ArtCenter College of Design

ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena is world-renowned as a creative arts and design institution rather than a theatre school—there is no formal Theatre Arts degree offered. Instead, the curriculum centers on visual storytelling, performance design across media, and film production within its Film and Entertainment Design majors. These programs emphasize cinematic and design-oriented approaches to narrative rather than traditional stage theatre practice.

Students interested in performance and narrative can enroll in the B.F.A. in Film, which includes specializations in directing, editing, and cinematography. Though primarily geared toward filmmaking, this major incorporates elements of directing actors, visual storytelling, and production design that can overlap with theatrical sensibilities. This program prepares graduates to work across film, media, and performance-based industries.

Another relevant field is Entertainment Design (B.S.), which trains students to craft immersive worlds through character, environment, and experience design. Graduates go on to work in theme park design, immersive installations, narrative entertainment, and live performance experiences—bridging theatrical storytelling, spatial design, and visual media.

While there are no regular theatre productions or stage seasons at ArtCenter, students benefit from ArtCenter’s Ahmanson Auditorium, a premier cinema and live performance space, where film screenings, lectures, and occasional special events take place. The facility was fully renovated in 2021 to accommodate high-quality presentations and creative gatherings.

ArtCenter cultivates performance-adjacent expertise—through film, design, spatial storytelling, and media innovation—but does not offer traditional theatre training. For students seeking roles in acting, stagecraft, or performance-based theatre, pairing ArtCenter’s film or design majors with local community theatre, improv groups, or acting conservatories in Los Angeles may provide complementary experience.