Welcome to CSUF Theatre

OUR VISION STATEMENT

The Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University of Fullerton strives to create a diverse inclusive environment that raises awareness, instills compassion, advocates for our community, and supports our students in their creative and academic goals.  As a department we are committed to developing innovative and unique educational experiences.  We strive to challenge our students to develop their curiosity as artists and cultural leaders of tomorrow.  Our goal is to inspire, nurture, challenge, educate, and empower our students.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Welcome to The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State Fullerton.

As the Department Chair it is my goal to create a sense of belonging for every member within our community.  Each individual is an import part of the creation process within Theatre and Dance, making what we do one of the most collaborative art forms.  The magic happens when we come together as a cohesive team.  My hope is to give our students the skills to thrive as artists, and to prepare them to be able to adapt, innovate and respond to the ever-changing professional landscape.

This department offers students an education grounded in the practical skills of theatre and dance creation and performance. Our faculty and staff endeavor to provide innovative and exceptional learning opportunities to develop each student’s unique artistic voice as they continue the path toward becoming performing arts professionals.

Our department strives to inspire, nurture, challenge, educate, and empower our students within a diverse and inclusive environment.

I look forward to seeing you participate in our department in the future, whether it is becoming a patron of one of our performances or choosing to become a student in our program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a permit and why am I not able to enroll in my class?

Many Theatre and Dance classes have departmental permissions, which means that you cannot enroll in the class until you have been given permission.  This applies to both majors and non-majors.

You may not be able to enroll in all departmental sections of classes, as some sections are reserved based on departmental need.

There are a few ways to receive a permit:

• If you meet with your theatre/dance advisor during our departmental advising month (October or April), they can request a permit for you for your theatre/dance classes.
• Majors: Email the Department of Theatre and Dance Administrative Support Coordinator,  Denean Dyson dedyson@fullerton.edu  and request a permit.  Please include in the email your name, Campus Wide ID (CWID), the class, and the section number for the class.  It takes 24 hours to process this request.
• Non-majors: Requesting a permit for a Theatre or Dance GE class, please email the Department of Theatre and Dance Administrative Support Coordinator,  Denean Dyson dedyson@fullerton.edu  and request a permit.  Please include in the email your name, Campus Wide ID (CWID), the class, and the section number for the class.  It takes 24 hours to process this request.

As a current student, can I change my major to a BFA?

The Department of Theatre has 3 different BFAs with concentrations in Acting, Devised Performance/Physical Theatre, and Musical Theatre.  All these degrees require an audition and admittance into the program.

• Auditions can be submitting through Accept’d
• Students must submit their audition submission by end of November to be considered for the program in the following year.
• Acceptance is contingent on space within each program. Each program takes between 12 and 16 students each year.

What is the difference between a BA and a BFA degree?

BA in Theatre is liberal arts degree that focuses on a well-rounded education in Theatre. This is the “Jack of all trades” degree that allows a student to learn all aspects of theatre arts.  This degree is a great complement to a Teaching Credential in Theatre, as it allows the student to become well rounded in theatre arts, which can easily be translated into secondary education and pedagogy for theatre.  A BA degree is 120 units over 4 years of study.

BFA in Theatre is a pre-professional degree that focuses on one area of study within theatre.  It is a more specialized degree.  At CSUF, the offered BFAs are performance based and are in the different areas including Acting, Devised Theatre/Physical Performance, and Musical Theatre.  A BFA degree is 132 units over 4 years of study.

How do I get advisement for my classes?

Theatre and Dance students will be assigned an advisor while they are a student at CSUF.  You can find your advisor on your student portal (Navigate360/TitanNet).  You will need to meet with an advisor each semester to select your classes and have permits placed.

You can reach out to the Department of Theatre and Dance if you cannot locate who your advisor is.

WHY CHOOSE US?

Outstanding Faculty, nationally and internationally recognized, maintain vibrant performing and teaching careers, engage in ground breaking research, and are well-known in the professional fields of Theatre, Dance, Opera, Television, Film, and Theme Parks.
 
Low-Cost Tuition  with the benefits of typical private education. California residents pay just $3,983.35 per semester for full-time undergraduate tuition (Fall 2025)
 
Distinctive Opportunities, including on-campus performances in 5 different types of venues:

Little Theatre

The 480-seat Little Theatre presents most of the Department of Theatre and Dance's musical productions as well as the fall and spring Dance Theatre productions.

Young Theatre

The 250-seat James D. Young Theatre is the major stage for dramatic productions presented by the Department of Theatre & Dance. This thrust-stage theatre is designed to bring the actors to the center of the space with seating on three sides, both on the floor level and in the balcony. This intimate space is designed to engage the audience and make the theatre-going experience more meaningful.

Hallberg Theatre

The 150-seat Hallberg Theatre is built in the black box tradition, and includes flexible seating from in the round to a more traditional formation. This space features experimental and rarely performed Theatre productions and also showcases new plays.

McGarvey Dance Studio

The William J. McGarvey Family Dance Studio is designed for instruction and performance. This studio is used to showcase new dance choreography and to feature individual dance recitals.

Arena Theatre

The 100-seat Arena Theatre (located near the Recital Hall and Little Theatre) is home to the Department of Theatre and Dance’s “Studio Series” as well as student cabarets and showcases.

Other studios include the  
Kathryn T. McCarty Dance Studio ;       Dhont Family Foundation Dance Studio   and the   Jerry Samuelson Musical Theatre Studio

 
Individual Attention  from faculty who take pride in developing their students’ academic and artistic skills within a nurturing yet educationally rigorous atmosphere.  Students receive one-on-one mentoring for projects within the department. Theatre and Dance classes rarely exceed 25 students.
 
Location  The Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State Fullerton is less than 30 miles outside of Los Angeles, near Southern California’s entertainment and recreation destinations.