Admissions & Entrance Auditions

Instructions for Uploading Your Prescreening Video(s) to YouTube

Step 1: Prepare Your Video(s)

• Make sure each video follows the required format, content, and length guidelines.
• Save your video(s) in a common file format such as .mp4 or .mov.
• Important: If your prescreening includes multiple requirements (such as different pieces, songs, or monologues), each requirement must be uploaded as a separate video. This helps reviewers access and evaluate each part of your submission more easily.

Step 2: Sign in to YouTube

• Visit YouTube.
• Click “Sign in” in the upper right corner.
• Log in with a Google (Gmail) account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one.

Step 3: Upload the Video

1. Click the camera icon with a "+" (usually located in the top right).
2. Select “Upload video.”
3. Follow the prompts to choose and upload your video file.

Repeat this process for each video requirement.

Step 4: Add a Title and Description

For each video:

• Title: Include your full name and the specific content of the video (e.g., Jane Smith – Contemporary Monologue or John Doe – Classical Song).
• Description: You may include relevant information such as the title of the piece, composer/playwright, or any other required details.

Step 5: Set the Visibility to “Unlisted”

When prompted to choose the video’s visibility, select "Unlisted":

• This setting means only people who have the link can view the video. The video will not appear in search results or on your public channel.
• Do not choose “Private.” If the video is private, reviewers will not be able to view it, even if you share the link.

Step 6: Save and Copy the Link

• Click “Save” or “Publish” to finish uploading.
• You will be given a direct link to your video.
• Copy and save this link.

Repeat this step for each video, and make sure you keep track of which link corresponds to each requirement.

Final Step: Submit Your Links

• Submit each individual video link according to the instructions provided with your application.
• Be sure to clearly label each link (e.g., Contemporary Monologue, Classical Song, Dance Piece).

Additional Reminders

• Test each link to make sure it works (you can use a private/incognito browser window).
• Do not delete or change the visibility of your videos until after the review process is complete.
• Upload early to allow time for troubleshooting if needed.

About the program

The CSUF BFA Acting concentration prepares students for a professional career in theatre in plays, musicals, television, and film.

The program seeks students who exhibit talent, motivation, and commitment, and combines rigorous coursework with ample opportunity to apply the training in performance throughout their four years. Fourth-year students prepare websites, build reels, and meet casting directors and agents in Los Angeles and New York in preparation for an effective transition from college to a professional career in theatre, television, and film. Audition required. 

 

Prescreening Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

• One contemporary monologue (written after 1950) from a published play, 60-90 seconds in length.
• One shorter monologue using heightened language (such as a sonnet or classical monologue), roughly 60 seconds in length.

Those wishing to pursue a BFA in Acting, Devised, or Musical Theatre must audition prior to entering the program and will be assessed in the areas of acting, voice, and movement.

The Prescreen Submission Link will be emailed to you once the following criteria are met:

• You have applied to CSUF through Cal State Apply. - OR - You currently attend CSUF, and have emailed Theatre Admissions that you are interested in auditioning to initiate your application.
• Your application has been processed by the Department of Theatre. It may take up to two weeks for the Department of Theatre to receive your Cal State Apply application. Once processed, you will start receiving emails from the Department of Theatre.

 

Callback Information

In-Person Callback Dates:

• January 30, 2027
• February 6, 2027

The Audition Sign-Up Link will be emailed to you once the following criteria are met:

• Prescreening requirements have been submitted and evaluated: Prescreening submission instructions will be emailed to applicants in areas requiring prescreening upon meeting the two criteria above. Results will be released beginning mid-December.

In-Person Callbacks 

NOTE: if you are invited to our in-person auditions, you only need to attend on ONE date corresponding to the area that called you back.

 

About the program

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Production prepares students for a professional career in the entertainment industry, including theatre, television, film, theme parks, and new media.

The program seeks students who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation and commitment to enter into a pre-professional program that combines rigorous coursework in design and technology with ample opportunities for students to apply their training on realized productions.

The Design and Technical areas of focus are: Costume Design & Technology; Lighting/Video Design & Technology; Scenic Design, Paint & Properties; Sound Design & Technology; Stage Management; and Technical Direction

 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate ability to analyze and interpret creative, critical and theoretical performance works and texts.

