University of Pittsburgh
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Blends hands-on production experience with foundational liberal arts study
•3-5 main stage shows directed by faculty or guest directors each season
•3-12 lab shows directed by graduate or advanced undergraduate students
•Open auditions for all Pitt students — non-majors welcome on stage
•Undergraduate capstone experiences include designing, directing, dramaturgy, choreography, and performing in main stage productions
EMPHASIS AREAS
•Three areas of advanced study: performance/directing, design/tech/management, and history/literature/criticism
•Students may specialize in one or combine multiple areas
FACULTY & MENTORSHIP
•Award-winning faculty with professional credits in directing, set design, lighting design, playwriting, and acting
•Teaching artist/faculty mentorships model professional behavior and provide real-time coaching
•Audition coaching with professional actors/faculty in a supportive one-on-one setting
•Chancellor's Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship opportunities
RESEARCH & TRAVEL
•NYC Field Studies — primary research at NYPL Billy Rose collection and National Black Theatre of Harlem
•London and Ireland study abroad with theatre coursework and international company internships
•ACC Academic Consortium Fellows Program for site-specific performance study
CAREER PATHWAYS
•Graduates pursue graduate training in performance, design, and history
•Close working relationships with regional theatres for internships and employment
•BA also serves as preparation for law school, medical school, and other fields
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Scholarship Priority DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Fee
$55Waiver
Good to Know
HOW TO APPLY
•Apply through the Pitt Office of Admissions via Common App or the university website
•Rolling admissions — no fixed deadline
CONTACT
•Director of Undergraduate Studies: Gianni Downs (GianniDowns@pitt.edu)
•Campus visits and tours: contact the Dietrich School recruitment team at artsci@pitt.edu
•Personalized visits available — schedule a meeting with a professor or sit in on a class
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or portfolio required to join the program
•Admission is through the University of Pittsburgh undergraduate admissions process
•Once admitted to Pitt, students are welcome to participate in the Department of Theatre Arts
•First-year students are invited and encouraged to audition for department productions
Program info updated 13h ago
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Blends hands-on production experience with foundational liberal arts study
•3-5 main stage shows directed by faculty or guest directors each season
•3-12 lab shows directed by graduate or advanced undergraduate students
•Open auditions for all Pitt students — non-majors welcome on stage
•Undergraduate capstone experiences include designing, directing, dramaturgy, choreography, and performing in main stage productions
EMPHASIS AREAS
•Three areas of advanced study: performance/directing, design/tech/management, and history/literature/criticism
•Students may specialize in one or combine multiple areas
FACULTY & MENTORSHIP
•Award-winning faculty with professional credits in directing, set design, lighting design, playwriting, and acting
•Teaching artist/faculty mentorships model professional behavior and provide real-time coaching
•Audition coaching with professional actors/faculty in a supportive one-on-one setting
•Chancellor's Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship opportunities
RESEARCH & TRAVEL
•NYC Field Studies — primary research at NYPL Billy Rose collection and National Black Theatre of Harlem
•London and Ireland study abroad with theatre coursework and international company internships
•ACC Academic Consortium Fellows Program for site-specific performance study
CAREER PATHWAYS
•Graduates pursue graduate training in performance, design, and history
•Close working relationships with regional theatres for internships and employment
•BA also serves as preparation for law school, medical school, and other fields
Updated 13h ago
Academic School Information
4.08
Avg GPA (W)
58%
Admit Rate
85%
Grad Rate
20,370
Enrollment
$66,125
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$21,926
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,430
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,434
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$14,709
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,371
Family Income $48k - $75k$23,192
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,567
Family Income $110k+$36,008
