Design Innovation: Lighting & Sound
Express ideas creatively through light and sound
Program Overview
The Design Innovation Theater Labratory Intensive -Lighting and Sound is a two-week program that provides opportunities to work with our faculty in classes such as Introduction to Lighting Intensity, Form, and Direction, Electrics Programming, and Drafting for Theater.
Students will learn the technical components of breaking down a script and the art of collaboration while gaining hands-on experience in curating research, communicating ideas, and expressing creative intent. This intensive is designed for a student at any level who seeks the additional discipline and training required for participation in an educational theater setting and a career in the entertainment industry.
The Theater Laboratory Intensives are designed for artists and students who seek additional discipline and training required for participation in a university theater program or a career in the entertainment industry. Participation in this institute is open to pre-college (14 years and older) students.
Admission to the program is by instructor consent. As part of the application process, each applicant must submit a resume. The resume can be uploaded during the application process.
*Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply and English language comprehension and proficiency is required. Refer to the FAQ for additional information regarding language proficiency.
Program Details
Housing (Commuter)
As a commuter, housing contracts are not available through UCLA Housing Department, however, the UCLA Summer Hostel that is located on the residence hill provides housing options for all registered UCLA Summer Sessions students who are 18 years of age or older. For those who will not securing housing on campus, it is expected that students who fall into this category will commute to class daily.
Schedule
Program Costs
2026 fees will be announced this winter and include on-campus housing costs.
2025 (Commuter only) fees were:
Program Fees: $3205
University Fees: $111
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $3666
Contact Theater Laboratory Intensives
theatersummerinstitutes@tft.ucla.edu
Requirements
Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting December 1st. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to May 1st, is highly recommended.
Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
In 400 words, describe your passion for lighting or sound. How have you used your passion to tell a story?
In 400 words, what do you hope to gain from the Design Innovation Summer Institute -Lighting and Sound?
A resume (if you do not have a resume, submit a brief description of your theatrical and/or artistic experience). The resume can be uploaded as a word or pdf file during the application process.
Note:
The essay will be prompted on the registration form and can be uploaded (.pdf) along with the resume during the applcation process.
All responses will not be accessible to edit in any form after submission of the application.
Program Eligibility
- 9th-12th grade
- Ages 15-19
Curriculum
UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensive students will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. The program does not carry college credit.
Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of one excused program absence is permitted.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid is not available for the Theater Laboratory Intensives. As an alternative, students should explore the American Theater Wing, Andrew Lloyd Weber Training scholarship .
Important Dates and Deadlines
June 1, 2026
Application deadline
June 6, 2026
Enrollment Deadline
Sessions
June 21 – July 3, 2026