University of Mary Washington
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Ranked one of the "Best Schools for Theater" by The Princeton Review
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Performing Arts — 41 credits including core courses and electives
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Production-centered philosophy: students learn theatre by making theatre
•Courses span acting, directing, design, technical production, stage management, playwriting, musical theatre, dance, voice and movement, dramatic literature, arts administration, and more
•Performance venues include Klein Theatre and Studio 115 (student-managed black box)
•All theatre majors must enroll in theatre practicum each semester (except senior project semester)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Significant student employment program in scene shop, costume shop, box office, and management office
•Internship and hiring connections with Williamstown Theatre Festival, New York Theatre Workshop, Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, Ford's Theatre, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre
•Guest artists program brings professional practitioners to campus
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Judge Reinhold — actor known for Beverly Hills Cop, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and The Santa Clause franchises
•Ilona Dulaski ('64) — 50+ year career as actress, singer, and voice-over artist; credits at Signature Theatre, Kennedy Center, and TV's Homicide: Life on the Street
•Desiree Marie Velez — actress with credits including Super Mario Brothers, HBO's Oz, and Matlock
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
•Musical Theatre minor (24 credits) and Arts Administration minor available
•Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society chapter on campus
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Good to Know
APPLICATION OPTIONS
•UMW Application (free) — use code UMW1908 on Common App for fee waiver
•Common Application (fee or approved waiver required)
•Only need to apply once using one of these applications
NOTIFICATION TIMELINE
•Early Decision: mid-December
•Early Action: by January 31
•Regular Decision: by April 1
What's The Process
•No audition required for admission to the BA Theatre program
•Students apply through the standard UMW admissions process
•Once enrolled, students participate in the production program through practicum each semester
Scholarship Info
The Department of Theatre & Dance offers merit-based scholarships to continuing students who are active in the production program. Awards vary in size and criteria.
Program info updated Mar 27, 1:22 PM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Ranked one of the "Best Schools for Theater" by The Princeton Review
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Performing Arts — 41 credits including core courses and electives
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Production-centered philosophy: students learn theatre by making theatre
•Courses span acting, directing, design, technical production, stage management, playwriting, musical theatre, dance, voice and movement, dramatic literature, arts administration, and more
•Performance venues include Klein Theatre and Studio 115 (student-managed black box)
•All theatre majors must enroll in theatre practicum each semester (except senior project semester)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Significant student employment program in scene shop, costume shop, box office, and management office
•Internship and hiring connections with Williamstown Theatre Festival, New York Theatre Workshop, Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, Ford's Theatre, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre
•Guest artists program brings professional practitioners to campus
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Judge Reinhold — actor known for Beverly Hills Cop, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and The Santa Clause franchises
•Ilona Dulaski ('64) — 50+ year career as actress, singer, and voice-over artist; credits at Signature Theatre, Kennedy Center, and TV's Homicide: Life on the Street
•Desiree Marie Velez — actress with credits including Super Mario Brothers, HBO's Oz, and Matlock
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
•Musical Theatre minor (24 credits) and Arts Administration minor available
•Alpha Psi Omega national theatre honor society chapter on campus
Updated Mar 27, 1:22 PM
Academic School Information
3.75
Avg GPA (W)
80%
Admit Rate
67%
Grad Rate
3,566
Enrollment
$60,613
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,640
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,560
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$20,667
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$10,304
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,061
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,477
Family Income $75k - $110k$26,212
Family Income $110k+$30,986
