Overview

The Theater Arts major at University of California, Santa Cruz provides an intensive, unified undergraduate experience that bridges the gap between creative practice and critical study. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that encompasses drama, dance, and theatre technology to prepare for professional careers in the arts.

The lower-division coursework establishes a firm foundation by requiring practical work across various sub-disciplines alongside a rigorous exploration of theatre history from ancient times to the modern era. This ensures that every student possesses a broad understanding of the evolution of performance before specialising in their chosen field.

At the upper-division level, the programme shifts focus toward advanced history, theory, and critical studies.

Why Theater Arts at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The programme is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, housed within the Department of Performance, Play & Design. Students have access to the Theater Arts Center, which serves as a hub for innovation and practical application. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, offering a three-year pathway for accelerated completion and a variety of interdisciplinary classes that explore the cultural and historical dimensions of the varied art forms.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a wide range of performance and technical disciplines. Modules may include:

Drama
Dance
Theater Design and Technology
History of Theater
Modern Drama
Critical Studies
Stagecraft
Set Design
Playwriting

Careers with Theater Arts

Graduates from this programme are equipped for a diverse range of roles within the global entertainment and education sectors. The comprehensive training in performance and production allows alumni to pursue successful careers in various creative industries.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Acting and Choreography
Costume and Stage Design
Directing and Producing
Dramaturgy and Playwriting
Stage Management
Teaching
Film and Television Production

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design Concept Development

Digital Illustration

Sound Design and Engineering for the Theater

Design Studio: Scenic Design

Design Studio: Costume

Advanced Costume Construction

Design Studio: Scene Painting

Design Studio: Lighting Studio

Voice and Movement for Performers

Acting Studio: Shakespeare

cting and Shakespeare

Movement for Performers

The Meisner Technique: A Practical Exploration

Choreography

Shakespeare to Go

Playwriting

Advanced Stagecraft

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Theater Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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