Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Theatre became a member of NAST in Spring 2000. NAST, the National Association of Schools of Theatre, was founded in 1969 to maintain high professional standards and improve educational practices in theatre education.

Accreditation granted by the commission signifies that Theatre VCU has successfully demonstrated compliance with the procedures, standards and guidelines of NAST. In the practical sense, Theatre VCU has received the stamp of approval.