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Department of Theater Arts

APU theater arts students perform in main-stage productions, studio shows, short films, animation, voice-overs, musical theater, and short films, mentored by professors with acclaimed professional credentials.

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Rigorous Performing Arts Training

Looking to act on the stage and screen? APU theater arts students perform in main-stage productions, studio shows, short films, animation, voice-overs, musical theater, and episodic short films. They’re mentored by professors with acclaimed professional credentials—working actors, directors, designers, agents, and casting directors. And they end their senior year with a Los Angeles industry showcase for talent reps and casting directors.

Call (626) 815-5035, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. to speak with someone from APU Theater. You can also email [email protected]. We’ll get you plugged in and prepared to fulfill your higher calling in the arts.

Get Started on Your BFA in Theater and Film Acting

Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.

APU Theater Arts Acclaimed Los Angeles Industry Showcase

Cultivating Transformation in the Arts

Each spring, APU Theatre Arts hosts an Industry Spotlight event at a prestigious Los Angeles industry location. This highly acclaimed event provides graduating theatre arts students with an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work, both on stage and film, directly to talent representatives and casting directors. The Industry Spotlight exemplifies APU's innovative approach to the arts, made possible by our industry-connected faculty and close proximity to Los Angeles.

Go from Classroom to Center Stage

Give to APU Theater Arts

Your generous support of the APU School of the Arts helps provide excellent academic programs for students and theater events open to the public. Your gifts are tax deductible. Gifts of $125 or more include year-round theater program recognition. In accordance with IRS regulations, the tax-deductible portion for gifts of $500 and above will be the gift amount less the fair market value of the benefits. If you would rather receive the full deduction and opt out of receiving the benefits, inform us at the time of the donation.

Give donation funds directly to the Department of Theater Arts.

APU Theater Arts Instagram

Learn More About APU’s Theater Arts Programs

One of the Top BFA Programs in the Nation 

APU’s Acting for the Stage and Screen program was named one of the nation’s top 30 programs (2019-20, OnStage Blog).

Azusa Pacific University's BFA in Acting offers a rigorous and historically pioneering curriculum in both on-camera and stage performance, strategically located 25 minutes from Los Angeles to provide invaluable engagement with acclaimed industry professionals.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting with a Musical Theatre emphasis provides integrated conservatory-style training in vocal performance, dance techniques, and comprehensive musical theatre skills.

Training for students pursuing creative careers in stage and arts management, writing, directing, technical design, and arts education.

 

 

APU Theater Arts Celebrates Visit with Jonathan Roumie from <em>The Chosen</em>

Featured Working Alumni

Sam Bixby Headshot

Sam Bixby, a professional actor, guest-starred opposite Harrison Ford in the series Shrinking and portrayed Superman in Domino’s Super Bowl commercial campaign.

Amanda Dayhoff Headshot

Amanda Dayhoff was cast in the Broadway National Tour of 1776 and works professionally in television commercials and musical theatre.

Tyler Hubbard Headshot

Tyler Hubbard, an APU Theater Arts graduate, earned his MFA from NYU and can be seen on The Penguin, Scream, Chicago PD, Hightown and Blue Bloods.

Ricky Staub Headshot

Ricky Staub is a talented writer, known for his work on John Wick: Chapter 4, and the director of Netflix’s Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba.

Amanda Jaros Headshot

Amanda Jaros is an actress with notable roles as Alina in Paramount+’s 1883 and Juanita Milam in Hulu’s Women of the Movement

Arianna Sy Headshot

Arianna Sy recently graduated and accepted into highly selective Florida State University Asolo Conservatory MFA in Acting program.

Senior BFA Acting Industry Showcase at Warner Bros.

Poster for Senior BFA Acting Industry Showcase

Each spring, APU hosts an Industry Spotlight event at an acclaimed Los Angeles industry affiliated location giving graduating theater arts students in APU’s highly acclaimed, an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work both on stage and film in front of talent representatives, and casting directors. The Industry Spotlight is an example of APU’s innovative approach to the arts made possible because of our industry-connected faculty and close proximity to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Talent Rep Perspectives on Program and Showcase 

I really enjoyed the showcase. The work was creative, thoughtful, and fun to watch. The students followed up with professionalism and heart, which says a lot about the kind of training they’re getting at APU’s Theater Arts program. I ended up signing one of them and will definitely be keeping an eye on future grads.
-Janelle Polk, The Green Room

APU has done an excellent job blending media with monologues. Beautiful venue aside, the actors I met were charming and personable. After attending the 2025 showcase, I definitely made some referrals to talent representation whom I trust.
-Robert Terry, Zak Barnett Studios

Azusa Pacific’s Theater Arts program deserves to be discovered by talent reps, casting directors, producers and others. The school’s annual showcase shows the grads’ talents, both in person and on film. APU should be on your radar!
-Mark Scroggs, Vice President of LB Talent

APU Theater Arts Studies Abroad in England and Scotland

Students in APU's acclaimed Theater Arts program have the incredible opportunity to explore renowned, historical theater sites, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, and the Oxford Playhouse.

Read Study Abroad Article

theater arts students smile outside Shakespeare's globe theater
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Note: This information is current for the 2025-26 academic year, but all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current academic catalog for more information.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 815-5035

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location

Mary Hill 131, West Campus
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