
Program info updated Mar 23, 12:21 AM
TRAINING & PARTNERSHIP:
•Coursework in both directing (THRE 314 Principles of Play Directing, THRE 315 Advanced Directing) and stage management (THRE 272 Stage Management)
•Cooperative pre-professional program in association with Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia — the nation's longest-running professional theatre
•Small liberal arts college environment with close faculty mentorship
CURRICULUM:
•THRE 282 Barter Observationship included as a BFA core requirement
•THRE 480 Professional Theatre Experience (up to 6 credits) provides hands-on industry experience
•THRE 415 The Business of Theatre taught by industry professionals
RECOGNITION & OUTCOMES:
•Emory & Henry Promise covers tuition cost for eligible Virginia students
•Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top regional university and best value school
•Alumni have gone on to work at Barter Theatre, Portland Playhouse, regional theatre, film, and Disney World
Updated Mar 23, 12:21 AM
Academic School Information
3.50
Avg GPA
84%
Admit Rate
55%
Grad Rate
1,078
Enrollment
$47,385
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$39,000
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,061
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$14,246
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,430
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,622
Family Income $75k - $110k$19,029
Family Income $110k+$23,418
