Theatre FAQ

If you are admitted in one concentration, there is no switching over. You may apply the following year, as a new applicant. Some of your credits may transfer.

Please see the Application to Two Programs section of the Application and Admissions Policies page.

No musical theatre or design programs are available.

All interviews are scheduled at the discretion of the Admissions Committee; you will be contacted if they would like to arrange one.

In 2012, over 307 prospective students applied to the Theatre Program. Our yearly admission ranges from 50-60 students (16-18 actors, 6 directors, 8-10 playwrights, 8-10 theatre managers/producers, 4-6 stage managers, and 6-8 dramaturgy students).

Please see the Admissions page here for the Creative Materials Requirements for the various concentrations in Theatre.

For Directing, a video is required, but if you do not have one you may instead submit a portfolio of your work.

No, you do not need to have an undergraduate degree in Theatre or to have done professional work. Your application is based on the creative materials submitted, your audition and/or interview.

Each first-year student is required to fulfill crew assignments to support our mainstage productions. In addition, on a concentration-by-concentration basis, students are involved in various classroom productions and/or staged readings throughout the year, as well as in extracurricular work. During the student's third year, thesis productions vary by concentration. Examples of these theses include mainstage productions, staged readings and showcases.

Tuition for the 2012-2013 academic year is here. Please note that this information pertains to the current academic year, and is subject to change for the upcoming year.

Columbia University School of the Arts and Columbia University Student Financial Services work carefully with students to arrange the financing of their degrees. Loan packages, fellowships, scholarships and other options are available for eligible students. It is recommended that any applicant wishing to be considered for financial aid complete all necessary financial aid applications by February 15, 2013. Please see our Financing Your Degree page for information.

Columbia University Apartment Housing consists of a limited number of apartment shares, dormitory-style rooms and a very limited number of one-bedroom, studio and family units for which priority is given to couples and families. This housing is primarily located within walking distance of the campus in the Morningside Heights neighborhood.

Applications for Columbia housing may be made only after a student has been accepted, and are handled by the University Apartment Housing (UAH) Office. Please see the Housing page for more information.

Because of the volume of applicants, generally speaking the faculty will not be able to meet with prospective students; however, we are happy to arrange for you to speak with a current student, who can give you an insider's perspective on the program, as well as on campus life in general and on living in New York. Please email admissions-arts@columbia.edu or call 212-854-2134 to schedule an appointment.

It is not possible for prospective students to sit in on classes. Admitted students, however, can arrange to visit classes.

Theatre Arts Program alumni have formed an extensive network, members of whom run prestigious Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatres; direct and perform in Tony- and other award-winning productions; work in every level of the professional theatre world; and teach, mentor and engage with current students on an ongoing basis. Theatre companies that have been founded by our alums include the Nature Theatre of Oklahoma, PL 115, The TEAM, Electric Pear, Magis, East River Commedia, Ruffled Feathers, and Conni's Avant-Garde Restaurant. Most of our students choose to remain in NYC after graduation, and a few teach in universities and colleges across the country and the world.