Mission + Goals

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 important part of the creative process within the department, 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, preparing them 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.

Obtaining a Permit:

Email Department of Theatre and Dance Administrative Coordinator Denean Dyson to request a permit. Please include your name, Campus Wide ID (CWID), class name, and section number. It takes 24 hours to process this request.

NOTE: You may also meet with your theatre/dance advisor during our departmental advising month (October or April) and they can request a permit for you.

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 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 (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.

Please reach out to the Department of Theatre and Dance if you cannot locate your advisor.

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. 

Distinctive Opportunities, including on-campus performances in 6 different types of venues.

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.