
Western’s School of Stage and Screen offers both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees through five distinctive programs. Whether your passion lies in film production, musical theatre, acting, design, or dance, our programs are designed to help you hone your craft, develop creative thinking, and gain a deeper understanding of the arts.
We are proudly accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and are a member of the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC).
Admission to all programs is competitive and requires an audition or interview. A minimun 2.5 GPA is required for admission and contiuned enrollment.
To spark creativity, facilitate innovation, and cultivate artists who are confident and prepared to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Core Values

Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp the Program
At WCU, storytelling is at the heart of filmmaking. Students gain hands-on experience
                           from script to screen using professional equipment and facilities, including Avid
                           editing suites and on-campus sound stages. Faculty with real-world industry experience
                           guide students through every phase of production.
Highlights
Concentrations:

Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp the Program
Train as a triple-threat performer—singer, dancer, and actor—in a rigorous, conservatory-style
                           program led by Broadway professionals, including award-winning playwright, lyricist,
                           and director Matté O’Brien. As the Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre at Western
                           Carolina University, O’Brien brings a wealth of industry experience and a passion
                           for storytelling to the classroom. His work has been produced internationally and
                           includes collaborations with EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg and productions at renowned
                           venues such as The Goodspeed Opera House and The Royal George Theatre. Under his mentorship,
                           students receive immersive training in performance and technical theatre, preparing
                           them for successful careers on stage or in graduate study. Students receive intensive
                           training in performance and technical theatre, preparing them for careers on stage
                           or in graduate study.
Highlights

Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp the Program
This audition-only program prepares students for careers in both theatre and film.
                           With a dual focus on stage and camera acting, students receive conservatory-style
                           training in performance, movement, voice, and analysis.
Curriculum Includes
4 stage acting courses
4 on-camera acting courses 
Movement, voice, and dialect training
Script and character analysis 
Extensive production experience

Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp the Program
For students passionate about the visual and technical elements of storytelling, this
                           program offers training in lighting, scenic, costume, sound, and properties design.
                           Students work hands-on in productions and develop a professional portfolio.
Highlights
Courses in design, construction, and technology 
Collaborative projects with performance students 
Faculty with professional design and tech experience

Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp the Program
A flexible, interdisciplinary degree for students interested in multiple aspects of
                           theatre and film. The B.A. allows for greater course customization and is ideal for
                           students who want to explore acting, directing, writing, design, and production.
Highlights
Broad-based curriculum
Ideal for double majors or minors 
Emphasis on creative exploration and collaboration

Ìð¹ÏÊÓÆµapp the Program
Focused on Musical Theatre Dance, the minor includes training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern,
                           and Tap, along with coursework in dance history, anatomy, and choreography. Open to
                           all students, the program enhances physical expression, coordination, and performance
                           skills.
Highlights
Expert faculty with professional experience 
Performance and choreography opportunities 
Complements BFA programs, especially Musical Theatre