Theatre

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Modes of Study
Blended;In Person

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

  • Tailor the major to your interests and goals: Choose from our tracks including Performance, Design and Technology, or Literature and History.
  • Gain real-world experience with regional, national, or international professional theatre organizations
  • Receive one-on-one mentorship with faculty and staff who are working professionals and artists with connections across the industry.
  • Design, build, and perform in Russell Hall, our 140-seat proscenium theatre where we produce 4 mainstage productions each year.
  • Join our alumni network of professional actors, designers, directors, technicians, educators, and more, who can be found on Broadway, in TV and film, and local and regional theaters.
Students performing Urinetown and waving a red flag.

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.

A group of student actors on stage mid-performance.

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.

Three student performers during the production of Meep Island.

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.

A group of actors in costume pose dramatically on stage.

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.

A student paints a set piece for a play.

Become the theatre-makers of the future

After submitting your application to the University, you’ll be required to either interview or audition.

A rocky river with mountains in the background and, bordered by tree with autumn-colored leaves.

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).

Students work with an instructor to plan out the set design for a performance.

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.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

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.

A sound technician monitors a performance.

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.

The cast of Edwina poses together on stage for a photo call.

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.

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Next Steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.