Program
No PrescreenNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
Interview Required
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
•Design studio with 24 CADD workstations; fully equipped stage management office
•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional guest artists
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Lauren Cavanaugh — Assistant Stage Manager for American Utopia on Broadway; Netflix special The New One
•Alan D. Knight — Production Stage Manager for Jesus Christ Superstar national tour; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Miserables
•Bella Carpio — Assistant Stage Manager for A Bronx Tale national tour
•David Alpert — Associate Director on Broadway; Creative Director for Idina Menzel
•Angie McMahon — Theatre Specialist at Schuler Shook; former Technical Director at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Key Info
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
Audition Requirements
DIGITAL PHOTO
•Current digital photo
RESUME
•Acting/stage management resume
WRITING SAMPLES
•Two writing samples (school papers, newspaper articles, research papers, etc.)
PORTFOLIO MATERIALS (if available)
•Production paperwork, prompt books, or production books
•Documents showing organizational/administrative skills and leadership
•Digital portfolio link can be sent to cheryl.bruey@wmich.edu if upload issues
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 4d ago
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
•Design studio with 24 CADD workstations; fully equipped stage management office
•Masterclasses with nationally recognized professional guest artists
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Lauren Cavanaugh — Assistant Stage Manager for American Utopia on Broadway; Netflix special The New One
•Alan D. Knight — Production Stage Manager for Jesus Christ Superstar national tour; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Les Miserables
•Bella Carpio — Assistant Stage Manager for A Bronx Tale national tour
•David Alpert — Associate Director on Broadway; Creative Director for Idina Menzel
•Angie McMahon — Theatre Specialist at Schuler Shook; former Technical Director at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.53
Avg GPA (W)
85%
Admit Rate
58%
Grad Rate
12,568
Enrollment
$53,562
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$15,252
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,034
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,273
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$5,263
Family Income $30k - $48k$5,734
Family Income $48k - $75k$13,833
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,307
Family Income $110k+$23,625
