Pennsylvania State University
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionGateway InterviewIn-Person or VirtualSelective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Gateway Interview
Selective
12-24 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the most established four-year stage management undergraduate degree programs in the country
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Near 100% employment rate for stage management graduates
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Immersive four-year training spanning design disciplines, technical crafts, acting, directing, movement, and voice
•Coursework includes acting, scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, and theatre history
•Capstone courses in advanced stage management topics and independent studies
•Small class sizes with one-to-one mentorship from faculty with professional and academic credentials
FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
•State-of-the-art production facilities with 24-hour access for specialized areas
•Hands-on production assignments integrated into core curriculum
•Active USITT student chapter with conference attendance opportunities
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Faculty hold leadership positions in USITT, NAST, National Theatre Conference, and the Society of Directors and Choreographers
•In a recent season, Penn State theatre alumni held 27 Broadway contracts, 7 Off-Broadway contracts, and 22 National Tour contracts
CAREER PATHS
•Graduates pursue careers in theatre, film, television, arts management, tour and arena management, casting, and event/production management
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadline
Feb 15, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus Interview (University Park, PA)Dec 13, 2025
On-Campus Interview (University Park, PA)Jan 17, 2026
Virtual InterviewJan 31, 2026
Virtual InterviewFeb 14, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Production notes, pictures, paperwork, and/or process documentation
•Show your stage managing and production experiences
Good to Know
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
•All materials must be submitted via Acceptd at least three weeks before your preferred interview date
IMPORTANT
•Complete academic application by November 30 for maximum financial aid consideration
•Schedule interview as soon as you receive invitation — spaces are limited
What's The Process
INTERVIEW PROCESS
•After submitting portfolio via Acceptd, you will receive an invitation to schedule your interview
•Available on-campus (University Park) or virtually
ADMISSION CRITERIA
•Both portfolio review and academic review must be favorable for admission
CONTACT
•Shannon Ritter, Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator — shannon@psu.edu
Scholarship Info
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Incoming students are automatically considered for available College of Arts & Architecture scholarships
•Complete academic application by November 30 for maximum financial aid consideration
Program info updated 5h ago
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•One of the most established four-year stage management undergraduate degree programs in the country
•NAST-accredited (National Association of Schools of Theatre)
•Near 100% employment rate for stage management graduates
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Immersive four-year training spanning design disciplines, technical crafts, acting, directing, movement, and voice
•Coursework includes acting, scene design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, technical direction, and theatre history
•Capstone courses in advanced stage management topics and independent studies
•Small class sizes with one-to-one mentorship from faculty with professional and academic credentials
FACILITIES & OPPORTUNITIES
•State-of-the-art production facilities with 24-hour access for specialized areas
•Hands-on production assignments integrated into core curriculum
•Active USITT student chapter with conference attendance opportunities
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS
•Faculty hold leadership positions in USITT, NAST, National Theatre Conference, and the Society of Directors and Choreographers
•In a recent season, Penn State theatre alumni held 27 Broadway contracts, 7 Off-Broadway contracts, and 22 National Tour contracts
CAREER PATHS
•Graduates pursue careers in theatre, film, television, arts management, tour and arena management, casting, and event/production management
Updated 5h ago
Academic School Information
3.84
Avg GPA (W)
61%
Admit Rate
86%
Grad Rate
42,284
Enrollment
$63,435
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$20,644
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$32,875
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$19,845
Family Income $30k - $48k$20,049
Family Income $48k - $75k$25,667
Family Income $75k - $110k$31,834
Family Income $110k+$37,831
