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Western Kentucky University


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Department of Theatre and Dance

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1906 College Heights Blvd. #71086
Bowling Green,Kentucky 42101
270.745.5845
david.young@wku.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Acting

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Musical Theatre

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Theatre Design and Technology

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Theatre

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

Minor in Theatre

Minor in Musical Theatre

Minor in Arts Administration

Minor in Dance


Welcome! We are determined to be a department where you can reach your full potential. We offer a BA in Dance, a BA in Theatre, and a BFA in Performing Arts with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design and Technology, and Theatre. We offer minors in Arts Administration, Dance, Musical Theatre, and Theatre. All of our programs of study are designed to balance theory and practice. We've also brought together a remarkable faculty, diverse and exciting productions, and exceptional facilities so that every component is in place for your success. We'll challenge you, we'll collaborate with you, and we'll care about you.

Notable Alumni Include:

Leo Burmester, Ruby Lewis, Becky Ann Baker, Adam Perry, Monique Ryan, Michael Rosenbaum, Madison Lewis, Darron West, MATT LONG, Debra K. Stevens, Bart Lovins, Scott Denny, Regan Kays, David Myers Gregory


Acceptance Rate:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) has a high acceptance rate of 97%, meaning it's a nearly open admissions school where most applicants are admitted. However, students pursuing B.F.A. in Performing Arts must first be enrolled as "seeking admission" and then formally apply in a subsequent semester, requiring specific criteria.


Faculty Info:

Dr. Julie Lyn Barber, Carrie Barnette, Jeff Beard, Robert Brock, James Brown, Rachel Cato, Amanda Clark, Lusie Cuskey, Dr. Michelle Dvoskin, Donna Freeburn, Jessica Frohling, Michael Frohling, Ellen Glatman, Carol Jordan, Dr. Bill Leonard, Meghen McKinley, Anna Patsfall, Shura Pollatsek, Julie Pride, Renee Purdy, Dr. Amelia Rollings Bigler, Roberto Sifontes, C. Kenneth Stein, Kylene Stephens, Tom Tutino, Dr. David Young.



Related Articles

Tickets Are Now Available for Carbonell Awards Watch Party
by Stephi Wild - November 06, 2025


The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, today reminded local theater fans that tickets are now available for this year’s Carbonell Watch Party in FAU’s Livestream Lounge.

Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party to Ceremony at FAU’s University Theatre
by Stephi Wild - October 31, 2025


The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, today announced that the glittery annual ceremony and after-party at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton is SOLD OUT.

The Carbonell Awards Add Special Watch Party for Sold Out Ceremony
by Team BWW - October 31, 2025


The 48th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, announced that the glittery annual ceremony and after-party at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton is SOLD OUT. The fun, festive, entertainment-packed event is scheduled for Monday November 17, at 7:30 pm.

Student Blog: Student Blog: Starting in a Year of Transition
by Student Blogger: Robin Shepley - October 22, 2025


As the Ball State Department of Theatre and Dance prepares to transition into both a new performing arts center and a new class building, expected to be finished by next fall, our theatre community has to find temporary spaces to hold classes.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SNOOPY!!! is Coming to Bridgetown Musical Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 13, 2025


Bridgetown Musical Theatre is presenting The World According to Snoopy!!! for the holiday season in Portland and Salem. The show will be performed by two separate casts, with performers ages 11 to 18. Learn more!

Michigan Shakespeare Festival to Return in 2026 With Previously Announced Season
by A.A. Cristi - August 04, 2025


The Michigan Shakespeare Festival has announced it will return in 2026 with its previously planned 2025 season, including Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing, and a world premiere adaptation of The Beaux’ Stratagem. A recovery plan is now in place, beginning with a September 27 kickoff event at the Hilberry Gateway in Detroit. Tickets at wsushows.com.

Cal State LA to Present THE JOHN LION NEW PLAYS FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 18, 2025


The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State LA will present the 27th annual John Lion New Plays Festival at the university's State Playhouse. Learn more and see how to attend.

IN THE MIDDLE OF A STORY: A Celebration of Athol Fugard to be Streamed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 17, 2025


BroadwayWorld previously reported that South African playwright, novelist, and actor, Athol Fugard, passed away at age 92. A memorial for the playwright will be streamed. Learn how to tune into the tribute and see more about his life and career.

Contemporary Dance Showcase STAY To Premiere At New York City Fringe Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 14, 2025


Ara Dance Project will present Stay, with choreography by Ashley Taylor, Kevin Vogel, Angela Joy, Natalia Nikitin, and Mackenzie Rawls, and directed by Ashley Taylor. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Playwright Athol Fugard Dies at Age 92
by Stephi Wild - March 10, 2025


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that South African playwright, novelist, and actor, Athol Fugard, has died at age 92. Learn more about him and read the full obituary here.

THE GOOD PERSON OF SETZUAN to be Presented at Cal State LA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 25, 2025


The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State LA will present The Good Person of Setzuan. Bertolt Brecht's modern classic play is translated by Wendy Arons. Learn more and see how to attend.

THE TRICK to Open at Theatre 68 in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 21, 2025


The Trick, written by Joe Praml, and directed by Linnea V. Praml will be presented at Theatre 68 Arts Complex in February. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

THE TRICK Comes to Theatre 68 This Month
by Stephi Wild - January 06, 2025


The Trick is coming to Theatre 68 this month. The play is written by Joe Praml, directed by Linnea V. Praml, and produced by Epiphany Productions and Los Angeles Valley College Department of Theatre and Dance.

Review: SISTER ACT at Texas State University
by Sabrina Wallace - November 27, 2024


Texas State University’s Sister Act was a vibrant celebration of resilience, friendship, and sisterhood. With standout performances, powerful music, and magnetic energy, the show soared uplifting the collective human spirit.

Review: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH at UT Department Of Theatre And Dance
by Sabrina Wallace - November 03, 2024


The UT Department of Theatre and Dance’s delightful adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved children's tale, James and the Giant Peach, provides a whimsical escape into a world where adventure and imagination flourish, leaving audiences with smiles and warm memories. #ATXTheatre




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