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Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenScholarship AuditionScholarship InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Training

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage shows, a Theatre for Young Audience series, and a Next Stage Series of student-created works

Coursework spans performance, design and production, and theatre history and theory

The 45-credit major includes 10 hours of restricted electives for customization

Professional Development

Career-preparation coursework includes Acting Audition Workshop, Dance Pedagogy, and Performing Arts Career Seminar

Department study-away trips to New York City and London to study theatre

Alumni pursuing graduate training have attended schools including NYU, Florida State, Boston University, and the University of Oregon

Degree Flexibility

Traditional liberal arts degree with a broad theatre foundation

Students pair the major with a minor or second major; common pairings include Film, Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, and Arts Administration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.46

Admit rate

94%

school-wide

Grad rate

56%

Enrollment

12.2K

Earnings

$44K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,276

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$27,000

Before aid

Average net price

$10,990

After aid

Coa · wku.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 5h ago

Program Highlights

Training

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage shows, a Theatre for Young Audience series, and a Next Stage Series of student-created works

Coursework spans performance, design and production, and theatre history and theory

The 45-credit major includes 10 hours of restricted electives for customization

Professional Development

Career-preparation coursework includes Acting Audition Workshop, Dance Pedagogy, and Performing Arts Career Seminar

Department study-away trips to New York City and London to study theatre

Alumni pursuing graduate training have attended schools including NYU, Florida State, Boston University, and the University of Oregon

Degree Flexibility

Traditional liberal arts degree with a broad theatre foundation

Students pair the major with a minor or second major; common pairings include Film, Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, and Arts Administration

Program Highlights

Training

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage shows, a Theatre for Young Audience series, and a Next Stage Series of student-created works

Coursework spans performance, design and production, and theatre history and theory

The 45-credit major includes 10 hours of restricted electives for customization

Professional Development

Career-preparation coursework includes Acting Audition Workshop, Dance Pedagogy, and Performing Arts Career Seminar

Department study-away trips to New York City and London to study theatre

Alumni pursuing graduate training have attended schools including NYU, Florida State, Boston University, and the University of Oregon

Degree Flexibility

Traditional liberal arts degree with a broad theatre foundation

Students pair the major with a minor or second major; common pairings include Film, Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, and Arts Administration

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2026

These Fall 2026 enrollment dates have passed — dates for the next cycle aren't available yet.

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

Application Fee

$50

Deadline

Automatic Academic Scholarship PriorityDec 31, 2025

Regular DecisionRolling

Official page · wku.edu Newstudentsscholarships · wku.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

WKU Admission Deadline (Theatre Scholarship Consideration, Fall 2026 cycle)Feb 15, 2026

Theatre Scholarship Day Registration (Fall 2026 cycle)Feb 19, 2026

Theatre Scholarship Day (WKU Campus)Feb 21, 2026

Video Audition Deadline (Theatre Scholarship, Fall 2026 cycle)Feb 21, 2026

Theatrescholarshipday · wku.edu Newstudentsscholarships · wku.edu

Scholarship Audition and Interview Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Optional audition and interview for scholarship consideration only; they are not required for program admission.

Headshot (Optional)

Bring a headshot to a performance-focused scholarship audition if available

Resume (Optional)

Bring a resume to a scholarship audition or interview if available

Portfolio / Creative Sample (Optional)

Interview applicants may bring examples of theatre work such as scripts, a director’s book, dramaturgical research, production photos, or design and technical work

Newstudentsscholarships · wku.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

December 31: WKU priority deadline for automatic academic scholarship consideration

February 15: Apply and be admitted to WKU for theatre scholarship consideration

Set up a TopDollar Scholarship Source account to receive funds

February 21: Theatre Scholarship Day — auditions and interviews on campus

Enrollment

No separate program application; admission is through the WKU university application

Rolling university admissions

Program Requirements

Minor or second major required

50% of degree hours must be upper-division (300+ level)

Important Notes

The department still publishes Fall 2026 theatre scholarship requirements and dates; the Fall 2027 schedule has not been published

What's The Process

Audition Process

No audition required — admission via university acceptance

Must maintain 2.0 cumulative GPA

Participation in Jury/Portfolio Review process required

Scholarship auditions available but not required for program admission

Theatre Scholarship Day includes workshops and campus tours

Audition and/or interview based on area of interest

Contact

Christopher Gilly-Forrer: christopher.gilly-forrer@wku.edu

Scholarship Info

Jerry E. Baker Foundation Scholarships

$500 to several thousand dollars

Typically split between fall and spring semesters of first year

One-time award; may reapply for current-student scholarships in future years

Potter College Creative Arts Scholarships

$1,000 to several thousand dollars per year

Renewable for 4 years (8 semesters)

Requires 3.0+ cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment

Must complete minimum 9 credit hours yearly in major

In-State Tuition

Students from bordering states qualify for in-state tuition rates

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.46

Admit rate

94%

school-wide

Grad rate

56%

Enrollment

12.2K

Earnings

$44K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,276

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$27,000

Before aid

Average net price

$10,990

After aid

Coa · wku.edu College Scorecard

Training

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage shows, a Theatre for Young Audience series, and a Next Stage Series of student-created works

Coursework spans performance, design and production, and theatre history and theory

The 45-credit major includes 10 hours of restricted electives for customization

Professional Development

Career-preparation coursework includes Acting Audition Workshop, Dance Pedagogy, and Performing Arts Career Seminar

Department study-away trips to New York City and London to study theatre

Alumni pursuing graduate training have attended schools including NYU, Florida State, Boston University, and the University of Oregon

Degree Flexibility

Traditional liberal arts degree with a broad theatre foundation

Students pair the major with a minor or second major; common pairings include Film, Broadcasting, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, and Arts Administration

Updated 5h ago