Reed College
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Comprehensive education in theatre history, theory, and practice
•Coursework and production experience both onstage and backstage
•Classes in acting, directing, performance studies, design, dramaturgy, and playwriting
•Additional coursework in gender and theatre, race and performance, translation and adaptation
•Yearlong senior thesis — may include a production component (directing, design, devising, playwriting)
PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE
•Full season of student, faculty, and guest artist productions each year
•Two performance spaces: 180-seat Diver Studio Theatre and 99-seat Black Box
•Productions open to both majors and non-majors in all roles
•Recent productions include works by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Julia Cho, and Jen Silverman
GUEST ARTISTS
•Regular visits from nationally recognized artists and scholars
•Recent guests include Tim Miller, Anne Bogart, Meredith Monk, Bread and Puppet Theater, and Larissa FastHorse
•Collaboration with Portland theatre community including PICA, Portland Playhouse, and Artists Repertory Theatre
STUDY ABROAD
•British American Drama Academy (BADA) in London
•National Theatre Institute at the Moscow Art Theatre School
FACILITIES
•Performing Arts Building (opened 2013) — shared with Music and Dance departments
•Earth Advantage certified with eco-roof, solar panels, and on-site stormwater management
•Scene shop, costume shop, design studio, performance laboratory, and multimedia lab
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Deadlines
Early Decision INov 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 15, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Good to Know
APPLICATION PLATFORMS
•Apply via Common App or Coalition Application (Scoir) — neither is favored
•Reed writing supplement required (up to 500 words)
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Test-optional — SAT/ACT scores neither required nor used
•Two teacher evaluations required (from different academic disciplines)
•Students may apply Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action, or Regular Decision
•Early Decision is binding — applicants are twice as likely to gain admission
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Students declare their major after enrolling — no pre-admission to the theatre program
•Theatre minor also available (five courses)
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition, prescreen, or interview required for admission
•Students apply to Reed College and declare their major after enrolling
•All productions and most classes are open to both majors and non-majors
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
4.01
Avg GPA (W)
27%
Admit Rate
78%
Grad Rate
1,407
Enrollment
$62,927
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,020
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$39,951
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$19,418
Family Income $30k - $48k$25,846
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,080
Family Income $75k - $110k$28,552
Family Income $110k+$53,463
