Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionNo InterviewUltra-Selective12-24 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Liberal arts education combined with practical exploration of performance
•Emphasis on experimentation and collaboration in an "educational and artistic laboratory"
•Engagement with both scripted and devised work
•Students involved in all aspects of production — acting, design, directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy
FACULTY & MENTORSHIP
•Guest professional theater artists serve as teachers, collaborators, and mentors
•Courses span acting, voice, set design, sound design, playwriting, dramaturgy, and theater history
•Many introductory courses require no prerequisites, welcoming first-year students
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Course Major (9 credits), Course Minor (6 credits), Honors Major, and Honors Minor options
•Written and oral comprehensive exams required for Course Majors in senior year
•Honors students undertake additional thesis projects arranged individually with advisors
PRODUCTION & PERFORMANCE
•Annual department productions and Cooper Series performances
•Guest artist collaborations and student-run theater opportunities
•Located in the Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Gail Lerner '92 — Emmy-nominated writer/producer ("Will & Grace," "black-ish")
•Jessica Cannizzaro '12 — originated role in off-Broadway "Puffs"
•Nell Bang-Jensen '11 — Artistic Director, Theatre Horizon
•Jessie Bear '09 — playwright, producer; co-founder This is Not A Theatre Company
•Kari Olmon '13 — Associate Artistic Director, Page 73 NYC
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Fall Early DecisionNov 15, 2025
Winter Early DecisionJan 4, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 4, 2026
TransferApr 1, 2026
Fee
$60Waiver
Submission Requirements
THEATER ART SUPPLEMENT (optional)
•ONE-PAGE STATEMENT about the process of creating a performance you were involved in
-Discuss how and why the rehearsal process succeeded and/or failed in fostering a creative and collaborative experience
-You may compare and contrast two projects if preferred
•OPTIONAL VIDEO OR IMAGES of your work (video max 5 minutes)
-Video via YouTube or Vimeo (must be public)
-Media is considered in addition to the statement — a statement is required for the supplement to be reviewed
•Submit via Swarthmore Applicant Portal after submitting admissions application
•Free of charge — no additional fee
Good to Know
APPLICATION OPTIONS
•Apply via Common App, Coalition on Scoir, or QuestBridge
•$60 application fee (fee waivers available through SwatPass)
•Submit only one application per cycle
ART SUPPLEMENTS
•Submit creative supplements free of charge through Swarthmore portal
•Accepted in creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual arts
•Portal opens mid-October after application submission
OPTIONAL MATERIALS
•Optional admissions interview available
•Optional video response can be recorded in applicant portal
•Resumes, research abstracts, and portfolios can be uploaded in portal
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Maximum of 3 total applications to Swarthmore (including first-year and transfer)
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition required for admission to the BA Theatre program
•Admission is through the college's general admissions process
THEATER ART SUPPLEMENT
•Optional theater supplement reviewed by faculty — not guaranteed to be evaluated
•Statement is required for any media submission to be considered
•Submit through Swarthmore Applicant Portal after application submission
Program info updated Mar 28, 2:28 PM
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Liberal arts education combined with practical exploration of performance
•Emphasis on experimentation and collaboration in an "educational and artistic laboratory"
•Engagement with both scripted and devised work
•Students involved in all aspects of production — acting, design, directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy
FACULTY & MENTORSHIP
•Guest professional theater artists serve as teachers, collaborators, and mentors
•Courses span acting, voice, set design, sound design, playwriting, dramaturgy, and theater history
•Many introductory courses require no prerequisites, welcoming first-year students
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Course Major (9 credits), Course Minor (6 credits), Honors Major, and Honors Minor options
•Written and oral comprehensive exams required for Course Majors in senior year
•Honors students undertake additional thesis projects arranged individually with advisors
PRODUCTION & PERFORMANCE
•Annual department productions and Cooper Series performances
•Guest artist collaborations and student-run theater opportunities
•Located in the Lang Performing Arts Center (LPAC)
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Gail Lerner '92 — Emmy-nominated writer/producer ("Will & Grace," "black-ish")
•Jessica Cannizzaro '12 — originated role in off-Broadway "Puffs"
•Nell Bang-Jensen '11 — Artistic Director, Theatre Horizon
•Jessie Bear '09 — playwright, producer; co-founder This is Not A Theatre Company
•Kari Olmon '13 — Associate Artistic Director, Page 73 NYC
Updated Mar 28, 2:28 PM
Academic School Information
4.17
Avg GPA (W)
7%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
1,613
Enrollment
$80,257
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$65,494
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$23,149
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$7,690
Family Income $30k - $48k$4,951
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,444
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,443
Family Income $110k+$47,544
