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Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Contemporary Theater Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program Recognition

Only contemporary theatre studies degree in the country offered by a public university

Part of the Department of Contemporary Art, Communication, and Theater (CACT)

Training

Multifaceted training: students explore acting, directing, playwriting, design, lighting, and arts management

Mentor-guided focus areas help students identify primary and secondary specializations

Exclusive partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), a nationally recognized professional theater festival

CATF internship opportunities each summer during the festival season

Training alongside professional theater artists in a working festival environment

Anti-racist, pro-feminist, queer-affirming coursework and productions

Degree Flexibility

54 credit hours (36 major requirements + 18 restricted electives)

Courses include acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, theater design, and arts management

Capstone project in senior year

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.60

Admit rate

97%

school-wide

Grad rate

51%

Enrollment

2.3K

Earnings

$49K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,758

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,354

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,644

Before aid

Average net price

$11,363

After aid

Cost Of Attendance 2 · shepherd.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Only contemporary theatre studies degree in the country offered by a public university

Part of the Department of Contemporary Art, Communication, and Theater (CACT)

Training

Multifaceted training: students explore acting, directing, playwriting, design, lighting, and arts management

Mentor-guided focus areas help students identify primary and secondary specializations

Exclusive partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), a nationally recognized professional theater festival

CATF internship opportunities each summer during the festival season

Training alongside professional theater artists in a working festival environment

Anti-racist, pro-feminist, queer-affirming coursework and productions

Degree Flexibility

54 credit hours (36 major requirements + 18 restricted electives)

Courses include acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, theater design, and arts management

Capstone project in senior year

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Only contemporary theatre studies degree in the country offered by a public university

Part of the Department of Contemporary Art, Communication, and Theater (CACT)

Training

Multifaceted training: students explore acting, directing, playwriting, design, lighting, and arts management

Mentor-guided focus areas help students identify primary and secondary specializations

Exclusive partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), a nationally recognized professional theater festival

CATF internship opportunities each summer during the festival season

Training alongside professional theater artists in a working festival environment

Anti-racist, pro-feminist, queer-affirming coursework and productions

Degree Flexibility

54 credit hours (36 major requirements + 18 restricted electives)

Courses include acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, theater design, and arts management

Capstone project in senior year

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$50

Deadline

Early ActionNov 15, 2026

International StudentJun 1, 2027

General AdmissionAug 1, 2027

First Time Freshmen · shepherd.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

Scholarship Audition (Session 1)Jan 23, 2027

Scholarship Audition (Session 2)Feb 6, 2027

Scholarship Audition (Session 3)Feb 20, 2027

Audition Information · shepherd.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to Shepherd University via Common App, the online portal, or the 123 application

$45 application fee (fee waivers available)

Test optional

Enrollment

Rolling admissions with Early Action deadline of November 15

Fall and spring enrollment available

The Theater department page says no audition is required for admission and scholarship auditions are optional

Shepherd's shared Music and Theater audition page says prospective Contemporary Theater majors complete an audition or interview; confirm with the department which applies to you

What's The Process

Audition Process

Admission to the Contemporary Theater Studies program is through university acceptance only

No auditions, portfolios, or interviews are required for admission or enrollment as a Theater major

The program is committed to practical equity and believes students should have the opportunity to discover their full range of talents after enrollment

Optional Theater Department auditions for new incoming students entering Fall 2027 are scheduled for Saturday, January 23; Saturday, February 6; and Saturday, February 20

Certain scholarships are only available to students who audition

Audition blocks begin at 9 a.m.; contact Shea-Mikal Green at sgreen16@shepherd.edu to schedule or learn more

Scholarship Info

Scholarship Auditions

Theater Department auditions for new incoming students entering Fall 2027 are scheduled for Saturday, January 23; Saturday, February 6; and Saturday, February 20

Auditions are not required to enroll at Shepherd or as a Theater major, but certain scholarships are only available to students who audition

Audition blocks begin at 9 a.m.; contact Shea-Mikal Green at sgreen16@shepherd.edu to schedule or learn more

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.60

Admit rate

97%

school-wide

Grad rate

51%

Enrollment

2.3K

Earnings

$49K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$9,758

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$20,354

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$30,644

Before aid

Average net price

$11,363

After aid

Cost Of Attendance 2 · shepherd.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Only contemporary theatre studies degree in the country offered by a public university

Part of the Department of Contemporary Art, Communication, and Theater (CACT)

Training

Multifaceted training: students explore acting, directing, playwriting, design, lighting, and arts management

Mentor-guided focus areas help students identify primary and secondary specializations

Exclusive partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF), a nationally recognized professional theater festival

CATF internship opportunities each summer during the festival season

Training alongside professional theater artists in a working festival environment

Anti-racist, pro-feminist, queer-affirming coursework and productions

Degree Flexibility

54 credit hours (36 major requirements + 18 restricted electives)

Courses include acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, theater design, and arts management

Capstone project in senior year

Updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM