Theatre Arts
Humans are storytellers by nature. It’s how they tell the story that makes or breaks the masterpiece.
A degree in theatre arts will prepare you to deliver captivating performances and technical productions in live theatre, film, television and multimedia.
Experience theatre as an art form
As a theatre arts student, you’ll gain an understanding of the origins of the theatrical arts, theatre’s subsequent history of performance, the dramatic literature and dramatic theory upon which theatre is based, and the influence of theatre upon societies throughout the world.
Apply theory to real productions
Our program is designed to engage you in the art and craft of theatre by providing ample and varied opportunities for the study of related literature, history and dramatic theory — all while emphasizing practical applications through theatre production.
Hone your creative process
An understanding of aesthetic perception is crucial to your success. Your ability to communicate aesthetics through artistic expression will be honed through your extensive experience of bringing productions to life.
Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Scholarship
Do you have superior skills in the areas of art, music, music production or theatre arts? Incoming first-year and transfer applicants for the fall semester can apply and audition for a scholarship that offers up to full tuition. Learn more
At a Glance
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts
Department
School/College
College of Arts and Sciences
Next Steps
Interested in this major? Here's what you can do next:
With challenging and relevant courses, outstanding faculty, small class sizes, and an emphasis on hands-on learning, the theatre arts program will position you to succeed in your chosen career.
Degree requirements
Find out what it takes to earn a degree in theatre arts and explore the courses.
Emphasis Areas
Customize this major to your interests by taking courses in an area of focus:
Performance
A Performance Emphasis is for students who are interested in a career as a professional actor in theater and other performance mediums.
Technical Theatre
The areas of technical theater include scenery, lighting, properties, costuming, hair/makeup, and sound. Technical theater encompasses all that goes into making a staged production. All of these areas work together to establish the place, time period, and mood of the production.
Highlighted Courses
Get familiar with some of the courses you might take in this major.
TA 331: Advanced Scene Study
Advanced study of acting approaches focusing on 19th and 20th century plays. Students will analyze characters and perform scenes from selected realistic plays.
See descriptionTA 334: Stage Speech
The class will focus on the principles of vocal production for the stage, including alignment, respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation. In addition, students will become familiar with the International Phonetic Alphabet, and utilize it for dialect work.
See descriptionTA 335: Movement for the Stage
The study of the theories, applications and practices of body awareness, direction and movement as applied by actors in a variety of theatrical styles.
See descriptionTA 342: History of Theatre and Drama
This course is the first half of a two semester historical survey sequence that provides students with a solid grounding in the development of theatre and drama from the ancient Greeks to the present.
See descriptionTA 367: Light/Sound Design for Stage and Media
The study of lighting and sound as art forms with an emphasis on design concepts. Practical explorations of theories of light, color, and sound; the technology of production and control as applied to designing for the stage and media.
See descriptionTA 369: Costume Design for Stage and Media
A practical study of costumes for the stage. The course examines the history of clothing design, color theory, rendering techniques and design process from concept to execution. Students also explore the concepts of theatrical makeup and design through lecture and practice.
See descriptionRecommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
Associate Professor
Senior Adjunct Faculty Member
Professor of Theatre Arts, Emeritus
Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance
Adjunct Faculty Member
Professor of Drama
Visiting Lecturer in the Theatre Arts Department
Associate Professor and Head of Design and Production
Senior Adjunct Faculty Member
Adjunct Faculty Member
Professor of Education
Theater Arts & Dance Technical Director
Senior Adjunct Faculty Member
Check out the spaces and tools you'll have access to in this major. Explore the entire Cal Lutheran campus with our virtual tour
Preus-Brandt Theatre
Black Box Studio Theatre
Black Box Studio Theatre seating
Production design in the Black Box Studio Theatre.
We offer hands-on opportunities that give you the freedom to explore your passion through real-world work and prepare for a fulfilling career.
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Plays and Productions
Our students have brought home top regional awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Not only do Cal Lutheran students shine onstage, they’re also busy behind the scenes, taking positions of responsibility with publicity and sound, light, makeup, scene, and costume design.
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Internships
Cal Lutheran’s close proximity to Los Angeles provides an arena for you to explore a variety of screen, stage, television, and musical presentations and connections with industry professionals. During the summer, take advantage of student internship opportunities in Camp Shakespeare and the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival, a professional theatre company that performs on campus.
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Student Clubs
Join the Improv Troupe to provide humor and joy to the Cal Lutheran student body, all while honing your improvisational skills.
The curriculum encourages students to get involved in both sides of the theatre (tech or performing), really expanding their knowledge and allowing for growth and discovery of new passions. I have been passionate about theatre and performing for the majority of my life, but the theatre department at Cal Lutheran has confirmed those passions. I have met many people with different backgrounds, and their experiences and life goals have influenced and inspired my own career goals.
Hadyn Hughes '27
Read their storyMany of our graduates have achieved careers in the competitive world of professional theatre, film, and television, while others have utilized the transferable skills in performance, management, and communication to pursue additional career directions. For those seeking to study the craft at a higher level, several of our students have also been accepted into graduate programs for theatre arts.
Potential Careers
Producers and Directors
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
See descriptionTalent Directors
Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
See descriptionMedia Technical Directors/Managers
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
See descriptionAudio and Video Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
See descriptionLighting Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
See descriptionSet and Exhibit Designers
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
See descriptionActors
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
See descriptionAgents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
See descriptionLooking for more career paths? Search these related areas to discover more options.
Employers
Some of the organizations our graduates work for include:
- Academy for New Musical Theatre
- Arizona Broadway Theatre
- California Music Academy
- Cabrillo Music Theater
- Disney Studios
- Kingsmen Shakespeare Company
- NBCUniversal
- Oracle Films
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
Graduate Schools
Our alumni have pursued advanced degrees at:
- Bard College
- California Institute of the Arts
- California Lutheran University
- Neighborhood Playhouse NYC
- New York University
- San Diego State University
- University of California, San Diego
- Yale
This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Some occupations listed above may require a related graduate degree.
How We Prepare You for Success
We have 20,000+ employer contacts for jobs and internships, with over 200 listings posted each week.
Our excellent career counselors in the Career Services center will get in touch with you during your very first term on campus. They offer over 50 workshops each year on resume writing, interviewing, salary negotiations, applying to graduate schools, and other critical skills to help you begin your career successfully.
After you graduate from Cal Lutheran, you receive free access to Career Services for life, as a valued member of our alumni family.
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
We work with students and families to make sure everyone who is admitted to Cal Lutheran can afford it.
Tuition & Fees
You and your family might have questions about how you’ll cover the costs of college. We can tell you this — it costs less than you think.
Scholarships & Grants
We offer a range of awards based on academic merit and financial need. This is money that does not need to be repaid.
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