Private school2.3K

Point Park University

Pittsburgh, PA

Test-OptionalLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Contemporary Theatre Making

Self-Directed Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Highly Selective25-40 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program Recognition

Self-Directed Studies concentration within the BFA Contemporary Theatre Making: Directing, Devising and Playwriting

Builds a personalized 23-credit concentration around directing, playwriting, stage management, design, screenwriting, musical theatre, dance, education, business, or media/technology for the performing arts

Can pair with a formal minor or double major instead of a custom self-designed sequence

Training connects classical foundations with contemporary devised-theatre practice

Training

Core BFA sequence includes Devised Theatre I and II, Playwriting I and II, Directing I and II, Script Analysis, Shakespeare: Page to Stage, and Theatre Professional Seminar

Concentration credits are built from major-related electives (200-400 level) chosen with an advisor rather than a fixed track

Can minor in MT and/or dance—unique flexibility within the conservatory

Pittsburgh Playhouse: 18 productions per year across three venues

Contemporary Theatre Making Lab is a venue for generating and presenting new work in whichever discipline a student self-directs toward

Multi-disciplinary collaboration with professionals and peers across acting, directing, playwriting, and design

Notable Alumni

Point Park theatre alumni work on Broadway — national tours, regional theatre, film, and television

Degree Flexibility

Double majors and minors encouraged

Can complete degree in 3 years with summer coursework

Study abroad options available

Fast-track bachelor's to master's programs available

School Info

Snapshot

3.48

Avg GPA

97%

Admit Rate

school-wide

59%

Grad Rate

2.3K

Enrollment

$46K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$42,540

Before aid

Average Net Price

$25,942

After aid

Tuition · pointpark.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 20, 2:54 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Self-Directed Studies concentration within the BFA Contemporary Theatre Making: Directing, Devising and Playwriting

Can pair with a formal minor or double major instead of a custom self-designed sequence

Training connects classical foundations with contemporary devised-theatre practice

Training

Core BFA sequence includes Devised Theatre I and II, Playwriting I and II, Directing I and II, Script Analysis, Shakespeare: Page to Stage, and Theatre Professional Seminar

Concentration credits are built from major-related electives (200-400 level) chosen with an advisor rather than a fixed track

Can minor in MT and/or dance—unique flexibility within the conservatory

Pittsburgh Playhouse: 18 productions per year across three venues

Contemporary Theatre Making Lab is a venue for generating and presenting new work in whichever discipline a student self-directs toward

Multi-disciplinary collaboration with professionals and peers across acting, directing, playwriting, and design

Notable Alumni

Point Park theatre alumni work on Broadway — national tours, regional theatre, film, and television

Degree Flexibility

Double majors and minors encouraged

Can complete degree in 3 years with summer coursework

Study abroad options available

Fast-track bachelor's to master's programs available

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Self-Directed Studies concentration within the BFA Contemporary Theatre Making: Directing, Devising and Playwriting

Can pair with a formal minor or double major instead of a custom self-designed sequence

Training connects classical foundations with contemporary devised-theatre practice

Training

Core BFA sequence includes Devised Theatre I and II, Playwriting I and II, Directing I and II, Script Analysis, Shakespeare: Page to Stage, and Theatre Professional Seminar

Concentration credits are built from major-related electives (200-400 level) chosen with an advisor rather than a fixed track

Can minor in MT and/or dance—unique flexibility within the conservatory

Pittsburgh Playhouse: 18 productions per year across three venues

Contemporary Theatre Making Lab is a venue for generating and presenting new work in whichever discipline a student self-directs toward

Multi-disciplinary collaboration with professionals and peers across acting, directing, playwriting, and design

Notable Alumni

Point Park theatre alumni work on Broadway — national tours, regional theatre, film, and television

Degree Flexibility

Double majors and minors encouraged

Can complete degree in 3 years with summer coursework

Study abroad options available

Fast-track bachelor's to master's programs available

Key Info

Enrollment Term

These Fall 2027 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

Regular DecisionRolling

Official page · pointpark.edu

Program AppApplication

Dates

Dates TBA

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Apply

Acceptd

Application portal · Acceptd

Interview Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Resume (Required)

Theatre experience/training resume

Statement (Required)

Personal essay outlining your theatre career aspirations

Headshot (Optional)

Creative Sample (Required, Submit via Acceptd)

Submit one or more of the following:

Playwriting sample from an original one-act or full-length play

Directing portfolio or video sample of your work and a one-paragraph, double-spaced proposal for an original theatre project

One-minute video of a monologue or original theatre work featuring yourself and/or collaborators; slate the title, author(s), and performer(s) at the top

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit academic application first

Submit creative portfolio and personal essay via Acceptd

Interview-based admission—no traditional audition

Eligibility

Must begin in fall semester

Important Notes

Self-Directed Studies concentration students can minor in MT and/or dance

Fee waiver available for College Board/NACAC fee waiver recipients, Pell Grant eligible, or financial hardship (apply through Acceptd)

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Interview-based admission (no traditional audition)

Brief interview with program director—on-campus, at audition site, or virtually

Interview is a conversation about your portfolio and creative work

Decisions

Rolling basis after academic admission confirmed

Must be both academically and artistically admitted

Contact

Conservatory@pointpark.edu, 412-392-3451

Scholarship Info

Artistic Achievement Award: $5,000–$30,000 per year—awarded to students who demonstrate high caliber of artistic ability through the artistic review process; must maintain 3.0 GPA and full-time COPA status

Dean's Academic Award: $3,000–$8,000 per year—based on GPA; candidates considered through the artistic interview; must maintain 3.0 GPA and full-time COPA status

Visit Scholarship: $1,000—for freshmen who complete an official campus visit or attend an Admissions Open House

School Info

Snapshot

3.48

Avg GPA

97%

Admit Rate

school-wide

59%

Grad Rate

2.3K

Enrollment

$46K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Tuition & Fees

$42,540

Before aid

Average Net Price

$25,942

After aid

Tuition · pointpark.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Self-Directed Studies concentration within the BFA Contemporary Theatre Making: Directing, Devising and Playwriting

Can pair with a formal minor or double major instead of a custom self-designed sequence

Training connects classical foundations with contemporary devised-theatre practice

Training

Core BFA sequence includes Devised Theatre I and II, Playwriting I and II, Directing I and II, Script Analysis, Shakespeare: Page to Stage, and Theatre Professional Seminar

Concentration credits are built from major-related electives (200-400 level) chosen with an advisor rather than a fixed track

Can minor in MT and/or dance—unique flexibility within the conservatory

Pittsburgh Playhouse: 18 productions per year across three venues

Contemporary Theatre Making Lab is a venue for generating and presenting new work in whichever discipline a student self-directs toward

Multi-disciplinary collaboration with professionals and peers across acting, directing, playwriting, and design

Notable Alumni

Point Park theatre alumni work on Broadway — national tours, regional theatre, film, and television

Degree Flexibility

Double majors and minors encouraged

Can complete degree in 3 years with summer coursework

Study abroad options available

Fast-track bachelor's to master's programs available

Updated Aug 20, 2:54 PM