Acting & Performance
Hone your techniques and gain real-world experience in all aspects of the creative process of theater-making
Hone your techniques and gain real-world experience in all aspects of the creative process of theater-making
The UCLA Acting and Performance Laboratory Intensive is a three-week program for high school students in grades 9-12 who seek the discipline and training required for participation in a university theater program or a career in the performing arts. This program focuses on developing artists’ talents and addressing areas of opportunity.
Due to the nature of this intensive, schedules can fluctuate. A typical week will include performance and movement-based classes in the morning, followed by afternoon rehearsals where students will gain practical experience while fully immersed in all aspects of the creative process- conceptualizing, writing and transforming ideas into dramatic action.
Beyond the classroom, participants will go on field trips and attend guest workshops that include but are not limited to stage combat, classical acting, hip-hop and casting for television and film. Students will apply the lessons and skills acquired through their experiences to their final performance showcase which is open to invited guests.
Admission to this intensive is by digital audition and instructor consent. As part of the application process, each applicant must submit a letter of reference from a high school instructor verifying the applicant’s ability to successfully participate in a disciplined and rigorous theater program along with a resume. Each applicant will be required to submit the recommenders email on the application.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If you are an international student, a transcript refers to your complete secondary academic record. To learn more about converting your grades into a US-based GPA, please click here. Please note all international students must obtain a minimum TOFEL score of 100 (with sub-scores above 24) on the TOEFL, 7.5 or above on the IELTS
Housing is available to students who will be 14 years of age or older by June 22, 2026.
2026 fees will be announced this winter and include on-campus housing costs.
2025 (Commuter only) fees were:
Program Fee: $4500
University Fees: $111
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $4961
theatersummerinstitutes@tft.ucla.edu
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.
Applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within ~3 weeks.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
A 500-word essay responding to the following prompt: How do you plan to impact the world through your storytelling?
A letter of recommendation from a teacher, director, or someone similar that can attest to your theatrical ability, challenges, and areas for growth.
A resume. If you do not have a resume, please submit a brief description of your theatrical and/or artistic experience.
A video of a 1- 1½ minute monologue or improvised scene of your choosing. See Video Audition Guidelines in FAQ below.
Note:
The essay will be prompted on the registration form and can be uploaded (.pdf) along with the resume during the applcation process.
Please ensure that the email address for the recommender is accurate as an invitation to complete the letter of recommendation will be sent electronically.
All responses will not be accessible to edit in any form after submission of the application
You will need to upload one file including slate and audition to your application.
Slate: Please provide your first and last name, the name of the play your piece is from, the character’s name, and the playwright. There is no need to explain what is happening in the play. Feel free to say hello to us.
Monologue Length: 1- 1 ½ minutes is preferred
How to film your monologue: Frame it so that you are facing the camera for a medium to close upshot. Use your best judgment for what will work best for your monologue. If you will be moving during your monologue, a medium shot may be better. You may choose to speak into the camera or slightly off-camera.
Please remember to review your takes, see what works, and adjust as needed before submitting your audition. Trust the process and try not to be overly critical of yourself.
Audition against a blank wall or door.
Please do the monologue in one take.
You may film your monologue from your phone or tablet. We are not worried about high production value. The most important thing is that we can see and hear you.
Make sure you have completely memorized your monologue.
Do not do a scene with someone reading lines off-camera.
Do not send prior performances or tapings from plays. Record a new video according to the audition guidelines for the purposes of this application.
Do not put pressure on yourself to deliver the “perfect” audition. Do your personal best, be authentic, and don’t forget to have fun!
View sample syllabus. 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 two excused program absence is permitted.
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 .
Application deadline
Enrollment Deadline
June 21-July 10, 2026