Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING APPROACH
•Non-conservatory program within a liberal arts curriculum
•Collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to theater practice
•Rich partnerships between directing, playwriting, producing, design, and stagecraft
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
•Students learn skills to build original theater productions
•Senior capstone project required (e.g., directing a play, devising original work, designing, writing)
•Honors program available for students with 3.3+ GPA (3.5+ in major courses)
STUDENT LIFE
•Multiple student theater groups including Ram's Head, Stanford Shakespeare Company, and Stanford Improvisors
•Performance venues include Pigott Theater, Nitery Theater, and Memorial Auditorium
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Restrictive Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026
Fee
$100Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
REA Application (Arts Portfolio)Oct 15, 2025
REA Portfolio MaterialsOct 20, 2025
RD Application (Arts Portfolio)Dec 5, 2025
RD Portfolio MaterialsDec 10, 2025
Submission Requirements
DIRECTORS
•RESUME of theatrical experience
•DIRECTOR'S PORTFOLIO documenting a fully realized production:
-Pictures of the performance and links to video (if available)
-Blocking script, set/costume/light designs
-Short analytical statement (1-2 pages) about your approach to directing
-Submit as a single PDF with links to external videos
-One production required; multiple productions may be included
DESIGNERS / THEATER TECHNICIANS
•PORTFOLIO of 5-15 images
-May include design sketches, renderings, and photos of realized productions
-Focus on scenery, costumes, or lighting
-Include a brief statement about each image
STAGE MANAGERS
•Examples of prompt book, shift plots, prop lists, and other relevant materials
PLAYWRIGHTS
•ONE PLAY OR SCREENPLAY of any length
•Description of prior experience with reading, watching, and writing plays
•Brief plot summary of the script
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (optional)
•From an arts instructor familiar with your efforts in theater
Good to Know
ARTS PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION
•Select "Yes" to "Do you intend to submit an Arts Portfolio?" in your Common App
•Stanford emails portal access within 48 hours of receiving your application
•Submit the Arts Portfolio form in your Stanford Portal, then upload materials via the provided link
EARLY DEADLINES FOR ARTS PORTFOLIO APPLICANTS
•Arts portfolio applicants must submit Common App earlier than standard deadlines:
-Restrictive Early Action: application by October 15, portfolio by October 20
-Regular Decision: application by December 5, portfolio by December 10
-Transfer: application by March 15, portfolio by March 20
GENERAL NOTES
•Mixed category portfolios are permitted but not recommended
•Submit in the area that best represents your strength and the art form you are most likely to pursue
•Contact: TAPSstudentservices@stanford.edu
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition required — admission is through the Stanford Office of Undergraduate Admission
•Students may declare the TAPS major after enrollment
•The TAPS department does not admit students directly to its program
OPTIONAL ARTS PORTFOLIO
•Students may submit an optional arts portfolio to highlight extraordinary talent
•Portfolio is reviewed at the discretion of the admission office and fine arts faculty
•Submitting a portfolio does not require you to major in the arts
•Not submitting a portfolio does not prevent you from studying or participating in the arts
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:34 AM
TRAINING APPROACH
•Non-conservatory program within a liberal arts curriculum
•Collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to theater practice
•Rich partnerships between directing, playwriting, producing, design, and stagecraft
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
•Students learn skills to build original theater productions
•Senior capstone project required (e.g., directing a play, devising original work, designing, writing)
•Honors program available for students with 3.3+ GPA (3.5+ in major courses)
STUDENT LIFE
•Multiple student theater groups including Ram's Head, Stanford Shakespeare Company, and Stanford Improvisors
•Performance venues include Pigott Theater, Nitery Theater, and Memorial Auditorium
Updated Mar 24, 12:34 AM
Academic School Information
3.94
Avg GPA (W)
4%
Admit Rate
92%
Grad Rate
7,554
Enrollment
$124,080
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$65,910
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$13,807
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-$2,536
Family Income $30k - $48k-$193
Family Income $48k - $75k$3,212
Family Income $75k - $110k$11,092
Family Income $110k+$53,882
