San Jose State University

San José State offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, which includes two primary pathways: Acting & Directing and Production Design & Technical Theatre. Students in the Acting & Directing focus develop performance and directing skills for theatre, film, television, and radio, gaining experience both on stage and in front of the camera. The Production Design & Technical Theatre track immerses students in scenic design, costumes, lighting, sound, stage management, and related technical disciplines.

Alongside the major, SJSU offers both a Theatre Arts minor and a Musical Theatre minor, which provide supplementary training in performance techniques and musical performance on a smaller scale.

The Theatre Arts curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in acting, directing, writing, design, and entertainment technologies, while also examining the relationship between theatre and contemporary performance culture. Students study theatre history, dramatic literature, criticism, and practical production work, and participate in a full season of mainstage, experimental, and new-play projects, including collaborations with film students via Spartan Film Studios.

The department’s production venues include the Hammer Theatre Center downtown (featuring both a mainstage and black-box space) and on-campus facilities. These venues host Department productions, student-led works, and musicals in partnership with the School of Music and Dance.

Students benefit from close mentorship by faculty active in theatre, film, and media, with opportunities to audition for roles in student projects, design for productions, or direct their own work. Guest artists, internships, and showcases connect students directly to the Bay Area’s professional arts community.