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Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CAPrivateCity
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Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required

Program Highlights

TRAINING & CURRICULUM

Coordinated courses in acting, design, theatre history, dramatic literature, technical production, directing, and playwriting
Broad foundation in theatrical practice with flexibility to focus in any area
Senior Project capstone — public presentation in a chosen area (acting, design, directing, playwriting, history, or literature)
All students work closely with faculty and staff mentors

PRODUCTIONS & PERFORMANCE

Four faculty-directed plays per year plus student-directed plays and new works festivals
Guest artists regularly direct, design, and perform alongside students
Stage combat, Shakespeare performance, and acting for camera coursework available
Acting in Musical Theatre course offered in collaboration with the Music Department

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Annual immersion trip to New York City
Teatro Catalina community engagement program
SCU students receive free admission to all department performances

DEGREE FLEXIBILITY

Located in Silicon Valley with proximity to professional arts and tech industries
Many students double-major, combining Theatre Arts with English, Music, Communication, Psychology, or Business
Minors available in Theatre, Dance, Theatre Design and Technology, and Musical Theatre

Key Info

University App

Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early Decision INov 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 7, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 7, 2026
Fee
$75Waiver

Good to Know

APPLICATION DETAILS

Apply via Common App to the College of Arts and Sciences
Declare Theatre Arts as your major or remain undeclared and declare later
$75 non-refundable application fee (fee waivers accepted: Common App, NACAC, College Board)
Test optional — SAT/ACT scores not required

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Official high school transcript (grade 9 through most recent term)
One academic teacher evaluation or counselor recommendation
Secondary School Report
Mid-Year Report (Regular Decision and deferred Early Action applicants only)

ENROLLMENT

Fall and Winter enrollment available
Select the College of Arts and Sciences when applying

What's The Process

ADMISSION PROCESS

No audition or prescreen required for admission
Students are admitted through the university application process

PRODUCTION AUDITIONS

After enrollment, students audition for department productions on a quarterly basis
Audition details sent via email to Majors, Minors, and Enthusiasts mailing list
Contact the Department Manager at thtrdanc@scu.edu to join the mailing list
Program info updated 2 days ago

Academic School Information

3.72
Avg GPA (W)
44%
Admit Rate
88%
Grad Rate
6,235
Enrollment
$109,183
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$59,241
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$50,959
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$36,094
Family Income $30k - $48k$51,894
Family Income $48k - $75k$41,599
Family Income $75k - $110k$30,672
Family Income $110k+$60,212