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.

🎬B.F.A. in Film & Television Production

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.

We offer concentrations in screenwriting, producing, cinematography and editing, and directing. Throughout your journey, you'll work on collaborative projects with acting, design and business students with a strong emphasis on storytelling, technique and professionalism.

 

 

 

student operating film camera

🎤 B.F.A. in Musical Theatre

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. You'll develop a strong foundation in acting, voice and dance, all while utilizing world-class facilities and faculty. Additionally, dance is offered as a minor to students who are interested in further enhancing their credentials while at WCU.

 

 

 

students performing on stage

🎭 B.F.A. in Theatre: Acting for Stage and Screen

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.

Our curriculum includes four stage acting courses and four on-camera acting course, all while gaining extensive experience in production, script and character analysis.

 

 

 

students working on film set

🎨 B.F.A. in Entertainment Design and Technology

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. You will work collaborativelywith performance students and faculty with professional design and tech experience. 

 

 

 

student working backstage in a theatre

🎥 B.A. in Stage and Screen

About 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. Our broad-based curriculum allows students the opportunity to put emphasis on creative exploration and collaboration.

 

 

 

student working backstage

💃 Dance Minor

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. Our dance program also complements other BFA programs such as Musical Theatre by adding opportunities for performance and choreography experience with expert faculty.

 

 

 

students performing on stage