FAQ

What sets APU’s Theater Arts program apart from other schools?

Our proximity to Los Angeles allows our students to train and work with industry professionals. We partner with professional directors and choreographers who are actively working within the industry and have considerable experience and connections to the entertainment industry. Our BFA students leave APU with a professional reel and an opportunity for industry representation. Students in the BA program receive real-world experience through internships at regional theatres and production companies.

Do I have to audition to be admitted?

All prospective BFA students must audition for the program to be considered for admission. There is no audition requirement for the BA program. All auditions are considered for a College of the Arts Talent Scholarship.

How do I apply for a Talent Scholarship?

Prospective BFA students are automatically considered for a talent scholarship upon their program audition and will be notified if awarded. Prospective BA students must submit a portfolio of their work to in order to be considered for a BA in Theater Arts Scholarship.

What is the difference between your BA degree and your BFA degree?

The Department of Theater Arts offers two degrees and one minor:

  • BA in Theater Arts: A 42-unit degree that makes double majoring and studying abroad possible. Choose an emphasis and focus on writing and directing, theater education, technical theater and production, or drama ministry/theater for social justice.
  • BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen: A 63-unit degree, which includes 12 units of General Education, allowing students to double major if they desire, depending on the choice of the other major. This degree is designed for students pursuing a career in acting or performance and trains for both stage and screen with a strong emphasis on entertainment business preparation.
  • Theater arts minor: a generalist degree requiring 24 units.

Who can audition for and participate in shows?

Our large musicals are open to the theater department. Our season plays and Blackbox shows are for BFA majors only. All theater students are required to participate in various technical aspects of production.

Can first-year BFA students audition for mainstage productions?

All BFA students, including first-years, are required to audition for all APU theater productions.

How many productions are there per year?

There are four to five productions in our mainstage season. In addition, there are two one-act plays performed at professional theaters such as the Pasadena Playhouse and Boston Court. Once a year, juniors and seniors shoot a miniseries with a professional director and production team. We also run a Youtube Sketch Comedy channel which offers many on-camera acting opportunities for students.

Do you offer a degree in musical theater?

While we do not offer a degree in musical theater, students who graduate from our program receive the opportunity to work in all acting mediums, including musical theater. Majors also offer courses to train in musical theater such as dance for theater, musical theater workshop, and performance and production. In addition, student have the opportunity to participate in our mainstage musicals with Broadway directors.

What role does faith integration play in your training?

The theater programs at APU encourage the artistic and spiritual growth of students, as well as the exploration of their calling from a thoughtful and culturally engaged Christian worldview.

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

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