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School of Stage and Screen

The School of Stage and Screen(SAS) at Western Carolina University is truly a special place to hone your craft.  WCU’s location is a stone’s throw from the Great Smoky Mountains, and situated in a rural but lively hub of small Appalachian towns.  Our beautiful campus is an inspiration to all who study here, and holds a special place in the hearts of all Catamounts.  

The School of Stage and Screen values storytelling as the primary tie that binds us all together, not only as educators and learners, but humanity as a whole.  Our degree programs have different specialities, but all are bound by the profound power of story to change lives.  We value experiential learning and plunge our students into stage and film production from their first semester.  In addition we have an active faculty that are also engaged in producing their craft at WCU and in the professional world.

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Degree Programs, Minors and Concentrations

Students acting in a modern interpretation of Hamlet

BFA in Acting

True to the working life of a crossover actor, this program incorporates course and production work in both stage and film acting techniques utilizing a myriad of classic and contemporary theories and styles.

Students building costumes

BFA in Entertainment Design & Technology

Perfect the art behind the scenes. Students garner hands-on experience in the elements of theatrical and film design and production including lighting, costumes, scenic, properties, sound, and construction. 

Students filming behind the scenes

BFA in Film and Television Production

Storytelling is the essential skill that ties all mediums together and is what the most successful filmmakers have in common. From screenplay through post-production, fiction or non-fiction, we use technology in service of story as students get hands-on experience

Musical Theatre Students

BFA in Musical Theatre

Step onto the professional stage of musical theatre. Learn from world-class faculty in cutting-edge facilities to equip students with the performance and technical foundations needed for a professional career or graduate study.

Students running a soundboard

BA in Stage and Screen

Prepare yourself for a career in both theatre and film. This program gives a holistic, interdisciplinary study of all elements in film production, acting, theatrical design, theatre production, theory, directing, and writing.

Dance Minor

Minor in Dance

Incorporating a mix of Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and Tap techniques, this minor serves theatre majors looking to study more intensively, serious dance minors, or students interested in building strength, coordination, and self-confidence the study of dance.

About the School of Stage and Screen

Admission Requirements and Audition Interview

In addition to applying to WCU, all degree programs in the School of Stage and Screen require a live or remote audition and interview.

Admission to the University does not guarantee admission in to the School of Stage and Screen and each program has specific admittance requirements.

The School of Stage and Screen highly suggests auditioning as early as possible in the academic year to better your chances for admission.

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