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Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Theatre Design and Technical Production

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredNo PortfolioUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

12-24 Students

Program Recognition

•Accepts up to 15 students per year — small classes and one-on-one faculty interaction

•Comprehensive curriculum in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound

•Costume design minor available

Notable Alumni

•Robert D. Maverick — Special makeup effects for Star Trek, Dexter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor, Westworld

•Justin Humphres — Associate Scenic Designer for Ain't Too Proud and Summer on Broadway

•Joshua Reid — LA Drama Critics Circle Award; Associate Sound Designer for multiple Broadway productions

•Patricia Nichols — Associate Lighting Designer for Jersey Boys, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays

•Kate Swanborg — Technology Communications Executive at DreamWorks Animation

•Nicholas Davidson — Senior Lighting Designer at Thinkwell Group; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Facilities

•State-of-the-art Design Studio with 24 CADD workstations at custom-designed drafting tables

•On-site scene shop equipped for metal and wood construction; costume shop with dye facilities

•Lighting lab with automated fixtures, digital audio, and projection systems

•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional artists

School Info

Snapshot

3.53

Avg GPA (W)

85%

Admit Rate

school-wide

58%

Grad Rate

12.6K

Enrollment

$54K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,589

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,665

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$37,270

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,273

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program info updated 5d ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Accepts up to 15 students per year — small classes and one-on-one faculty interaction

•Comprehensive curriculum in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound

•Costume design minor available

Notable Alumni

•Robert D. Maverick — Special makeup effects for Star Trek, Dexter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor, Westworld

•Justin Humphres — Associate Scenic Designer for Ain't Too Proud and Summer on Broadway

•Joshua Reid — LA Drama Critics Circle Award; Associate Sound Designer for multiple Broadway productions

•Patricia Nichols — Associate Lighting Designer for Jersey Boys, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays

•Kate Swanborg — Technology Communications Executive at DreamWorks Animation

•Nicholas Davidson — Senior Lighting Designer at Thinkwell Group; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Facilities

•State-of-the-art Design Studio with 24 CADD workstations at custom-designed drafting tables

•On-site scene shop equipped for metal and wood construction; costume shop with dye facilities

•Lighting lab with automated fixtures, digital audio, and projection systems

•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional artists

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

•Accepts up to 15 students per year — small classes and one-on-one faculty interaction

•Comprehensive curriculum in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound

•Costume design minor available

Notable Alumni

•Robert D. Maverick — Special makeup effects for Star Trek, Dexter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor, Westworld

•Justin Humphres — Associate Scenic Designer for Ain't Too Proud and Summer on Broadway

•Joshua Reid — LA Drama Critics Circle Award; Associate Sound Designer for multiple Broadway productions

•Patricia Nichols — Associate Lighting Designer for Jersey Boys, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays

•Kate Swanborg — Technology Communications Executive at DreamWorks Animation

•Nicholas Davidson — Senior Lighting Designer at Thinkwell Group; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Facilities

•State-of-the-art Design Studio with 24 CADD workstations at custom-designed drafting tables

•On-site scene shop equipped for metal and wood construction; costume shop with dye facilities

•Lighting lab with automated fixtures, digital audio, and projection systems

•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional artists

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App· Only option

Fee

$40

Deadline

Early ActionDec 1, 2026

Rolling AdmissionInternational undergraduateJun 1, 2027

Transfer and other undergraduate applicantsAug 15, 2027

Deadlines · wmich.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Recommended (rolling admission)Feb 15, 2027

Auditions

WMU at Detroit School for the ArtsNov 7, 2026

Virtual Interview

Nov 14, 2026Jan 16, 2027

Michigan Thespian FestivalDec 11–12, 2026

Illinois High School Theatre FestivalJan 7–9, 2027

On-Campus Interview

Jan 30, 2027Feb 12, 2027

Design · wmich.edu Theatre · wmich.edu

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.

Resume

•Upload a current resume

Portfolio (Optional)

•Work may include production photos, designs, drafting, graphic projects, carpentry, sewing, crafts, photography, art projects, or schoolwork; a formal portfolio with realized design work is not required

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

•Step 1: Submit WMU university application at wmich.edu/apply

•Step 2: Submit theatre application and supporting materials via Acceptd

•Rolling admission with no hard deadline

•Apply by February 15 to ensure spots remain available

•Apply to the university before December 1 for maximum scholarship opportunities

Admission Pathway

•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

Contact

•Email Kathryn Wagner (kathryn.wagner@wmich.edu) with questions

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

•Interview in person or live virtually with design faculty and staff

•The interview is conversational and provides an opportunity to discuss your work and theatre interests

•If you submit applicable portfolio materials, faculty review them before the interview as discussion preparation; the review is not an advancement round

•A formal portfolio is not required for a successful interview

•Dress professionally and comfortably

•Speak with current students and receive an in-person or virtual facilities tour

•Ask faculty questions about the program

Scholarship Info

•Department awards scholarships in design, technical, and other areas

•Named scholarships include Denison, Gemela Memorial, and Maverick (Michigan high school graduates)

•Based on academic achievement, experience, accomplishments, and service

•New majors considered via interview; current students compete in March

•Apply at wmich.scholarshipuniverse.com

School Info

Snapshot

3.53

Avg GPA (W)

85%

Admit Rate

school-wide

58%

Grad Rate

12.6K

Enrollment

$54K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$16,589

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$20,665

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$37,270

Before aid

Average Net Price

$15,273

After aid

Official source College Scorecard

Program Recognition

•Accepts up to 15 students per year — small classes and one-on-one faculty interaction

•Comprehensive curriculum in scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound

•Costume design minor available

Notable Alumni

•Robert D. Maverick — Special makeup effects for Star Trek, Dexter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Thor, Westworld

•Justin Humphres — Associate Scenic Designer for Ain't Too Proud and Summer on Broadway

•Joshua Reid — LA Drama Critics Circle Award; Associate Sound Designer for multiple Broadway productions

•Patricia Nichols — Associate Lighting Designer for Jersey Boys, Billy Crystal's 700 Sundays

•Kate Swanborg — Technology Communications Executive at DreamWorks Animation

•Nicholas Davidson — Senior Lighting Designer at Thinkwell Group; Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Facilities

•State-of-the-art Design Studio with 24 CADD workstations at custom-designed drafting tables

•On-site scene shop equipped for metal and wood construction; costume shop with dye facilities

•Lighting lab with automated fixtures, digital audio, and projection systems

•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional artists

Updated 5d ago