Do I need to audition in order to be admitted into the Theatre Arts Department?
No, there is no audition necessary to declare a theatre major.  Once you are admitted to the university you may declare a theatre major. 

What is a “new student audition”?
The “new student audition” gives incoming theatre majors an opportunity to meet the faculty and be placed into an appropriate acting class. 

When is the “new student audition”?
The “new student audition” usually occurs the Friday before classes in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

If I am a technical student do I need to attend the “new student audition”?
Yes.  Technical students will have an opportunity to meet technical faculty, tour the facility, and receive a portfolio review. Any student can declare a technical option upon entering the department.

What degrees does the Theatre Arts Department offer?
The Theatre Department offers a BA in Theatre (general, performance, and technical). The department also offers MFAs in acting, design, management and dramatic writing.  For more info on the graduate program visit: http://calrep.csulb.edu/

How do I become a performance option major instead of a general option?
The Theatre Department offers the BA with a general option or an emphasis in performance.  All incoming students, including transfer students, must be in the general track upon entrance to the department. There are specific course requirements and an audition in order to be admitted into the performance option in the third year.

Is there a minor in Theatre Arts?
Yes, there is a 21-unit minor available.  Please see undergraduate advisor Barbara Matthews for details (562.985.4042 or via email: jmatthew@csulb.edu)

Who is the undergraduate advisor?
Barbara Matthews is the undergraduate advisor who is responsible for any academic questions. Every student should meet with her upon entering the department.  She can be reached at 562.985.4042 or via email: jmatthew@csulb.edu.

Does the Theatre Department offer a Musical Theatre degree?
No.  The Theatre Department often produces musical performances in conjunction with the Music Department (http://www.csulb.edu/~music/), but there is no degree in musical theatre.

If I am not a performance option or a theatre major may I still audition for plays?
Yes, any student enrolled in the university is eligible to audition for undergraduate productions.

When are auditions for the undergraduate shows?
Generally, the auditions occur in the first week of classes each semester.  In some cases, the auditions for spring shows may occur at the end of the Fall semester.

How many plays per year are produced in the Theatre Department?
Ten shows a season are produced at CSULB Theatre Arts Department.  Six undergraduate (three in the Fall semester, three in the Spring) and four graduate productions are mounted each season. Only graduate students are eligible to audition for the graduate productions.

What other performance opportunities are offered?
CSULB Theatre Arts Department hosts a weekly Friday showcase of student-directed, acted, and designed one-acts throughout the semester. All theatre majors are required to enroll in Showcase each semester (Theatre 010).

Does the CSULB Theatre Department offer scholarships?
Yes.  There are scholarship auditions each spring.

If I am a freshman should I take theatre classes?
Yes!  We encourage our majors to get involved as soon as possible. 

How do I rent the University Theatre?
The University Theatre rental is handled through College of the Arts Facilities Coordinator, Colleen Ryan.  She can be reached by calling 562.985.4911 or via email: cryan2@csulb.edu.

What is the College of the Arts (COTA)?
The CSULB College of the Arts is six unique, artistically engaging and academically challenging departments:  The Departments of Art, Dance, Design, Film, Music and Theatre, along with five auxiliary arts and letters organizations: the University Art Museum, the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center, the Center for First Amendment Studies, the California Institute for the Preservation of Jazz and California Repertory Company (theatre arts graduate company).  Together they comprise one of the largest and most comprehensive arts colleges west of the Mississippi River.  For more info about COTA please visit :http://cota.csulb.edu/

How do I get onto the mailing list for Cal Rep to get information about the upcoming productions?
Please send your name and mailing address to: calreptickets@yahoo.com or by calling the Cal Rep management office at (562) 985-4500. You can also register to receive e-blast reminders about Cal Rep/UP shows at www.calrep.org.