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Department of Theater

Delve into global theater studies and hands-on practice within a premier professional school setting.

Theater

UCLA Theater students become well-rounded artists and researchers, exploring performance, design, and storytelling across creative disciplines.

Undergraduate Programs

Theater (BA) Theater (Minor)

Graduate Programs

Acting (MFA) Design for Theater & Entertainment (MFA) Directing (MFA) Playwriting (MFA) Theater & Performance Studies (PhD)

The UCLA Department of Theater is a vibrant community where diverse voices and disciplines converge to shape the theater and live experiences of tomorrow.

Here, academic rigor fuels creativity, and performers, designers, directors, playwrights and scholars are supported by world-class faculty who champion collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation. The department’s training engages with our complex, changing world and integrates the unique opportunities available at the nation’s top public university.  We cultivate artists and thinkers who go on to excel across theater, film and television, themed entertainment, and many other fields.

Jeff Burke
Chair, Department of Theater; Associate Dean, Research and Creative Technology

Theater Season Spotlight

12
Feb
February 12 – February 14, 2026
Whitney Family Studio Theater

Far Away

MFA Directing Project I Directed by MFA student Zenaida Smith About the show: In a future defined by perpetual war, Joan learns from her guardians and peers to internalize self-deception…
Event Details
19
Feb
February 19 – February 21, 2026
Macgowan 1340

A Turner Prize

New Play Festival #1 February 19-21, 2026 Written by MFA student Carl(os) Roa Directed by Velani Dibba About the show: Co-written by Carl(os) Roa and ChatGPT, a Turner Prize is…
Event Details
26
Feb
February 26 – February 28, 2026
Little Theater

Bad Breath: The Stink Inside Me

New Play Festival #2 February 26-28, 2026 Written by MFA student Natalie Grace Lambert Directed by Diana Wyenn About the show: Maya, a college freshman studying vocal performance at UT…
Event Details
6
Mar
March 6 – March 14, 2026
Freud Playhouse

EMMA: No One But Herself

March 6-7 & 10-14, 2026 Written by Meghan Brown Music by Regents Lecturer Sarah Taylor Ellis Directed by Danielle Kay About the show: This energetic and contemporary classical adaptation of…
Event Details
14
May
May 14 – May 16, 2026
Macgowan 1340

Girl on an Altar

May 14-16, 2026 Written by Marina Carr Directed by MFA student Anna Rajala About the show: There are no winners of war, only survivors. When Agamemnon sacrifices his young daughter…
Event Details

World-Class Theater Faculty

Deborah Nadoolman Landis

Deborah Nadoolman Landis

Distinguished Professor and Faculty Director of The David C. Copley Center for the Study of Costume Design Joint appointment with Department of Film, Television and Digital Media
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Theater News

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Other Resources

Actors Showcase

This annual event spotlights the talents of UCLA TFT acting students, both undergraduate and graduate.

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Theater Internships

Get a head start on your career! Internships are open to enrolled juniors, seniors and graduate students from UCLA TFT and the university at large.

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UCLA General Catalog

The definitive listing of all departments, programs, majors, minors and courses offered, the Catalog includes degree requirements, as well as academic and administrative policies. It outlines essential information about registration, financial aid, and academic advising, and describes many student services, activities, and resources.

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