Skip to main content

ActingMajor

Our program combines an intensive conservatory experience with the campus life of a major land-grant university. You’ll perform on our mainstage and in our laboratory theatre, and train with renowned faculty and guest artists (including Academy and Tony Award nominees).

By the numbers15

Number of productions in which a typical BFA student performs

Overview

What is Acting at WVU like?

Description

Our competitive program is considered one of the best university acting programs in the country because of the intensive class time devoted to acting training.

Our faculty are working professionals who understand the needs of the actor. They’ll help you build a foundation in dramatic theory, text analysis, theatre history, dramatic literature, directing and other industry essentials.

Typical BFA students perform in as many as 15 productions in their time at WVU. BFA acting students are the core of the casting pool for five to six mainstage productions, as well as up to 20 workshop and second stage productions per year.

Upon graduation, students either enter into the profession immediately or are admitted to a high caliber, graduate training program.

All interested students must apply to the University and audition for the School of Theatre and Dance for acceptance.

Acting program highlights:

Living-Learning Communities
Research/Academic Opportunities

At a Glance

Admission Requirements
Careers and Employers
Cost and Aid
Courses and Plan of Study
Fast Facts
Related Majors and Minors
Related Pathways

College/School:
College of Creative Arts
Division:
School of Theatre and Dance
Department:
Degree Designation:
BFA
Degree Program:
Theatre
Program:
Acting

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Apply Now Request Info Virtual Tour Visit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Acting at WVU unique?

Academic
Accreditation
Outcomes
Facility
Financial Support
Go First
Other

A typical BFA student performs in as many as 15 productions.
Acting students are the core of the casting pool for five to six mainstage productions, as well as up to 20 workshop and second stage productions per year.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Students prepare as performers and entrepreneurs. Alumni have founded theatre companies, written and starred in their own films and web series and are dedicated to introducing new voices and concepts into their mediums.
The Creative Consultants program pairs students with successful alums for mentorship.
The Creative Arts Center's five theatres of varied sizes and setups provide diverse atmospheres for learning.
Grants available for educational travel and research opportunities.
Student works started in the WVU Lab Theatre have carried on to the New York Musical Theatre Festival and beyond.
The NYC Showcase puts students in front of those in the theatre and entertainment industry and serves as a networking opportunity to connect with WVU alumni already established in the theatre and film industries.
West Virginia Public Theatre, a professional theatre operated through the College of Creative Arts, uses talents of both equity actors and our students.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The Evansdale Library is just a short walk from the Creative Arts Center and houses a script collection. You can access industry-specific journals and magazines to stay current on what is happening and what is about to happen in the world of theatre.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Actors Equity Association

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Our faculty members are working professionals who understand the needs of the actor and are dedicated to preparing students to work in the profession. Graduates either enter the profession immediately or are admitted to a high-caliber graduate training program. Graduates have found work with Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre companies.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Acting major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Bright Outlook
Green Occupation
Requires a Graduate Degree

Actors

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Possible job titles for this career include: Actor.
NAMedian Salary

Learn More
Producers and Directors

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Possible job titles for this career include: News Producer.
$85,320Median Salary

Learn More
Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
Possible job titles for this career include: Artistic Director.
$85,320Median Salary

Learn More

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Acting at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Acting major.

View the Plan of Study

Popular Courses

THET 160:
Theatre Fundamentals

An examination of basic theatre concepts, the roles of practitioners in the production process, and an analysis of scripts in light of major theoretical and critical movements.

THET 344:
Acting Studio

The purpose of studio is to reexamine basic acting principles and introduce advanced techniques in characterization, personalization, and given circumstances through exercises, monologue work, and intensive scene study coordinated with rehearsal and performance in THET 345.

Cost and Aid

How much does Acting at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Acting can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Acting at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Acting major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

Theatre
The BA Theatre program allows you to explore and customize your education to include a more multidisciplinary approach to theatre studies, including performance, design and technology, dramaturgy and playwriting.

Learn More

What minors could I consider?

Theatre
Minor

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Visual and Performing Arts
Expand your expertise and turn your talent in visual arts, dance, music or theatre into a rewarding career.

Learn More

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Request Information

Want to know more about Acting at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

Virtual Tour Visit WVU

Information for

Interested in talking to someone about WVU?

Connect with Your Admissions Counselor

Schedule a Call with a Student Ambassador

Contact WVU Admissions