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
•All majors complete a full-year course on the sources of world drama and at least two 300-level courses in drama history and theory
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
•Department produces 6–8 productions annually, offering opportunities in acting, directing, stage management, design, dramaturgy, and technical roles
•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
•Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film houses the department's main spaces
•Facilities include the Martel Theater, Powerhouse Theater, Streep Studio (named for alumna Meryl Streep '71), and costume and scene shops with a historical costume collection
•Students who take a Junior Year Abroad in drama may generally count 2 credits as elective credits with pre-approval
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Meryl Streep '71 (Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner), Ethan Slater '14, Lilli Cooper '12 (Broadway)
•Noah Baumbach '91 (Oscar-nominated writer/director), Lisa Kudrow '85 (Emmy-winning actor)
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atQuestBridge
Deadlines
Early Decision INov 15, 2025
Financial Aid — Early Decision INov 15, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 1, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 1, 2026
Fee
$65Waiver
Good to Know
APPLICATION
•Apply to Vassar College via Common App, Coalition App, or QuestBridge
•No supplemental arts materials required — optional "Your Space" creative submission accepted
•Test-optional: applicants choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition or portfolio is required for admission to Vassar or to the Drama program
•Students declare the Drama major after enrolling at Vassar
DEPARTMENTAL PRODUCTIONS
•Production auditions (Drama 200) are held for enrolled students; prerequisites are DRAM 102 and DRAM 103
•Non-majors may take Drama 200 once without prerequisites; thereafter prerequisites must be completed
•First-year students are not permitted to participate in departmental productions in their first semester
Program info updated 4d ago
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
•All majors complete a full-year course on the sources of world drama and at least two 300-level courses in drama history and theory
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
•Department produces 6–8 productions annually, offering opportunities in acting, directing, stage management, design, dramaturgy, and technical roles
•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
•Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film houses the department's main spaces
•Facilities include the Martel Theater, Powerhouse Theater, Streep Studio (named for alumna Meryl Streep '71), and costume and scene shops with a historical costume collection
•Students who take a Junior Year Abroad in drama may generally count 2 credits as elective credits with pre-approval
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Meryl Streep '71 (Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner), Ethan Slater '14, Lilli Cooper '12 (Broadway)
•Noah Baumbach '91 (Oscar-nominated writer/director), Lisa Kudrow '85 (Emmy-winning actor)
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
4.07
Avg GPA (W)
19%
Admit Rate
90%
Grad Rate
2,444
Enrollment
$71,366
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$73,275
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$39,343
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$15,953
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,548
Family Income $48k - $75k$14,126
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,773
Family Income $110k+$56,615
