Overview

The Theater BFA at George Mason University provides students with a professional foundation through rigorous, concentrated, and highly individualised training. This programme is designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the performing arts profession or for further study at the graduate level.

Why Theater at George Mason University?

Students at George Mason University benefit from a comprehensive conservatory-style environment within a major research institution. The School of Theater offers five distinct concentrations, allowing learners to specialise in areas such as Design for Stage and Screen, Musical Theater Performance, or Sound Engineering. The curriculum balances historical context with practical application, ensuring students develop both technical mastery and critical thinking skills.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 39312 per year
National fee: USD 39312 per year
Local fee: USD 14316 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is built upon a robust core of dramatic theory and production practice. Modules may include:

Global Theater Histories
Acting
Theatrical Design
Directing
Script Analysis
Dramatic Theory and Criticism
Production Practicum
Text in Production
American Voices

Careers with Theater

Graduates are prepared for a diverse range of roles within the global entertainment and education sectors. The programme's specialised concentrations lead to careers in professional acting, stage management, and theatrical design for both stage and screen. Additionally, the dedicated education track qualifies graduates for roles in theater arts instruction within primary and secondary school settings. Alumni also find opportunities in sound engineering, event technical production, and musical theater performance.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Greeks to Restoration

Romanticism to Present

Theatrical Construction Practicum

Stage Management

Acting

Production
Voice and Speech

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Freshman Priority Application Deadline (for Spring Semester) October 1
Regular Decision Deadline(for Fall Semester) February 1

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 1331 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed online application and application fee. Mason accepts the Common Application and George Mason University’s Undergraduate Application for Admission.

Certified official, original transcripts from all secondary schools as well as official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken. A certified English translation must be submitted for any documents not already in English.

Official scores from SAT or ACT. International students have the option to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application or apply Score Optional.

Secondary School Report (PDF) and counselor recommendations. We suggest sending two (2) letters of recommendation, one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher.

An optional, but strongly encouraged Personal Statement or Essay of approximately 250 words explaining to the Office of Admissions why YOU want to attend university study.

Resume for any applicant with gaps in enrollment.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

39312 USD / year

≈ 39312 USD / year
Out-of-State

39312 USD / year

≈ 39312 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14316 USD / year

≈ 14316 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Theater.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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