Overview

The Theater Arts - Design and Technology programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers a comprehensive exploration of the technical and creative aspects of performance production. Students engage in a curriculum that balances rigorous historical study with hands-on practical experience in various theatrical sub-disciplines. This degree prepares individuals for professional roles within the arts and media sectors through intensive studio work.

The curriculum is structured to provide a unified foundation in drama, theater design, and critical studies. Lower-division coursework introduces students to a broad range of practical skills and the history of theater from ancient times to the modern era.

Why Theater Arts - Design and Technology at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The university provides a distinctive environment where students can explore the intersection of performance, play, and design. Facilities such as the Theater Arts Center serve as a hub for creative experimentation and professional development. The programme is designed to offer a broad and deep approach to the varied dimensions of the art form, including its cultural and historical contexts.

Students at University of California, Santa Cruz benefit from a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary exploration. By combining technical training with critical analysis, the programme ensures that designers and technicians are not just skilled practitioners but also informed artists. The collaborative nature of the department prepares students for the fast-paced demands of the professional entertainment industry.

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

Modules may include:

Theater Design and Technology
History of Theater
Modern Drama
Ancient Drama
Stagecraft
Set Design
Performance, Play and Design

Careers with Theater Arts - Design and Technology

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a diverse range of professional roles within the global entertainment and arts industries. The technical skills acquired during the degree are highly transferable to various media platforms, including live performance, cinema, and digital broadcasting. Many alumni find success in creative leadership and technical management positions.

Potential career paths and roles for graduates include:

Stage Design
Costume Design
Stage Management
Producing
Film and Television Production
Teaching
Dramaturgy

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Theater Production

Stage management

Set design

Costume design

Lighting

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

Design Drama Fine Arts View 458 other Bachelors in Fine Arts 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

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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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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 - Design and Technology.

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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