Vassar College
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Multidisciplinary approach integrating theater-making, theater history, dramatic literature, performance studies, and global theatrical practices
•Theory and practice treated as inseparable — the Experimental Theater functions as a laboratory for bold exploration of form
•Curriculum spans acting, directing, dramaturgy, design, playwriting, stage management, technical theater, movement for actors, and extreme performance
•No required track for graduation — students have significant agency and individual choice in shaping their course of study
CULMINATING WORK
•Senior Project (Drama 390) allows students to pursue significant projects in dramatic literature, theater history, performance studies, acting, directing, design, or playwriting — with a companion research paper required
•In their junior year, students may apply to complete a thesis in production during their senior year
PRODUCTIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
•Productions undertaken by the department are curricular in nature
•Steerman New Play Series supports new work development
•Guest artists program brings professional practitioners to campus
•Vassar College Ticket Fund facilitates attendance at Broadway and regional theatrical performances
FACILITIES & STUDY ABROAD
•Facilities include the Martel Theater, Powerhouse Theater, Streep Studio, and costume and scene shops
•Students who take a Junior Year Abroad in drama may generally count 2 credits as elective credits with pre-approval
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Meryl Streep, Ethan Slater '14, Lilli Cooper '12 (Broadway)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 15, 2025
Financial Aid — Early Decision INov 15, 2025
Financial Aid — Early Decision IIJan 1, 2026
Early Decision IIJan 7, 2026
Fee
$65Waiver
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•No audition or portfolio required for admission — students declare the Drama major after enrolling
•First-year students are not permitted to participate in departmental productions in their first semester
APPLICATION
•Apply to Vassar College via Common App or Coalition App
•No supplemental arts materials required
What's The Process
•No audition is required for admission to Vassar or to the Drama program
•Students declare the Drama major after enrolling at Vassar
•Departmental production auditions (Drama 200) are held for enrolled students; prerequisites are Drama 102 and Drama 103
•Non-majors may take Drama 200 once without prerequisites; thereafter prerequisites must be completed
Program info updated 6 days ago
Academic School Information
4.07
Avg GPA (W)
18%
Admit Rate
91%
Grad Rate
2,430
Enrollment
$71,366
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,805
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$38,182
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$15,964
Family Income $30k - $48k$19,653
Family Income $48k - $75k$25,779
Family Income $75k - $110k$30,066
Family Income $110k+$54,072