2. Communicate design and production ideas to collaborators through graphic or aural design skills, language and research.

3. Demonstrate working knowledge of professional practices across genres of theatre, musical theatre, opera, dance and non-traditional venues and styles of design.

4. Gain practical experience as a contributing collaborator to departmental productions from conception through realization. 

 

Areas of Focus

Students are organized by areas of focus.  These are not formal degree designations but rather a program framework that helps place students with a mentor in their area of interest and create specific academic road maps that align with their interests.

 

What areas of focus are offered?

Costume Design & Technology

Costume design, hair and makeup, costume construction

Lighting/Video Design & Technology

Lighting design, video design, lighting technology, console programming, video technology, media server programming

Scenic Design, Paint & Properties

Scenic design, props, scenic painting

Sound Design & Technology

Sound design, sound engineering, mixing

Stage Management

Stage management, production management, company management

Technical Direction

Technical direction, scenic construction, rigging, automation

 

Applications & In-Person Interviews

Admissions Process

• Prospective students must apply to CSUF through the CalApply system.

• Students currently enrolled as BA major can apply for the BFA at any time up to the fall of their Junior Year (less than 64 units completed). 

• As part of the Cal Apply process, prospective students must submit an online application to the program.  The required application materials include a resume, a statement of intent, a digital portfolio and contact information for two references.

• Applicants with successful applications will be invited to interview and present their portfolio to a faculty panel, which will then make an admissions recommendation.  In-person interviews are preferred, though virtual interviews may also be arranged.

Admissions Timeline

• Applicants are only admitted for the fall semester.

• Applications open: September 1

• Students can’t submit their application until October 1st

• Applications close: December 1st, though that is a soft deadline

• Interview decisions will be made by the end of finals week. (Friday, December 18th, 2026)

• Interviews would take place on January 30 & 31 and February 6 & 7, to coincide with BFA auditions.

Limitations on Number of BFA Attempts

You may submit a maximum of two applications to the BFA program.

 

Portfolio Area Requirements

Costume

• Images/Photos of Research, Renderings, Designs, Constructions, Productions and Material Samples of realized costume design projects, theoretical design projects, costume paperwork, etc.

Lighting/Video

• Photos of realized lighting and/or video projects, drafting samples, lighting paperwork, visual art, photography, electronics projects, etc.

Scenic

• Photos of realized work in scenic design, scenic painting, drafting &/or props fabrication, visual artwork consisting of drawing, sculpture, digital art. 

Sound

• Samples of sound content - realized (including finalized cues, composed music, audio recordings) and unrealized (including class or personal sound art projects), paperwork and drafting samples, sheet music, conceptual or visual art, etc.

Stage Management

• Examples of stage management paperwork (daily calls, rehearsal/performance reports, contact sheets, etc) and assistant stage management paperwork (scene breakdown, costume plot, shift or run sheets, etc). Example of calling script.

Technical Direction

• • Photos of realized projects, process photos, drafting samples, budget samples, etc.

Application Materials

Statement of Intent

Please provide a Statement of Intent that is approximately two pages (500 words) in length. It could address some or all of the following questions:

• What are your strengths and accomplishments so far?

• Why do you feel passionate about working in design and technology?

• What does your work look like?  What are the processes and materials used?

• What do you hope to explore in the BFA program?

• What are your goals for your future career?

• What are some things that make you unique?

• What else do you think it is important for us to know about you?

Resume

Prepare a resume that includes a complete list of your work in live and/or recorded  entertainment. It should include titles of works, duties performed, locations of performances, and the names of supervisors and/or collaborators.

Below are some sample resumes that show industry-standard formatting.

Credit List Format

Employer List Format

 

References

Please provide contact information for two references who can speak to your artistic and/or academic abilities. Potential references include arts instructors, entertainment industry professionals, employers and mentors. Please note that references cannot be current faculty members in the design and production area.  

The listed references will receive a questionnaire which they will submit directly to the Department faculty.

 

Portfolio

Applicants must submit a digital portfolio of their work in art, design and/or technology.  This can include both academic and professional work.  Submission requirements vary by area of focus, but all should follow these guidelines:

• Be succinct - show a few examples of your strongest work rather than showing the volume of work you have done.

