Summer programs at TFT are rigorous, rewarding and fun! Come learn from our professional faculty and study in our classrooms, theaters, studios, soundstages and labs. It’s an experience you won’t forget! We offer individual courses both on campus and online that are open to UC and visiting students alike, as well as life-long learners. Many individual courses are also open to high school students.
Our popular summer institutes are an intensive experience that focus on a specific area of study, and are aimed at either high school students, college students, or professionals.
Motivated high school students from around the globe can apply to a variety of institutes focusing on specializations such as acting, cinematography, animation, and costume design. These intensives offer students the preparation required for successful participation in a university program or a career in the performing or visual arts.
A unique opportunity for college students and professionals to network and enhance their skills. Participants are taught by UCLA TFT faculty and leaders in the entertainment and theater industries who will prepare you to be better equipped and confident in your professional pursuits.
UCLA Emerging Filmmakers is a professional development certificate program that offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to work with entertainment industry professionals to develop their portfolios and gain the hands-on experience they need to take their creative work to the next level.
UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensives is a certificate program that offers participants an unique opportunity to work with world renowned faculty and entertainment industry professionals to develop their talent and portfolios, while gaining the tools needed to excel in a college level theater program and professionally.
Taught by industry experts with curriculums that focus on contemporary professional practices in Hollywood, UCLA Emerging Filmmakers immerses participants in the world of film and educates them on the tools and pathways available to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Visit the Emerging Filmmakers page to learn more.
Join us Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 PM PT for a virtual information session on UCLA Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Pre-College offerings for Summer 2026!!
Register Here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/uclaemergingfilmmakers/1936073
The UCLA Film & Television Summer Institute offers students from around the globe an unparalleled opportunity to study filmmaking at one of the most prestigious film schools in the world – right in the heart of Hollywood. Visit the FTVDM Summer Programs Page to learn more.
The Department of Theater’s Summer Institutes offers college and professionals students a unique opportunity to study acting with industry leaders at one of the top drama schools in the world. Located in the heart of Hollywood, students will elevate their technique and master the art of networking.
The UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensives offers participants a unique opportunity to receive hands on training from globally recognized faculty and entertainment industry leaders in the School of Theater, Film & Television. These programs are designed for high school students currently in 9th to12th grade in Spring. Actors, designers, musicians, stage managers and writers will be immersed in classes focused on concepts and techniques in acting for the camera and stage, content creation, dance, costume design, lighting and sound design, scenic design, music and orchestra, musical theater, screen writing, stage management and voice over. Participants will take workshops and network with experts while gaining the tools to excel in a college level theater program and professionally.
• Participants work on UCLA stages and in the lighting and sound lab
• The program curriculum consists of a combination of lectures, master classes and field trips
• Final performances will be open to the public. Friends and family are welcome!
These programs are an experiential learning experience for beginning to intermediate actors, designers, writers and stage managers designed develop each participants talent and understand the process of working in the entertainment industry. Previous experience in acting, design, writing and stage management is not required. Pit Orchestra applicants require experience reading music and playing in an orchestra.
The UCLA Theater Professional Development Studio offers an exclusive tailor made private training for professionals and student groups.
In our summer film courses, you’ll gain an understanding of stop-motion animation and digital cinematography; get an overview of the contemporary film industry; learn about the evolution of Disney features and more. Courses offered both in-person and online and carry the same unit value as their academic-year counterpart.
In our summer theater courses, you’ll have the opportunity to work on your acting skills, learn new dance routines, design for the stage or write a play. Courses offered both in-person and online and carry the same unit value as their academic-year counterpart.
