Prospective Students
Whatever you dream of doing in Theatre we are here to help you realize it. Here at Radford University’s Department of Theatre and Cinema we pride ourselves on being just the right size—big enough to provide many opportunities to practice your craft, yet small enough to give you the close attention Theatre training requires. So, check us out. Explore this site to see what types of shows we do and the classes we offer. Better yet, pay us a visit. Come sit in on a class, attend a performance, and talk to our students. You’ll see why if Theatre is your passion, Radford should be your choice!
Schedule a Visit
The best way to get acquainted with Radford University Theatre’s outstanding academic and production programs is to visit our beautiful campus. Theatre faculty members will help you tailor your visit to attend a class, talk with our current students or see a show. If you would like to schedule a visit contact Rich Dunham, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Cinema, and complete our information request form.
For further information about Radford University contact Admissions.
Entry Interview
Everyone interested in being a Theatre major is asked to complete an Entry Interview, including both new and transfer students. Whether you are most interested in acting, design, directing, technical theatre, theatre history, teaching, or ‘doing it all,’ the Entry Interview is an important beginning to a fulfilling college career. It is not an ‘elimination audition,’ but rather an opportunity to figure out where to start your studies with us, get to know our faculty and speak with current students. It will also help you find the right academic advisor, area of emphasis, and plan of study.
At your Entry Interview on the RU campus, you will meet with theatre faculty members and present examples of your work. Please dress as you would for a job interview and note the following special instructions for these areas of emphasis:
Students especially interested in performance or directing are asked to bring a memorized audition piece.
Students especially interested in theatre design, technical theatre or management are asked to bring a portfolio with samples of your creative work.
If you are a high school senior or a transfer applicant, please start making your plans to complete the admission application and to visit campus. You are welcome to schedule your interview even if you haven’t yet received notification of acceptance.
To help us better serve you, please complete our information request form with any additional comments or concerns.
Entry Interview Dates for Prospective Students
Students who have not taken part in the scholarship interviews will have their entry interviews conducted in the first week of the fall semester. However, if you will be traveling to campus, we can still schedule an entry audition/interview and tour of our facilities during your campus visit by contacting the department chair, Richard Dunham. You can also arrange for virtual interviews/auditions by contacting the chair. Students are encouraged to apply for our freshman scholarships by early February which will involve a campus or virtual audition in mid-February.
Richard Dunham
Chair, Department of Theatre and Cinema
rdunham6@radford.edu
Phone: (540) 831-5012
Apply to Radford University
We are excited that you are considering the Radford University Department of Theatre and Cinema in your college search! Becoming a Highlander starts with the application process.
Funding Your Education
There are many options to explore for financing your Radford University education. In addition to loans and work study there are grants and scholarships available at the university and college level. The Department of Theatre and Cinema offers two incoming student scholarships, The Nancy Necessary Pridemore and GeorgAnne Voland Buck. Students declaring their intention to major in Theatre will be notified of their eligibility for these upon acceptance to the university. Additional theatre scholarships and work study positions are available throughout your four year career at Radford University. To obtain more information about these scholarships, please fill out our information request form.
Your Transition to Radford University
Making the transition to college can be challenging but you won’t find a more welcoming community than Radford University. Upon acceptance, you will receive information about Quest, an orientation program designed to inform you about aspects of campus life such as housing, registering for classes and getting involved. Theatre majors may also choose dorm housing in our Community of Artists’ Living and Learning Community which is housed in Trinkle Hall.
At the beginning of each school year the Department of Theatre hosts a welcoming picnic. This informal affair of food and fun gives you a chance to meet the people you will be studying and working with before classes begin. Other events designed to acclimate you to your Radford University home also take place throughout the opening weeks of the fall semester. Our faculty and students are invested in your success so feel free to ask questions!