cfpca - College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts

If you wish to apply to the Department of Theatre, please follow these steps:

Undergraduate Admission

1. Complete the undergraduate application process. You can also request materials at requestinfo@wayne.edu or by calling 877-WSU-INFO. For more information about admission to WSU, go to The Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
   
   Office of University Admissions
   The Welcome Center
   42 W. Warren
   Wayne State University
   Detroit, MI 48202
   Phone: 313-577-3577 Fax: 313-577-7536
   

Transfer Students
If you wish to transfer into Theatre, follow the steps 1above. During your first semester at Wayne State, your transfer credit will be evaluated. It is important that you contact the Department of Theatre and seek out the advisor for your major. By seeing an advisor right away, you can determine the courses that you will need and may avoid any overlap with courses taken before coming to Wayne State University.

Master Program Admission
For all graduate programs in the Department of Theatre, please follow these steps:

1. Complete an application to the Graduate School. You can find more information and download an application at The Office of Graduate of Admissions. Submit the completed application, official transcripts and application fee as directed.
2. For MFA students in the Department of Theatre: Auditions/interviews are required prior to making application to the university. Call the Department of Theatre at (313) 577-3508 for audition/interview dates and locations. Candidates for the acting program must have at least a minor in Theatre or the equivalent (24 hours in Theatre) and are required to audition in person.
3. International students only: Most international students are required to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). For more information about requirements for international students, go to The Office of International Students and Scholars or direct your questions to:
   
   Office of International Students and Scholars
   416 Welcome Center
   42 W. Warren
   Wayne State University
   Detroit, MI 48202
   Phone: 313-577-3422 Fax: 313-577-2962

PhD Program Admission
Admission to the  PhD program is contingent on admission to The Graduate School. As a rule, an MA or MFA is required. However, students with non-credit conservatory training will be considered if they are prepared to spend a fourth year in the program to accumulate the necessary graduate credits beyond the BA degree. Part-time PhD students are also accepted, although production opportunities may be different for them accordingly.  

You must also satisfy the following department criteria:

• Undergraduate degree in theatre or related field
• MA degree, preferably in theatre or related field, with a minimum 3.3 (B = 3.0) grade point average. Students with an MFA are eligible if they meet PhD admission requirements, including evidence of written scholarly accomplishment and directing ability.
• Evidence of ability to write and speak effectively
• Experience in directing for the stage 

Your application file should include:

• WSU Graduate School Application, including application fee. For more information visit The Office of Graduate Admissions.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Graduate Record Examination scores. (Low GRE scores may be grounds for denial of admission to the program.)
• At least three letters of recommendation from individuals in academic and/or professional theatre addressing the applicant's academic and directing talent and promise
• A scholarly paper of at least 2,000 words or a thesis demonstrating satisfactory research and writing ability
• A Statement of Goals (100-250 words)
• Reviews and other documentation of directing experience

Deadline for applications is March 1, and admission decisions are usually made by mid-March. Applications are accepted, however, until all openings are filled.  

Send all application materials directly to:

Professor James Thomas
Ph.D. Program/Graduate Adviser
Department of Theatre
Wayne State University
4841 Cass Avenue, Suite 3225
Detroit , Michigan , 48202
313-577-3511