Overview

Our major in Contemporary Theatre Studies at Shepherd University is focused on the art of theatre-making in an ever-changing field and prepares students for success by promoting a content-rich curriculum steeped in practical application, experience, and exposure.

Shepherd University offers an exciting variety of theater opportunities, including intensive classroom study, theory and practical application, and experience in theater productions both on and off the stage. Shepherd leverages its partnership with the Contemporary American Theater Festival to provide a unique theatrical education geared toward training the next generation of American theater artists. We are proud to promote anti-racist, pro-feminist, queer-affirming coursework and productions, and welcome all those who are dedicated to the creation and promotion of American Theatre to train with us.

The CTS program is designed to assist theatre lovers in finding their path as future artmakers. With the realization that successful theatre artists are multifaceted, flexible, and infinitely creative beings, the CTS program is designed to introduce all students to many areas in the theatre field. Through a series of mentor evaluations and end-of-semester dialogues, Shepherd faculty and staff, aided by Contemporary American Theatre Festival staff, guide theatre majors to focus on both primary and secondary areas within the field. (For example, a student may realize they are predominately a playwright, and also an actor; majors might discover they are a director with a passion for lighting design; others may declare that acting is their major focus, and arts management is a strong secondary focus, etc.)

Because the CTS program is committed to providing practical and equitable experiences for those dedicated to the art form, there are no auditions required for acceptance into the theatre program. We recognize that very few students who enter collegiate theatre programs know the full scope of their talents and potential, and we are committed to practical equity when working with all theatre majors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Contemporary Theater Context
Acting
Theater Technology
Script Analysis
Theater Practice
Directing
Acting Studio

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Shepherdstown, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Liberal Arts Drama View 1337 other Bachelors in Drama 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

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the online international application.
Submit your academic record(s).
Freshman applicants should submit their secondary (high school) transcript. Students who have completed college/university coursework should submit all post-secondary transcripts.
For coursework completed outside of the United States, applicants must order an official course-by-course evaluation from any current member of NACES. Evaluations must include a statement of U.S. high school or degree equivalency.
Course descriptions may be required for the award of specific credit.
All non-US citizens/permanent residents must provide proof of English language proficiency for admission.

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

16248 USD / year

≈ 16248 USD / year
Out-of-State

16248 USD / year

≈ 16248 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6904 USD / year

≈ 6904 USD / year

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Contemporary Theatre Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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