Programs
Western鈥檚 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.
Mission Statement
To spark creativity, facilitate innovation, and cultivate artists who are confident and prepared to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Core Values
- Storytelling transforms both the audience and the artist.
- Students learn from experienced, working professionals.
- Immersive, mentored environments foster hands-on learning.
- Technique and industry standards are essential to artistry.
- Historical, social, and cultural awareness is vital.
- We celebrate diversity in people, perspectives, and art.
Values:
- We believe in the power of storytelling to transform both the audience and the artist.
- We surround our students with practitioners who are devoted to their disciplines and have real-world experience as artists.
- We encourage our students to possess an understanding of the comprehensive process in an immersive mentored environment where students learn by doing.
- We place a strong emphasis on technique and industry standards and their vital role in serving the artistic process.
- We believe students should be cognizant of the historical, social, and cultural contexts of the art form.
- We celebrate diverse people, perspectives, and cultural influences.
The following undergraduate degrees are offered at WCU鈥檚 School of Stage and Screen
馃幀B.F.A. in Film & Television Production
About 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
- Collaborative projects with acting, design, and business students
- Strong emphasis on story, technique, and professionalism
Concentrations:
- Screenwriting
- Producing
- Cinematography & Editing
- Directing
馃帳 B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
About the Program
Train as a triple-threat performer鈥攕inger, dancer, and actor鈥攊n a rigorous, conservatory-style
program led by Broadway professionals, including award-winning playwright, lyricist,
and director Matt茅 O鈥橞rien. As the Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre at Western
Carolina University, O鈥橞rien 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
- World-class faculty and facilities
- Strong foundation in acting, voice, and dance
- Optional Dance Minor available
馃幁 B.F.A. in Theatre: Acting for Stage and Screen
About 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
馃帹 B.F.A. in Entertainment Design and Technology
About 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
馃帴 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.
Highlights
Broad-based curriculum
Ideal for double majors or minors
Emphasis on creative exploration and collaboration
馃拑 Dance Minor
About 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
