Building on its reputation and the quality of its program, the Department of Theatre Arts in 1984 was selected by the Chancellor's Office to offer one of three MFA degrees in Theatre in the 23-campus California State University system.
The department is located in a modern, air conditioned facility with three theatres, rehearsal rooms, scenic and costume shops, classrooms, dance studios, property, lighting, sound laboratories, box office, green room, and galleries. In addition, the graduate program presents theatrical productions at the state-of-the-art Edison Theatre located in downtown Long Beach.
The MFA is a terminal, professionally-oriented degree focused on preparing students who have shown exceptional talent and aptitudes for work as theatre professionals in the entertainment field and in college and university teaching. Students are selected for the program on the basis of highly competitive national auditions. An undergraduate BA degree is also offered.
The Theatre Arts Department holds Division II membership in the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees are accredited by the association. The department is also a member in good standing with the Theatre Communications Group, United States Institute of Theatre Technology, and the International Theatre Institute of the United States.
The W. David Sievers Memorial Scholarship in acting, named for the first faculty member of the theatre program, is awarded annually to new students who exhibit potential in the area of performance. Award consists of a modest sum and is determined through a competitive audition judged by faculty. In addition, the Fine Arts Affiliates of the University and the Dramatic Allied Arts Guild of Long Beach provide for monetary awards to qualified students in all areas of theatre. For further information contact the Department of Theatre Arts.
California Repertory Theatre, a professionally-modeled theatre company, is in residence and performs a season in repertory from September to May. All MFA students admitted to the program are members of Cal Rep.
Department of Theatre Arts
Telephone: (562) 985-7891
Fax: (562) 985-2263
Joanne Gordon, Chair
Anne Justine D'Zmura
Craig Fleming
W. Jeffrey Hickman
David Martin Jacques
Danila Korogodsky
Barbara Matthews
Patrick McDonough
Ken Novice
Hugh O'Gorman
Orlando Pabotoy
Nancy Jo Smith
Maria Viera
Adjunct Faculty
Gayle Baizer
Jody Berger
Erin Caron
Tyler Dilts
Tannis Hanson
Christopher Kittrell
Maria Mayenzet
Bill McGuire
Anne Schilling
Karl Snider
Staff
Eric Imley
Corey Holst
Amber Johnson
Stephanie Losleben
Janet Miller
Michael Pacciorini
Darren Rogholt
Peggy O'Neil Rosales
Micky Small
Rachel Maize