Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Gateway Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING APPROACH
•Intensive, conservatory-style training for actors and performers pursuing professional careers
•Sequenced coursework in acting, movement, and voice and speech
•Wide variety of elective courses including Auditioning, Business of Acting, Shakespeare, Voiceover, Film Acting, Musical Theatre, Commedia dell'arte, Masks, Accents and Dialects, and Dance
•Students tailor training to their own interests through elective selection
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Part of the Oregon Center for the Arts — designated Center of Excellence by Oregon Public Universities
•Longest-standing OPU institution to offer the pre-professional BFA in Theatre
INDUSTRY ACCESS
•Located in Ashland, OR — home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
•Students who complete the Performance Concentration are eligible to audition for the OSF acting internship program
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Kasey Mahaffy — actor, Modern Family (BFA Performance 2001)
•Devin White — MFA at Yale School of Drama (BFA Performance 2016)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityFeb 1, 2026
Rolling
Fee
$50
Fee deferral available for qualified individuals
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply directly through the SOU admissions website
•No separate department application or audition portal required
ENROLLMENT
•Rolling admissions with priority deadline of February 1 for fall term
•BFA concentration selection occurs after earning at least 74 credits
•Retention dependent on academic performance and continued talent development as evaluated by faculty
What's The Process
ADMISSION TO SOU
•No audition required for initial admission to the Theatre program
•Apply to SOU and select Theatre as your major
PERFORMANCE CONCENTRATION ADMISSION
•Admission is by internal audition only — not part of university application
•Limited to enrolled Theatre majors who have completed Introduction to Acting and other foundational first-year courses
•Specialization begins after sophomore year (74+ credits earned)
•Requires an additional 57-65 credits beyond the core Theatre degree
CONTACT
•Gretchen Kirkpatrick, Theatre Administrative Program Assistant
•541.552.6346 | kirkpatrg@sou.edu
Scholarship Info
DEPARTMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS
•Over $160,000 annually in music and arts scholarships available through the Oregon Center for the Arts
•Many scholarships are awarded for 4 years
•Apply through the Southern Oregon Scholarship Application by March 15
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:25 AM
TRAINING APPROACH
•Intensive, conservatory-style training for actors and performers pursuing professional careers
•Sequenced coursework in acting, movement, and voice and speech
•Wide variety of elective courses including Auditioning, Business of Acting, Shakespeare, Voiceover, Film Acting, Musical Theatre, Commedia dell'arte, Masks, Accents and Dialects, and Dance
•Students tailor training to their own interests through elective selection
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Part of the Oregon Center for the Arts — designated Center of Excellence by Oregon Public Universities
•Longest-standing OPU institution to offer the pre-professional BFA in Theatre
INDUSTRY ACCESS
•Located in Ashland, OR — home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
•Students who complete the Performance Concentration are eligible to audition for the OSF acting internship program
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Kasey Mahaffy — actor, Modern Family (BFA Performance 2001)
•Devin White — MFA at Yale School of Drama (BFA Performance 2016)
Updated Mar 24, 12:25 AM
Academic School Information
3.18
Avg GPA (W)
89%
Admit Rate
43%
Grad Rate
2,751
Enrollment
$49,175
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$12,762
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$31,887
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,732
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$11,830
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,466
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,813
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,415
Family Income $110k+$24,181