• Be clear - make sure all images, video and audio samples are high-quality and demonstrate your work clearly.

• Be organized - make sure all submissions are clearly labeled and arranged in a way that is easy to navigate.

Files and File Formatting

Applicants must submit their portfolio as a single PDF document that is 20mb or less.

 

Video 

• All video files must be embedded in the PDF document or linked via a cloud service such as DropBox or Google Drive.  Please ensure that you set the file’s sharing settings to "public" or for "Anyone with the link".

• Videos can be embedded in YouTube or Vimeo.  Please ensure that you set the file’s visibility/privacy settings to "public".

• If you are linking to original files, you must use one of the following supported video formats: .mov or .mp4 compressed using H.264(preferred), Apple ProRes 422(LT/HQ), or H.265(HEVC).

Audio

• All audio files must be embedded in the PDF document or linked via a cloud service such as DropBox or Google Drive.

• Audio samples can be embedded in YouTube, Soundcloud, or Vimeo.  Please ensure that you set the file’s visibility/privacy settings to "public".

• If you are linking to original files, you must use one of the following supported audio formats (listed in order from most preferred to least preferred): .wav, .aiff, .flac, .acc, .mp3, .ogg

What's Special About our Program?

Practical Experience

We believe that practical production experience is a critical complement to classroom study.  BFA  students will have several opportunities to take lead roles on fully-realized productions during their time at Cal State Fullerton.

Variety of Performance Mediums

Cal State Fullerton provides opportunities to work in a variety of different mediums, including Theater, Musicals, Devised Performance, Dance, Live music and Opera

Extensive Facilities

Clayes Performing Arts Center includes several state-of-the-art theatres, rehearsal rooms, dance studios, sound, makeup, lighting, scenic and costume shops and studios.  Our performance venues include a large proscenium theater, a large thrust theater, a flexible black box theater, two intimate arena theaters, a concert hall, a recital hall and a dance studio. See our Facilities page for more information.

Committed Mentorship

In every production you work on at CSUF, you will have a faculty mentor to guide you through the entire process, from initial ideas and conversations to the generation of design and production materials and throughout the entire technical rehearsal period. 

Location

California State University is located close to Los Angeles, a vibrant hub for film, television, visual arts and performing arts, and adjacent to major theme parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Program Coursework

Details of all coursework, including course names and descriptions, can be found in the CSUF Catalog.

FAQ's

What are the production opportunities for BFA students?

The department mounts 8-10 major productions each year in five venues. 

Students in the first two years of the program will typically work hours in the shops and labs, and work in support roles on department productions.

Students in the third and fourth year will take on lead roles as designers or technicians on department productions.

When are areas of focus declared?

Areas of focus are declared in the program application.  Students who begin the program as first- or second-year students may change their area of focus prior to their third year.

Are internships available?

Yes. CSUF students regularly work at several of Southern California’s leading theatres, film and television studios, including South Coast Repertory, A Noise Within, Mark Taper Forum, NBC, CBS and Paramount Studios to name a few.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. The department offers a number of scholarships, assistantships, and paid work opportunities in the classroom, scenery shops, library, and production office.

Can I visit the campus?

Yes! We encourage visits throughout the year. Discover for yourself what we’re all about. Call the Department of Theatre and Dance Office to schedule a visit: (657) 278-5538.

About the program

The CSUF BFA Devised Performance/Physical Theatre concentration is one of the first of its kind in the United States.

The Devised BFA prepares actors for the creative and professional challenges of the 21st-century – collaborative theatre artists who conceive, design, direct, and perform highly athletic, visually stunning, interdisciplinary projects that shape today’s evolving theatrical landscape. Integrating aspects of theatre, film, design, music, performance art, and emerging technologies, students create original and adapted performance works through intensive and multi-dimensional collaboration. They graduate with specialized skills incorporating the emotional availability, creativity, and transformational capacity of an actor, the athleticism and physical expression of a dancer, a choreographer’s eye for shape, movement, and balance, a director’s sense of conceptualization, collaboration, and leadership, a designer’s vision for sound, place, image, and light, and a writer’s focus on language and story. Audition required. 

