Phantom of the Opera on Stage

Department of Theater Arts

 

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Get Started on Your BFA in Theater and Film Acting

Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.

Cultivating Transformation in the Arts

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Cultivating Transformation in the Arts

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.

theater arts students smile outside Shakespeare's globe theater

APU Theater Arts Studies Abroad in England and Scotland

Students in APU’s acclaimed Theater Arts program have the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich theatrical history of the United Kingdom. This immersive experience allows students to explore renowned and historical theater sites, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, and the Oxford Playhouse.

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>

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

Featured Working Alumni

Sam Bixby Headshot

 Sam Bixby is an actor with an appearance in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking and a Domino’s Super Bowl commercial.

Amanda Dayhoff Headshot

Amanda Dayhoff toured nationally with the musical 1776 and is an active professional in the theater industry.

Tyler Hubbard Headshot

Tyler Hubbard is an actor with credits in HBO’s The Penguin and Scream.

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

Ricky Staub Headshot

Ricky Staub is a writer known for John Wick: Chapter 4 and the director of Netflix's Concrete Cowboy.

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.

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.