Swarthmore College

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Department of Theater

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500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 19081
610.328.8149
admissions@swarthmore.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Minor in Theatre

At Swarthmore, we combine a rigorous liberal arts education with a practical exploration of performance that emphasizes experimentation and collaboration. The Department values engagement with both scripted and devised work, and seeks to involve students in all aspects of production. We continually seek new working relationships between the academy and the professional theater, inviting guest artists to be teachers, collaborators, and mentors for our students. Our department aims to nourish each student's individual talents and aspirations, and encourages students to build connections between theater, other disciplines, their lived experience, and the world at large.

Acceptance Rate:

Swarthmore College, known for its selectivity, has an overall acceptance rate of around 7%.

Faculty Info:

Allen Kuharski, K. Elizabeth Stevens, Matt Saunders, Laila Swanson, Alex Torra.

Avery Deutsch Wins 2025 Neukom Playwriting Award for THE AGE OF MARY
by A.A. Cristi - February 12, 2026

Avery Deutsch's play 'THE AGE OF MARY' has been selected for the 2025 Neukom Playwriting Award, with upcoming workshops and public readings in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Temple Theaters Will Present THE ANASTASIA TRIALS IN THE COURT OF WOMEN
by Nicole Rosky - January 30, 2026

Temple Theaters will stage 'THE ANASTASIA TRIALS IN THE COURT OF WOMEN,' a unique interactive comedy where the audience's verdict decides the fate of the characters. This engaging production, directed by Lynne Innerst, offers a blend of humor and courtroom drama, set against the historical backdrop of the Romanoff family's mystery.

by BWW Awards - December 29, 2025

DANCE NATION By Clare Barron Comes to UCSB
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2025

The Department of Theater and Dance at UC Santa Barbara will present Dance Nation by Pulitzer Prize finalist Clare Barron, a funny and deeply moving play that captures the raw ambition and emotional complexity of adolescence.

Jonathan Berry Will Step Down as Artistic Director of Penobscot Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - March 31, 2025

Penobscot Theatre Company has announced that Artistic Director Jonathan Berry will step down at the conclusion of the 51st Mainstage season. Learn more here!

UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's LAUNCH PAD Kicks Off 20th Year With STRANGE BIRDS
by A.A. Cristi - February 10, 2025

The UCSB Department of Theater/Dance's new-play development program, LAUNCH PAD, will present a preview production of a new play, Strange Birds, written by E. M. Lewis and directed by Artistic Director Risa Brainin.

Spend Your Summer Training at UCLA
by Team BWW - February 06, 2025

Join the UCLA Department of Theater Summer Institutes for a transformative experience that will allow students to expand their creative horizons in every way. Artists will train with world-renowned faculty and build a foundation in their chosen area of study while learning the art of networking.

OPERA America Selects Four Teams for the 2025 Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize
by A.A. Cristi - January 22, 2025

OPERA America will award the Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize to four teams of creative artists. The prize connects these rising artists with producers who can advance their careers.

Northern Stage Will Host 2024/25 New Works Now Festival
by Stephi Wild - December 04, 2024

Northern Stage has announced a fresh and bold line-up of new works for the 2024/25 season. Learn more about the upcoming season lineup and get tickets here!

UCLA Theater Department Chair Michelle Liu Carriger Wins The Barnard Hewitt Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 19, 2024

Michelle Liu Carriger of UCLA's Department of Theater received the Barnard Hewitt Award for her book on theater history, recognized for its innovative approach and meticulous scholarship. Learn more!

Temple Theater to Present THE TEMPEST in December
by Blair Ingenthron - November 11, 2024

Directed by Douglas C. Wager, William Shakespeare's The Tempest will debut at the Tomilson theater this December. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!

Spend Summer 2025 Training at UCLA
by Team BWW - November 07, 2024

Join the UCLA Department of Theater Summer Institutes and Summer Workshops for a transformative experience. Artists will expand their creative horizons through training with world-renowned faculty and build a foundation in their chosen area of study while learning the art of networking.

UCSB Department of Theater/Dance Will Perform THE THREEPENNY OPERA
by Stephi Wild - October 30, 2024

The Department of Theater and Dance at the University of California, Santa Barbara will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s groundbreaking musical, The Threepenny Opera.

UCSB Department Of Theater/Dance to Present Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2024 Fall Season A PLACE FOR US
by Blair Ingenthron - October 25, 2024

Explore Santa Barbara Dance Theater's 2024 Fall Season, 'A Place for Us,' presented by UCSB's Department of Theater/Dance. Discover the innovative performances and creative vision behind this season.

Brown/Trinity Rep Presents FUGITIVE SONGS
by A.A. Cristi - October 24, 2024

Brown/Trinity Rep has announced the presentation of FUGITIVE SONGS, a musical exploring themes of escape and self-discovery.

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