Western Carolina University - School of Stage & Screen

Welcome to the School of Stage & Screen at Western Carolina University!

Whether your passion lies in film and TV production, musical theatre, acting, design/tech, dance, or a comprehensive stage and screen education at WCU, we’ll help you develop that passion into your life’s work. At WCU, you’ll immerse yourself in dynamic academic programs that offer a variety of undergraduate degree concentrations and minors. You’ll combine your chosen discipline’s concepts and theories with hands-on experience both inside and outside the classroom through faculty-student collaborations, internships, and cooperative work experiences. Cutting-edge technology and facilities are a hallmark of the WCU experience. Your “classrooms” will include computer labs, shops, a world-class digital TV and recording studio in WCU’s Center for Applied Technology, and a 1,000-seat theatre in the $30M John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. You'll learn from and work with innovative faculty members who bring their unique blend of professional and academic expertise to your studies. A diverse group of creative individuals, their focus is on providing you with the finest learning experiences. WCU Stage & Screen Mainstage Season presents productions throughout the academic year. 

WCU is the westernmost institution of the University of North Carolina System. Recognized as a top adventure college thanks to its proximity to the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, the university continues to grow – especially with the introduction of the NC Promise program; a subsidization from the state of North Carolina that reduces all in-state tuition to $500 per semester and out-of-state tuition to $2,500 per semester. The program only to tuition; housing and other fees still apply. Here’s more information about tuition and fees.

There are 2 application processes, one for Stage and Screen and one application for WCU. Acceptance from one does not mean acceptance to both.

All programs in the School of Stage and Screen are by admission only through audition or interview and are highly competitive. Audition/interview early to give yourself the best chance for admission! By selecting a program in the upper left-hand corner of this screen, you can find additional information about program auditions / interviews.

It's important to note that there are two separate application processes: one for the School of Stage and Screen through this platform and one for WCU. This program requires that you be accepted to both the School of Stage and Screen and WCU. The WCU Scholarship application deadline is February 1st and you can begin applying for scholarships after completing your WCU application process. While you do not need to be admitted to WCU before auditioning/interviewing, you will not be considered for a Stage and Screen scholarship unless you have been admitted to the university.

Applicants may only audition twice per program. There are specific admittance requirements for each of the degrees offered by Stage & Screen.

Come join us—follow your passion!

Questions about the School of Stage and Screen? Please contact sas@email.wcu.edu. 

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.

(Photo Credit to Alex C. Baker)