Public school12.2K

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

Test-OptionalGreek LifeLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Performing Arts

Theatre

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study AbroadTransfer In Friendly

Training

BFA concentration emphasizing directing and devised theatre

Conservatory-style training within a university environment

50 credit hours of concentrated Theatre study within 74-hour BFA

No minor or second major required

Performance & Productions

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage, Theatre for Young Audience, and student-created series

Student-created Next Stage Series for directing and devising

Opportunities across acting, design, stage management, and dramaturgy

Teaching Assistant roles available

Professional Development

Summer stock at theatres nationwide

College Days weekends at Actors Theatre of Louisville

Trips to London and New York City

FUSE Grant support for research and artistic projects

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 Sep 16, 6:51 PM

Program Highlights

Training

BFA concentration emphasizing directing and devised theatre

Conservatory-style training within a university environment

50 credit hours of concentrated Theatre study within 74-hour BFA

No minor or second major required

Performance & Productions

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage, Theatre for Young Audience, and student-created series

Student-created Next Stage Series for directing and devising

Opportunities across acting, design, stage management, and dramaturgy

Teaching Assistant roles available

Professional Development

Summer stock at theatres nationwide

College Days weekends at Actors Theatre of Louisville

Trips to London and New York City

FUSE Grant support for research and artistic projects

Program Highlights

Training

BFA concentration emphasizing directing and devised theatre

Conservatory-style training within a university environment

50 credit hours of concentrated Theatre study within 74-hour BFA

No minor or second major required

Performance & Productions

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage, Theatre for Young Audience, and student-created series

Student-created Next Stage Series for directing and devising

Opportunities across acting, design, stage management, and dramaturgy

Teaching Assistant roles available

Professional Development

Summer stock at theatres nationwide

College Days weekends at Actors Theatre of Louisville

Trips to London and New York City

FUSE Grant support for research and artistic projects

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

Theatrescholarshipday · wku.edu Newstudentsscholarships · wku.edu

Post-Enrollment 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.

No interview is required for the initial application. The optional scholarship review (interview) is separate from the internal interview gate students complete after enrollment.Gateway source

Resume (Required)

Resume must be brought to the scholarship interview

Portfolio / Creative Sample (Optional)

Portfolio examples may include scripts, a director’s book, dramaturgical research, production photos, or other relevant theatre 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 — live interviews on campus

Enrollment

Fall enrollment only

Students begin Theatre concentration coursework in the first semester

No separate program application portal; the department handles scholarship interviews directly

Admission Pathway

Formal admission is through an internal interview and assigned-play presentation in the 3rd semester

Denied applicants may reapply the following semester

Important Notes

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

Transfer Pathway

BFA Performing Arts enrolls students as seeking-admission pre-majors, then uses an internal audition or interview for full admission; transfer students work with an advisor to determine the application semester.

BFA Audition Policy · wku.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Students enroll as "seeking admission" pre-majors and begin BFA coursework immediately

Interview and presentation on an assigned play for full admission in 3rd semester (2nd for transfers)

Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA required with at least 30 college credits

Must demonstrate exceptional talent, commitment, and professional potential

Scholarship interviews may include a resume and examples of theatre work, if available

Theatre Scholarship Day is February 21, 2026

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

Must maintain full-time enrollment

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

Transfer students not eligible

In-State Tuition

Students from bordering states qualify for in-state tuition rates

Departmental and university scholarships are stackable up to full cost of attendance

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

BFA concentration emphasizing directing and devised theatre

Conservatory-style training within a university environment

50 credit hours of concentrated Theatre study within 74-hour BFA

No minor or second major required

Performance & Productions

15-20 department productions annually, including mainstage, Theatre for Young Audience, and student-created series

Student-created Next Stage Series for directing and devising

Opportunities across acting, design, stage management, and dramaturgy

Teaching Assistant roles available

Professional Development

Summer stock at theatres nationwide

College Days weekends at Actors Theatre of Louisville

Trips to London and New York City

FUSE Grant support for research and artistic projects

Updated Sep 16, 6:51 PM