Full-time tuition
In-state: $8,640;
Out-of-state: $24,300 (30 credit hours per year). See details and other costs
Financial aid
Average award,
in-state: $7,300;
out-of-state: $14,500.
May include scholarships, grants, & work-study. Explore aid
Program duration
Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options
Admissions
No fee to apply. SAT & ACT scores optional. Audition required. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines
Program Highlights
Program requirements
Here, Theatre majors learn by doing. You’ll get hands-on experience in stagecraft including costuming and properties, stage lighting, and scene and sound design, while building a strong foundation in script analysis, management, and directing. Choose to focus on Performance, Design and Technology, or Literature and History.
Find your perfect fit
Whether you’re looking for a career in the performing arts or fields where communication, creativity, teamwork, and collaboration are essential job functions, you’ll develop highly transferable skills you can apply to diverse career paths.
Local arts community
We are deeply involved in the cultural, creative, and artistic life of the greater Portland area through our wide-ranging production season, interdisciplinary collaborations, community and school outreach, and interactive theatre experiences.
Mainstage productions
Our productions represent the culmination of the vital collaboration between students actors, designers, technicians; and our professional faculty and staff. Accompanied by lavish sets and stunning costumes, student actors take the stage in comedies, dramas, musicals, operas, classical plays, and premieres.
Become the theatre-makers of the future
After submitting your application to the University, you’ll be required to either interview or audition.
Do you live in New England?
You may be eligible for a special reduced tuition rate, as part of the New England Regional Student Program (RSP).
Study with working professionals & artists
Our low student-to-faculty ratio means you’ll receive support from highly experienced faculty who are actively involved in guiding our productions. Along with their expertise our faculty maintain a deep network of industry contacts.
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.
Professional theatre companies
We match students with opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally for a required internship. Additionally, we mentor students during service-learning and volunteer work – all to increase hands-on learning.
Our performance venues
Russell Hall boasts a fully operating scenic shop and prop stock, full inventory of lighting and projection equipment, make-up and dressing rooms, and extensive costume shop and collection. You’ll also have opportunities to self-produce in our 50-seat black box theatre.