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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Program

BS Theater Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

BS Theater Arts

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick Links

BS Theater Arts

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program profile

Under 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program Overview

•Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts (Course 21T) from one of the world's leading research institutions

•Housed in the Music and Theater Arts Section within MIT's School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

•Interdisciplinary curriculum that lets students integrate theater with engineering, science, and other fields

•Joint and double major options available with engineering or science (Courses 21E and 21S)

Curricular Breadth

•Coursework in acting, performance studies, voice, movement, performance media, script analysis, playwriting, directing, design, and scenography

•Optional capstone thesis with a pre-thesis tutorial for qualified students

•Major advisor: Ken Urban

Performance Opportunities

•Studio, stage, and on-screen production opportunities embedded in the curriculum

•Center for Art, Science and Technology (CAST) Artist-in-Residence Program brings internationally renowned artists to campus for classes, workshops, and productions

•Strong tradition of student-run productions across MIT's residential and arts communities

Academic info

Snapshot

4.19

Avg GPA (W)

Admit Rate

school-wide

96%

Grad Rate

4.5K

Enrollment

$143K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$20,111

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$62,396

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k-$2,533

$30-48k$93

$48-75k$1,480

$75-110k$11,555

$110k+$48,479

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated May 27, 1:16 AM

Program Highlights

Program Overview

•Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts (Course 21T) from one of the world's leading research institutions

•Housed in the Music and Theater Arts Section within MIT's School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

•Interdisciplinary curriculum that lets students integrate theater with engineering, science, and other fields

•Joint and double major options available with engineering or science (Courses 21E and 21S)

Curricular Breadth

•Coursework in acting, performance studies, voice, movement, performance media, script analysis, playwriting, directing, design, and scenography

•Optional capstone thesis with a pre-thesis tutorial for qualified students

•Major advisor: Ken Urban

Performance Opportunities

•Studio, stage, and on-screen production opportunities embedded in the curriculum

•Center for Art, Science and Technology (CAST) Artist-in-Residence Program brings internationally renowned artists to campus for classes, workshops, and productions

•Strong tradition of student-run productions across MIT's residential and arts communities

Program Highlights

Program Overview

•Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts (Course 21T) from one of the world's leading research institutions

•Housed in the Music and Theater Arts Section within MIT's School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

•Interdisciplinary curriculum that lets students integrate theater with engineering, science, and other fields

•Joint and double major options available with engineering or science (Courses 21E and 21S)

Curricular Breadth

•Coursework in acting, performance studies, voice, movement, performance media, script analysis, playwriting, directing, design, and scenography

•Optional capstone thesis with a pre-thesis tutorial for qualified students

•Major advisor: Ken Urban

Performance Opportunities

•Studio, stage, and on-screen production opportunities embedded in the curriculum

•Center for Art, Science and Technology (CAST) Artist-in-Residence Program brings internationally renowned artists to campus for classes, workshops, and productions

•Strong tradition of student-run productions across MIT's residential and arts communities

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

Application Fee

$75Waiver

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionJan 5, 2027

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Fee

Portfolio Fee

$10Waiver

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionJan 5, 2027

Submission Requirements

Optional Music & Theater Arts Portfolio

•Submit through MIT Admissions SlideRoom only if the work is significant and relevant to the MIT application

•Portfolio is for advanced performers interested in continuing performance or study in music and theater arts at MIT

All Music & Theater Arts Submissions

•One letter of recommendation from a current or recent music or theater arts teacher, requested through SlideRoom

•Performing arts resume

Theater, Dance, Directing & Design Media

•Actors, dancers, directors, and designers may submit up to three videos or images

•Total combined video time may not exceed 10 minutes

Playwriting & Screenwriting

•Screenwriters and playwrights may submit one or two scripts, no more than 10 pages total

•If the work was performed and recorded, applicants may submit up to 10 minutes total of video

Official Source

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•MIT does not use the Common App or Coalition App; apply through MIT's own portal at apply.mitadmissions.org

•MIT requires the SAT or ACT for first-year admission

•Theater Arts is declared as a major after enrollment, not at the time of application

•Performing artists may submit an optional supplemental Music & Theater Arts portfolio via SlideRoom alongside the main MIT application

•The portfolio is reviewed as supplemental material; it is not required and is not a separate audition

•SlideRoom portfolios are due by the same deadline as the corresponding MIT application cycle

•Portfolio fee waiver requests must be emailed to MIT's SlideRoom portfolio team at least 3 days before the corresponding application deadline

Important Notes

•MIT's $75 undergraduate application fee may be waived through the Fee Waiver Request section of the application

•MIT practices need-blind admissions; requesting a fee waiver does not affect admission chances

What's The Process

No Audition Required

•Admission to the major is by departmental approval, not by audition

•Students apply to MIT through general undergraduate admissions, then declare the Theater Arts major

•Before declaring, students must demonstrate proficiency in theater arts fundamentals and have experience participating in a performance

•Consultation with the major advisor is required no later than the first term of junior year

Academic info

Snapshot

4.19

Avg GPA (W)

Admit Rate

school-wide

96%

Grad Rate

4.5K

Enrollment

$143K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$20,111

after typical aid

Tuition & Fees

$62,396

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k-$2,533

$30-48k$93

$48-75k$1,480

$75-110k$11,555

$110k+$48,479

View full data on College Scorecard

Program Overview

•Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts (Course 21T) from one of the world's leading research institutions

•Housed in the Music and Theater Arts Section within MIT's School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

•Interdisciplinary curriculum that lets students integrate theater with engineering, science, and other fields

•Joint and double major options available with engineering or science (Courses 21E and 21S)

Curricular Breadth

•Coursework in acting, performance studies, voice, movement, performance media, script analysis, playwriting, directing, design, and scenography

•Optional capstone thesis with a pre-thesis tutorial for qualified students

•Major advisor: Ken Urban

Performance Opportunities

•Studio, stage, and on-screen production opportunities embedded in the curriculum

•Center for Art, Science and Technology (CAST) Artist-in-Residence Program brings internationally renowned artists to campus for classes, workshops, and productions

•Strong tradition of student-run productions across MIT's residential and arts communities

Updated May 27, 1:16 AM

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Submission Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Submission Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

School Info

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Browse programs

Program Highlights

Key Info

Submission Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

Academic info

Program Highlights

Program Highlights

Key Info

Submission Requirements

Good to Know

What's The Process

School Info