Undergraduate Theatre Programs
Questions about the application process for all Theatre undergraduate degrees can be directed to: Shannon Ritter, Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator, shannon@psu.edu
Transfer Students: If you have 34 or more credits, please contact Shannon Ritter, Admissions and Recruitement Coordinator, shannon@psu.edu before applying.
Do you need an application fee waiver? See the Fee Waiver section on the "How to Apply" main page.
B.A. in Theatre
2023–2024 Interview Dates
January 20, 2024 – VIRTUAL
February 10, 2024 – UNIVERSITY PARK
February 17, 2024 – VIRTUAL
The Theatre Studies BA is a small, competitive program for students interested in playwriting, directing, dramaturgy, performance, devising, and scholarship. We prepare students to write, devise, direct, and produce their own performance works. Some of our recent graduates have gone on to graduate programs in theatre history and producing, while others work in casting, marketing, arts administration, dramaturgy, teaching, and applied theatre.
The School of Theatre offers a BA in Theatre Studies and a BFA in Theatre. The BA in theatre studies is a liberal arts program, pairing well with a double major and/or a variety of minors. Students interested in a pre-professional training program in acting, or musical theatre, or design & technology should apply for the appropriate program within the Penn State BFA degree.
Incoming First Year and Transfer Students:
Apply for admission online through the Common Application, the Coalition Application or Penn State’s own application at admissions.psu.edu.
To receive maximum consideration for all forms of financial aid, students are strongly encouraged to complete their academic application by November 30. The final deadline to apply and submit materials is February 1, 2024.
Transfer Students
If you have 34 or more credits, please contact Shannon Ritter, Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator, shannon@psu.edu before applying.
In addition to completing the Penn State undergraduate application process, students applying for the BA in Theatre as first year or transfer students must submit the following via digital upload via the GetAcceptd website.
- A one-page resume of theatre and/or non-theatre work and activities
- A 500-word statement. The BA offers a holistic study of theatre arts. In your statement, please address why you are interested in the BA program, and how it might support your interests as an artist and/or scholar.
- ONE of the following
- Original play of at least 30 minutes in length
- Performance review of 500-1000 words responding to a live or recorded show you have seen
- Scholarly essay of 1000-2000 words on some aspect of theatre history
- Recording of 4-6 minutes of a scene you directed
- Recording of a 3-4 minute solo devised performance
- Performance reel (6-8 minutes)
- Dramaturgy packet or portfolio that you wrote (or co-wrote) and assembled for a show
- Design or Technology Portfolio
- Contact information for one academic reference, preferably someone who is familiar with your creative and/or academic writing
- A photo of yourself (not a professional headshot) is optional
After submitting your materials, you will be invited to schedule an interview on our University Park campus, or virtually.
Submit your prescreen materials via the GetAcceptd website
If you are a Penn State student from any Penn State campus who wishes to change your major to Theatre BA, or add the Theatre BA as a second major, please contact shannon@psu.edu. Interview days for current students are scheduled a few times per year.
B.F.A. in Theatre
2023–2024 Interview Dates
January 13, 2024
February 3 2024
February 24, 2024 – VIRTUAL
- Design + Technology Option – Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Sound Design, Technical Direction
- Stage Management Option
Incoming Freshmen/First-Year Students
Apply for admission online through the Common Application, the Coalition Application or Penn State’s own application at admissions.psu.edu. Priority consideration for freshmen admission to University Park is given to complete applications filed by November 30.
Admission to the B.F.A. program in the Penn State School of Theatre include both a talent review and an academic review by Penn State Undergraduate Admissions. Both must be favorable to gain admission into the program. All students are required to interview to be considered for our program.
To receive maximum consideration for all forms of financial aid, students are strongly encouraged to complete their academic application by November 30. The final deadline to apply and submit materials is March 31 of the intended start year.
Transfer Students
If you have 34 or more credits, please contact Shannon Ritter, Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator, shannon@psu.edu before applying.
Additional Requirements: B.F.A. in Theatre
In addition to completing the Penn State undergraduate application process, students applying for the BFA in Theatre must submit the following via digital upload via the GetAcceptd website.
- Resume
- Contact information for two artistic references
- Stage Management Option: A portfolio of production notes, pictures, paperwork and/or process documentation of productions and projects you’ve participated in that show your stage managing and production experiences
- Design + Technology Option:The Design + Technology option requires a pre-screen. A portfolio that displays your artistic and/or technical abilities is required. After a preliminary review of your portfolio and application materials, successful prospective students will be invited to interview. If you are not selected to interview, you will be notified and contacted by Undergraduate Admissions.
All materials must be submitted via the GetAcceptd website at least three weeks prior to your preferred interview date.
Additional Details: B.F.A. in Theatre, Design + Technology
As indicated on the Acceptd website, Design + Technology option students are required to submit an essay that addresses your choice of the following questions (pick one):
- What inspires you as an artist? You need not limit yourself to your work in theatre; feel free to discuss any area of artistic expression in which you engage.
- Has there been a moment in theatre either as an observer or participant that has changed you? Made you feel a new way? See things in a different light? Write about that moment and discuss how it has affected you.
- Write about your favorite play, book, or movie and explain how did you connect with the story. Discuss if the colors, locations, and textures affected you as a viewer or as an audience member.
- Why do you want to pursue a career in Theatre Design and Technology? Write about your expectations, your plans for the future, and discuss why do you think this path will be a good fit for you.
Graduate Theatre Programs
Questions about the application process for all Theatre graduate degrees can be directed to:
- Head of Costume Design: Richard St. Clair, contact: rhs18@psu.edu
- Head of Costume Technology: Laura Robinson, contact: lkr13@psu.edu
- Head of Scene Design: Dan Robinson, contact: dir2@psu.edu
- Co-Heads of Directing for Musical Theatre: Steve Broadnax III and Rick Lombardo, contact: jcd5665@psu.edu
- Head of Music Directing for Musical Theatre: Richard Carsey, contact: rxc5618@psu.edu
M.F.A. in Theatre
Options: Design + Technology, Music Directing, Directing
Assistantships
Accepted students will be eligible for a graduate assistantship that will cover all tuition plus a stipend. Graduate students in acting and directing may teach Theatre 100 and/or Theatre 102 in addition to other assignments.