Vanderbilt University
Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Four-show season with all roles filled by students — acting, directing, and backstage
•Neely Auditorium: flexible black box with proscenium, thrust, and arena configurations
•Qualified students may earn the opportunity to direct a main-stage production
•Guest artists and alumni regularly contribute to productions and classes
STUDENT LIFE
•Free tickets to Nashville professional theatre productions
•Career development workshops and alumni networking events
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•30 credit hours — allows double major in another department
•London Maymester course experiencing professional theatrical performances
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Delbert Mann (BA '41) — Oscar-winning director of Marty, president of the Directors Guild of America
•Kim Dickens — actor known for Deadwood, Fear the Walking Dead, and Gone Girl; made her stage debut at Vanderbilt
•Matt Russell (BA '11) — performer in Shakespeare in the Park's Much Ado About Nothing
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atQuestBridge
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 1, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 1, 2026
Fee
$50Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
Early Decision INov 1, 2025
Merit Scholarship DeadlineDec 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 1, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 1, 2026
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to Vanderbilt via Common App, Coalition App, or QuestBridge
•No supplemental theatre application or audition materials required
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Major is declared after enrollment — not selected during the admissions process
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition or portfolio required for admission to the theatre major
•Students are admitted to Vanderbilt through the university application process
•Auditions for productions are open to all enrolled Vanderbilt students
DECLARING THE MAJOR
•Declare during 3rd or 4th semester of residence (typically by spring break of sophomore year)
•Complete the Declaration of Major form and have it signed by your theatre adviser
•Contact: Department of Theatre, Buttrick 003B, (615) 322-8668
Program info updated 2d ago
TRAINING & PRODUCTIONS
•Four-show season with all roles filled by students — acting, directing, and backstage
•Neely Auditorium: flexible black box with proscenium, thrust, and arena configurations
•Qualified students may earn the opportunity to direct a main-stage production
•Guest artists and alumni regularly contribute to productions and classes
STUDENT LIFE
•Free tickets to Nashville professional theatre productions
•Career development workshops and alumni networking events
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•30 credit hours — allows double major in another department
•London Maymester course experiencing professional theatrical performances
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Delbert Mann (BA '41) — Oscar-winning director of Marty, president of the Directors Guild of America
•Kim Dickens — actor known for Deadwood, Fear the Walking Dead, and Gone Girl; made her stage debut at Vanderbilt
•Matt Russell (BA '11) — performer in Shakespeare in the Park's Much Ado About Nothing
Updated 2d ago
Academic School Information
3.89
Avg GPA (W)
6%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
7,208
Enrollment
$91,565
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,498
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,846
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$3,414
Family Income $30k - $48k$1,876
Family Income $48k - $75k$4,498
Family Income $75k - $110k$12,153
Family Income $110k+$45,145
