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Western Michigan University

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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

Theatre

Dance

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

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

58%

Enrollment

12.6K

Earnings

$54K

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

Cost Of Attendance · wmich.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 3, 7:43 PM

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 International · wmich.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The audition may be submitted before the university application.

Apply

Acceptd

Deadline

Recommended (rolling admission)Feb 15, 2027

Auditions

Pittsburgh UnifiedsOct 24, 2026

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

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

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

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 (Acceptd's own guidelines list February 7 — sources disagree; confirm the current recommended date with the department)

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 02wmu26 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

Avg GPA (W)

3.53

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

58%

Enrollment

12.6K

Earnings

$54K

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

Cost Of Attendance · wmich.edu 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 Sep 3, 7:43 PM