Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
•Accelerated BFA program — three years/two summers (eight-semester program)
•First four semesters exploring all aspects of technical production and design
•Final four semesters: specialize in scenic design, lighting design, stage management, or production
TRAINING & GUEST ARTISTS
•Nationally recognized technicians, designers, and guest artists
•Focus on "the business of the business," including career planning and one-on-one mentoring
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Varied, rigorous production schedule with exposure to a wide range of styles and genres
•Two immersive seasons at Okoboji Summer Theatre, a professional summer stock theatre
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Roger Desmond — Broadway staging supervisor/technical director (Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera); NBC live productions
•Karyn Meek — Production Stage Manager (National Disney Tours, Broadway productions)
•G. Benjamin Swope — MFA NYU Tisch; lighting designer (theatre, dance, opera)
•Jacob Sampson — The Old Globe, San Diego (Prop Shop Foreman)
•Brandon PT Davis — MFA UC Irvine; scenic designer (90+ productions)
Key Info
Prescreen Requirements
Wildcard / Special Skill (Optional)
•Tell us a little bit about what inspires you
•Duration: minimum of 30 seconds, maximum of 3 minutes
•Speak directly to the camera
•Does not require professional equipment; cellphone cameras or consumer cameras are fine
•This media can be ANYTHING you want — a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, an instrument you play, etc.
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (required)
PORTFOLIO (required)
•Submit about 15 items of work in several media and techniques
•May provide a PDF, PowerPoint, or a link to your website
•Examples include:
-Drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography or other artwork
-Graphic and drafting skills
-Playbills from productions identifying you as Set Lead/Director, etc.
-Theater design: models, sketches, costume designs, light plots, prompt books, photographs of props, scenery, and costumes
-Digital media documenting sound designs with paperwork (cue sheets, equipment lists, drafting, etc.)
-Scores, original music compositions, evidence of computer literacy
-Craft skills in scenery construction, painting, props, costuming, and lighting
-Created video work and installations
-Documentation of fully realized original work via video, slides, or photographs
-Architectural drawing, textile work, performance art, and video work
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Submit portfolio and materials via Acceptd
•University application via Stephens College online application (free)
PORTFOLIO REQUIRED
•Applications without portfolio automatically considered for Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies BFA
ELIGIBILITY
•Conservatory welcomes artists of all gender identities
•Applications open for Fall 2026 cohort
FINANCIAL AID
•Submit FAFSA to Stephens College (code 002512)
•FAFSA priority filing date: February 1
What's The Process
•PORTFOLIO review is required for the BFA in Technical Theatre and Stage Management
•Applications received without an accompanying portfolio will automatically be considered for the Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies BFA
Scholarship Info
•All applicants are automatically considered for talent award scholarships
•The Promise Program provides up to four years of tuition funding for eligible full-time students whose adjusted family income does not exceed $75,000 annually
Program info updated Mar 23, 12:25 AM
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
•Accelerated BFA program — three years/two summers (eight-semester program)
•First four semesters exploring all aspects of technical production and design
•Final four semesters: specialize in scenic design, lighting design, stage management, or production
TRAINING & GUEST ARTISTS
•Nationally recognized technicians, designers, and guest artists
•Focus on "the business of the business," including career planning and one-on-one mentoring
PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES
•Varied, rigorous production schedule with exposure to a wide range of styles and genres
•Two immersive seasons at Okoboji Summer Theatre, a professional summer stock theatre
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Roger Desmond — Broadway staging supervisor/technical director (Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera); NBC live productions
•Karyn Meek — Production Stage Manager (National Disney Tours, Broadway productions)
•G. Benjamin Swope — MFA NYU Tisch; lighting designer (theatre, dance, opera)
•Jacob Sampson — The Old Globe, San Diego (Prop Shop Foreman)
•Brandon PT Davis — MFA UC Irvine; scenic designer (90+ productions)
Updated Mar 23, 12:25 AM
Academic School Information
3.27
Avg GPA
77%
Admit Rate
45%
Grad Rate
391
Enrollment
$43,071
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$28,300
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$23,459
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$9,918
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,796
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,547
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,644
Family Income $110k+$29,787
