San Diego State University

San Diego State University’s Theatre Arts program, housed within the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to prepare students for careers in performance, design, production, and teaching. The program is grounded in practical training, academic study, and industry engagement, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across disciplines.

At the undergraduate level, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with several distinct paths. The B.A. in Musical Theatre is a highly focused degree that provides Broadway-style training in singing, acting, and dancing. Taught by industry professionals, this program combines rigorous performance coursework with opportunities to develop a versatile skill set, including musical theatre history, choreography, repertoire, and audition techniques. Students are required to audition for acceptance into this program.

The B.A. in Theatre Arts offers three emphasis areas: Performance, Youth Theatre, and General Theatre Arts. The Performance emphasis focuses on acting for stage and screen, voice and movement, script analysis, stage combat, improvisation, and directing. The Youth Theatre emphasis prepares students to work with young audiences through storytelling, creative dramatics, and performance techniques geared toward educational and community settings. The General Theatre Arts emphasis provides flexibility for students who wish to explore multiple aspects of theatre, including stagecraft, management, and literature, without a performance-intensive commitment. The Performance and Musical Theatre tracks require an audition, while the General Theatre Arts track does not.

The department also offers a Theatre Arts minor for students majoring in other fields, as well as a certificate in Entertainment Management, which is ideal for students interested in the business side of theatre and media industries. These options are supported by a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning and real-world application.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts or a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. The MFA in Musical Theatre is one of only a few in the United States and includes extensive training in pedagogy and performance, preparing graduates for careers in academia or as working professionals in the industry. Graduate students benefit from one-on-one mentorship and may teach or assist in undergraduate courses while participating in mainstage productions.

Students have access to high-quality facilities, including performance venues such as the Experimental Theatre and the Don Powell Theatre. The school stages a wide range of productions each year, from musicals and classic plays to new works and devised theatre. Collaboration is a core value, and students frequently work with peers from the television and film programs, reflecting the industry’s cross-disciplinary nature. The program’s location in Southern California provides access to a vibrant theatre scene and valuable professional networking opportunities.

Overall, San Diego State University’s Theatre Arts program combines hands-on training, rigorous academics, and professional preparation, making it an ideal choice for students interested in a dynamic and adaptable career in the performing arts.