Central Washington University

CWU: The stage for your artistic future

Central Washington University (CWU) offers exciting undergraduate programs in the performing arts designed to turn your passion for music, theatre, or dance into a dynamic career. Located in Ellensburg, CWU offers a hands-on, conservatory-style training experience within a supportive, liberal arts University setting. Here, you'll find dedicated faculty who are working professionals ready to mentor you, small class sizes, and a wealth of performance opportunities to help you find your voice and perfect your craft.

Practice meets mastery
CWU’s performing arts programs emphasize immersive, practical training. Whether you choose the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre or Performance, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies, Music, or Dance, your curriculum is performance-focused. Music majors have multiple pathways, including Performance and Education, and benefit from many ensembles like Jazz Bands, Orchestra, and various choirs. Theatre students get intensive training in acting, design, and production, while dance majors build technique in ballet, modern, and jazz. All programs are designed to get you on stage, behind the scenes, or in the studio from day one. 

Student life and connections
Student life at Central Washington University is an extension of your artistic journey. The Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE) is the production wing of the Theatre Arts Department, putting on a full season of mainstage and studio shows where students apply what they learn in class. Dance majors can audition for the Orchesis Dance Company or the CWU Dance Team. You'll join a community of artists who work together, providing a supportive environment where collaboration, wellness, and respectful dialogue are core values. With a strong alumni network, CWU helps you build professional connections that extend well beyond graduation.

Comprehensive facilities
CWU's performance facilities are designed to prepare you for the professional world. The Jerilyn S. McIntyre Music Building houses state-of-the-art practice rooms and performance venues. Theatre students work in dedicated facilities like the Milo Smith Tower Theatre. Dance majors have updated studio spaces with sprung floors and even a Pilates studio. These resources allow you to train on the same high-quality equipment used in the industry, making your transition into a professional setting much smoother.