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Theater Arts Major

Study Theater Arts at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll work side by side with industry professionals, participate in prestigious internships, and build your résumé and portfolio with production materials—uniquely equipped to pursue creative entrepreneurial careers in areas such as stage management, playwriting, and directing. Hone your skills with access to Los Angeles’ diverse array of venues and culminate your training in an event showcasing your innovation and achievement to professionals in the field.

Program at a Glance

The School of the Arts develops students’ talents through rich artistic experiences and comprehensive training in their chosen artistic discipline.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • October 5, 2024

The Music Man

  • October 4-26, 2024

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

  • November 7-16, 2024

Pride and Prejudice

  • February 12-22, 2025

New Works Festival

  • April 3-12, 2025

Application Deadline

  • January 24, 2025, is the priority deadline for the Fall 2025 BA Theater Arts Scholarship Application.
  • This program is also admitting students for the spring 2025 semester, but spring applicants may not apply for the theater arts scholarship; they will instead be considered for the APU Grant as eligible.

Learn How to Apply

Program Information

  • Program Units: 45

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Phantom of the Opera

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Participate in prestigious internships across Los Angeles.
  • Create course and production projects for your professional résumé and portfolio.
  • Practice your craft in APU’s four mainstage productions per year.
  • Share your work with professionals in the field during a culminating showcase.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
100 % of incoming students receive financial aid

Get Started

Program Details

The Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts program uniquely equips students to pursue creative entrepreneurial careers in a broad range of theater arts areas including stage management, playwriting, and directing.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

APU Undergraduate Application

  • Complete your APU Undergraduate Application
  • Select Theater Arts as your major
  • When prompted, complete your BA Theater Arts Scholarship Application
  • If eligible, complete your FAFSA (does not apply to international students)

Auditions

Students do not need to audition for the theater arts major, as this is not an acting degree. Students who are primarily interested in acting should apply to our BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen program.

BA in Theater Arts Scholarship Application Requirements

  • APU Undergraduate Application
  • Fall 2025 BA in Theater Arts Scholarship Application Form, including one of the following creative work samples:
    • One-Act or Full Length Original Play or Adaptation
    • Critical Essay on an aspect of theatrical history, literature, or production (five pages)
    • Design Portfolio (photos accepted)
    • Directing (video sample accepted)

If you have any questions, contact Sabrina Valenzuela at [email protected] or (626) 815-3826.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

Theater Arts Exclusive Tours

Join us for an exclusive look at our Theater Arts program! Our tours include:

  • A special Theater Arts tour
  • A reception with faculty
  • Lunch with Theater Arts students
  • The opportunity to audit a class

Parents and students are welcome to participate and discover more about APU Theater Arts. Each session is hosted by a member of our admissions team, who will introduce you to our unique program. We look forward to meeting you!

Theater Arts In-person Immersive Day

On November 15, 2024, spend the day with theater arts faculty and students. Join us for a university tour and department tour, connect with faculty, audit a class, have lunch with theater students, and see a production.

Theater Arts APU One-day In-person Campus Tours, Fall 2024 Dates

  • September 20, 2024
  • October 25, 2024
  • December, 2024

Theater Arts Talent Scholarship

The Theater Arts Theater Scholarship is a talent-based scholarship available to select incoming undergraduate students enrolled in the:

 

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Jill Brennan-Lincoln

Jill Brennan-Lincoln

Chair, Department of Theater Arts; Associate Professor, Theater Arts

Christopher Keene

Christopher Keene

Associate Professor of Technical Theater, Department of Theater Arts

Kirsten Lundin Humer

Kirsten Lundin Humer

Program Director, BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen; Associate Professor, Department of Theater Arts

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Spotlight theater sign

School of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios

APU’s School of the Arts hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight on May 4 at the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, giving students a chance to showcase their work in front of industry talent representatives and casting directors.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Related Programs

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Entertainment Executive, Production and Post, Screen Studies

Commercial Music Major

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Audio Recording Track, Composing/Arranging Track, Instrumental Performance Track, Music Business Track, Vocal Performance Track