University of Pennsylvania
LGBTQ+ AffirmingGreek Life
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Ivy League theatre program within Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences
•Interdisciplinary curriculum combining theatrical history, literature, theory, and artistic practice
•13-course major: 7 required courses + 6 electives + production practicum
•No audition required — declare the major after enrolling at Penn
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Faculty-directed productions taught as courses for credit (THAR 3500: Rehearsal and Performance)
•Out of the Dark winter performance festival featuring original student work
•Courses cover acting, directing, design, playwriting, dramatic literature, and performance studies
•Individual attention from faculty of accomplished artists and scholars
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Edinburgh Fringe Festival — majors selected on alternating years to develop and perform a piece in Scotland
•Honors thesis option in practice (acting, directing, design) or scholarly research
•Access to Philadelphia’s vibrant professional theatre scene with outings and visiting artist workshops
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Strong double-major compatibility with English, Cinema and Media Studies, and other fields
•Students from Wharton and School of Engineering can also major in Theatre Arts
•Graduates pursue professional MFA programs, careers in theatre/film, and diverse fields including medicine and law
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 5, 2026
Fee
$75Waiver
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•Apply to Penn through Common App — no separate department application
•Open to all Penn undergraduates across all schools (College, Wharton, Engineering)
•Most Theatre Arts courses and production auditions open to all Penn undergraduates
•Select opportunities prioritized for declared majors or minors
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition or portfolio required
•Admission is through Penn’s university application via Common App
•Students declare the Theatre Arts major after enrolling at Penn
DECLARING THE MAJOR
•Complete the Declare/Update Field of Study Request Form on the Registrar’s website
•Contact the co-director of Theatre Arts to schedule an advisor meeting
•Meet with the Technical and Production Coordinator to discuss the practicum requirement
Program info updated 4 days ago
Academic School Information
3.91
Avg GPA (W)
6%
Admit Rate
96%
Grad Rate
10,768
Enrollment
$111,371
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$66,104
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$31,229
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$1,026
Family Income $30k - $48k$4,759
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,585
Family Income $75k - $110k$29,302
Family Income $110k+$57,603
