BA Contemporary Theater Studies at Shepherd University | stageready

Public school2.3K

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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BA Contemporary Theater Studies

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUniversity App Required

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

•58 credit hours (37 major requirements + 21 restricted electives)

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

•Capstone project in senior year

Academic info

Snapshot

3.60

Avg GPA (W)

97%

Admit Rate

school-wide

50%

Grad Rate

2.3K

Enrollment

$49K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$11,363

after typical aid

In-State Tuition

$9,056

before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$19,082

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$7,906

$30-48k$7,753

$48-75k$10,107

$75-110k$14,000

$110k+$15,866

View full data on College Scorecard

Program info updated 5d ago

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

•58 credit hours (37 major requirements + 21 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

•58 credit hours (37 major requirements + 21 restricted electives)

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

•Capstone project in senior year

Key Info

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

Early ActionNov 15, 2026

Regular DecisionRolling

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

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

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

Academic info

Snapshot

3.60

Avg GPA (W)

97%

Admit Rate

school-wide

50%

Grad Rate

2.3K

Enrollment

$49K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

Average Annual Cost

$11,363

after typical aid

In-State Tuition

$9,056

before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$19,082

before aid

Average annual cost reflects the grants and scholarships most students receive.

$0-30k$7,906

$30-48k$7,753

$48-75k$10,107

$75-110k$14,000

$110k+$15,866

View full data on 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

•58 credit hours (37 major requirements + 21 restricted electives)

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

•Capstone project in senior year

Updated 5d ago

Shepherd University

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