Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•BA in Theatre with Design & Technology concentration — coursework spans scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and media design
•Fully integrated with the Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT), a LORT D Equity professional theatre — students build, design, and crew alongside working professionals
•Lab Project Series allows students to produce their own original work
FACILITIES
•Three performance venues: Clarence Brown mainstage (574-seat proscenium/thrust), Jenny Boyd Theatre (~300-seat flexible/arena, opened 2025), and Lab Theatre (125-seat black box)
•UT is the only institution in the world with four dedicated light/media labs, including two 1:6 scale media labs for light, sound, and projection integration
•Dedicated model lab for exploring light on scenic models and costume fabric
PRODUCTIONS
•Seven CBT productions per season plus student-produced Lab shows — hands-on crew and design roles available across all venues
PROGRAM DETAILS
•75-100 students majoring or minoring in the BA program at any given time
•Broad liberal arts curriculum with 37-hour major requirement
•Pathway to UT's MFA Design program, which recruits 8 students every other year across four design disciplines
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2026
Regular DecisionDec 15, 2026
Enrollment Confirmation DeadlineMay 1, 2027
Fee
$75Waiver
Good to Know
APPLICATION
•No audition or portfolio review required for admission
•Admission based solely on acceptance to the University of Tennessee
DECLARING THE MAJOR
•Once accepted to UT, declare Theatre as your major at any stage
•Visit the Theatre Department office at 206 McClung Tower or submit the Major/Minor Declaration Form
•Upon declaration, students are assigned a departmental academic advisor based on area of interest
DEADLINES
•Early Action submission deadline: November 1
•Regular Decision submission deadline: December 15
•First-year students who apply by December 15 are automatically considered for institutional scholarships
What's The Process
•No audition or portfolio review required for admission to the BA in Theatre program
•Admission is based solely on acceptance to the University of Tennessee
•Students interested in Design & Technology are encouraged to declare early to begin coursework in the concentration
Scholarship Info
•Joyce Brakebill Theatre Scholarship: non-renewing scholarship for incoming theatre students ranging from $500–$2,000
•Available to high school seniors and transfer students with academic ability, passion for theatre, and experience in performance, design, or technical theatre
•Additional departmental scholarships available to returning students; most theatre students who apply receive some level of financial aid
•Returning student scholarship application deadline: March 31 (awards apply to the following academic year)
Program info updated 4d ago
TRAINING
•BA in Theatre with Design & Technology concentration — coursework spans scenic, costume, lighting, sound, and media design
•Fully integrated with the Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT), a LORT D Equity professional theatre — students build, design, and crew alongside working professionals
•Lab Project Series allows students to produce their own original work
FACILITIES
•Three performance venues: Clarence Brown mainstage (574-seat proscenium/thrust), Jenny Boyd Theatre (~300-seat flexible/arena, opened 2025), and Lab Theatre (125-seat black box)
•UT is the only institution in the world with four dedicated light/media labs, including two 1:6 scale media labs for light, sound, and projection integration
•Dedicated model lab for exploring light on scenic models and costume fabric
PRODUCTIONS
•Seven CBT productions per season plus student-produced Lab shows — hands-on crew and design roles available across all venues
PROGRAM DETAILS
•75-100 students majoring or minoring in the BA program at any given time
•Broad liberal arts curriculum with 37-hour major requirement
•Pathway to UT's MFA Design program, which recruits 8 students every other year across four design disciplines
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
4.17
Avg GPA (W)
42%
Admit Rate
74%
Grad Rate
30,418
Enrollment
$60,249
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,812
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$33,256
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,976
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$10,029
Family Income $30k - $48k$12,162
Family Income $48k - $75k$18,206
Family Income $75k - $110k$23,627
Family Income $110k+$25,688
