Overview

The Theatre Arts programme at Western Washington University provides a rigorous liberal arts foundation designed to develop versatile creative professionals. Students explore the vital role of performance in society while mastering the technical and artistic means by which theatre is realised and shared with audiences.

This curriculum is distinguished by its focus on self-generative artistry, incorporating unique elements such as playwriting and collaborative devising. Undergraduates benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring direct mentorship from professional educators rather than graduate assistants. The department fosters an environment where students can lead their own productions, gaining rare hands-on experience in both black box and large-scale mainstage venues.

Why Theatre Arts at Western Washington University?

The institution is recognised for its excellence in devised productions, having received six National Awards from the Kennedy Center. Students have access to exceptional facilities, including the DUG Theater and an 1,100-seat Mainstage Theater, where they can design and stage-manage departmental shows. These practical opportunities are complemented by a robust guest artist programme featuring professionals from Broadway and international companies.

Beyond the classroom, the university maintains strong industry links through an extensive internship programme. Students have secured placements with prestigious organisations such as the Oregon Shakespeare Company, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Tectonic Theatre Project in New York. The department also supports travel to major professional conferences, including the United States Technical Theatre Conference and the American College Theatre Festival.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27690 per year
National fee: USD 27690 per year
Local fee: USD 8523 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Theatre
Acting
Musical Theatre
Dramatic Writing
Educational Theatre
Technical Theatre
Theatre Management
Stage Management
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Scenic Design
Entertainment Design and Technology
Directing
Applied Theatre
Playwriting
Movement

Careers with Theatre Arts

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the professional arts and beyond, benefiting from highly developed skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Alumni have secured positions as performers, production managers, and stage managers with renowned organisations such as Disney, the 5th Avenue Theatre, and various Broadway touring companies.

The degree also serves as a gateway to careers in education, law, and business. Recent graduates have found success as teaching artists at the Seattle Children's Theatre, workshop leaders for Artists Striving to End Poverty, and programme coordinators for youth organisations. Many students also progress to advanced graduate study in specialised fields of performance and design.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Art of the Theatre

Design Communication

Stage Technology

Understanding Plays

Theatre Production: Technology

Play Direction

Theatre History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama Fine Arts View 457 other Bachelors in Fine Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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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

The International Student Application for Admission

$60 non-refundable application fee

An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Official academic credentials

Evidence of English language proficiency

Statement of Financial Responsibility

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

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Out-of-State

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8523 USD / year

≈ 8523 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 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 Theatre Arts.

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

Bellingham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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