Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Pre-professional BFA with one-on-one mentorship under a resident Actors' Equity Association Stage Manager
•Four-year intensive curriculum with progressively increasing production responsibilities
•Students stage manage, assistant stage manage, and production assist on nine shows
•Flexible curriculum with 18 credit hours of electives across the university
FACILITIES & TRAINING
•Three theatres with advanced lighting, infrared/color monitor systems, and high-tech cue light systems
•Digital audio and projection systems
•Design studio with 24 CADD workstations
•Fully equipped stage management office
•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional guest artists
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Broadway stage management observation opportunities (Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Rent)
•Full production day with Blue Man Group
•Internships at The Guthrie, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Royal Court (London)
•Alumni at Lincoln Center, The Old Globe Theatre, Norwegian Pearl, Broadway, national tours, and cruise lines
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionDec 15, 2025
RollingJun 1, 2026
Fee
$40Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Auditions
Virtual InterviewNov 15, 2025
Michigan Thespian FestivalDec 12–13, 2025
Illinois HS Theatre FestivalJan 8, 2026
Illinois HS Theatre FestivalJan 10, 2026
Interview Requirements
•Current digital photo
•resume
•Two writing samples (school papers, newspaper articles, research papers, etc.)
•Production paperwork, prompt books, or production books (if available)
•Documents showing organizational/administrative skills and leadership
•Digital portfolio link can be sent to cheryl.bruey@wmich.edu if upload issues
•Dress professionally and comfortably
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Step 1: Submit WMU university application at wmich.edu/apply
•Step 2: Submit theatre application via Acceptd
MULTIPLE PROGRAMS
•You must apply separately for each program you are interested in
•Application fee is only required for the first program — use coupon code 02wmu25 for subsequent applications
•Contact theatre-info@wmich.edu if the Acceptd fee presents a financial hardship
TIMELINE
•Rolling admission — offers possible within two weeks, but most decisions come by March
•Waitlist possible
•Apply to the university before December 15 for maximum scholarship opportunities
What's The Process
INTERVIEW FORMAT
•In-person or virtual with stage management faculty and staff
•In-person: interview with Director of Stage Management, Director of Theatre Arts Management, and Technical Director
•Virtual: interview with Director of Stage Management
•Opportunity to show your work and share your interest in theatre and stage management
INTERVIEW DAY
•Speak with current students
•Tour of facilities (in-person) or virtual Zoom tour
•Parent/guardian Q&A with Department Chair Joan Herrington
Scholarship Info
•Department awards scholarships in stage management and other areas
•Based on academic achievement, experience, accomplishments, and service
•New majors considered via interview; current students compete in March
•Apply at wmich.scholarshipuniverse.com
Program info updated 6 days ago
Academic School Information
3.53
Avg GPA (W)
85%
Admit Rate
In-State Tuition
$15,298
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,098
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,701
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.
