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.
To spark creativity, facilitate innovation, and cultivate artists who are confident and prepared to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Core Values
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At 糖心Vlog, 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
糖心Vlog 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