 

Prescreening Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

• One contemporary monologue (written after 1950) from a published play, 60-90 seconds in length. Choose material that is happening in the present tense rather than “storytelling” material that is relaying something that happened in the past.
• One “Wild Card” video – Think of the “Wild Card” as an opportunity to share something unique about yourself. Something that helps us get a sense of the bigger picture of you as a person. This media clip can be ANYTHING you want (for example: a special or unique skill you have, an interesting story about yourself, an instrument you play, a clip from a short film you’ve made). Have fun with it!
  • Clips are to be no longer than 60 seconds
  • To help get you rolling, below are some examples that might spark some inspiration:
    • Performing your own stand-up comedy or Saturday Night Live-styled skit where you create a comedic character
    • Sharing a hobby or activity that means something to you
    • Playing an instrument
    • Making a “how-to” video demonstrating something you enjoy: baking, cooking, calligraphy, sports, martial arts, sewing, puppetry, photography, painting, illustrations.
    • Performing in a language other than English in which you are fluent
    • Singing or playing an original composition, song, or poem
    • If you are a dancer and want to show us a style you excel in: Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, etc.

Those wishing to pursue a BFA in Acting, Devised, or Musical Theatre must audition prior to entering the program and will be assessed in the areas of acting, voice, and movement.

The Prescreen Submission Link will be emailed to you once the following criteria are met:

• You have applied to CSUF through Cal State Apply. - OR - You currently attend CSUF, and have emailed Theatre Admissions that you are interested in auditioning to initiate your application.
• Your application has been processed by the Department of Theatre. It may take up to two weeks for the Department of Theatre to receive your Cal State Apply application. Once processed, you will start receiving emails from the Department of Theatre.

 

Callback Information

In-Person Callback Dates:

• January 30, 2027

The Audition Sign-Up Link will be emailed to you once the following criteria are met:

• Prescreening requirements have been submitted and evaluated: Prescreening submission instructions will be emailed to applicants in areas requiring prescreening upon meeting the two criteria above. Results will be released beginning mid-December.

In-Person Callbacks 

NOTE: if you are invited to our in-person auditions, you only need to attend on ONE date corresponding to the area that called you back.

About the program

The CSUF BFA Musical Theatre concentration prepares students for a professional career in theatre both in plays and musicals, and television and film.

The program seeks students who exhibit exceptional talent, motivation, and commitment, and combines rigorous coursework with ample opportunity to apply the training in performance. The program has been newly redesigned to meet the needs of students in the rapidly changing 21st-century entertainment industry; it is a rigorous, 4-year program with a well-balanced curriculum of acting (for both contemporary stage and camera), singing (including foundational music skills and 8 semesters of private voice), and dancing/movement (celebrating all levels of skill and a diversity of styles ranging from ballet, jazz, tap, modern, musical theatre, hip hop, and more). Fourth-year students will have the opportunity to travel to NYC for a capstone showcase performance, as well as industry workshops with Broadway talent, and industry professionals including casting directors and agents. Audition required.

 

Prescreening Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

• One contemporary monologue (written after 1950) from a published play, 60-90 seconds in length.
• Two contrasting songs in any genre that best demonstrates your voice (pop, contemporary musical, golden age musical, etc.).
• One musical theater song from any time period.
• One song of your choice from any time period and in any style that best suits you (musical theater, pop, hip-hop, folk, rock, rap, soul, country, punk, etc.). This song should contrast the style of the first selection.
  

  • NOTE: Each song file should be 60-90 seconds.

    Accompaniment: Students must sing to musical accompaniment, which could include live or pre-recorded accompaniment. No “a cappella” singing (without music).

    Please include at least one turn, one jump and one kick (or other suitable rotation, elevation, and extension that works for your body). Show us your best version of dancing or moving. 

    • Preferred: no barre work.
    • CSUF prefers using a pirouette turn, if possible.
    • Make sure you can execute all the choreography well. It is to your advantage to choose steps and movement that highlight your strengths instead of your areas of improvement.
    • You may use recent videos of you from a show or concert, but it must just be you in the frame.
    • Dance sample should be in whatever dance discipline you feel most confident. This may include, but is not limited to jazz, ballet, tap, modern, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, or dance styles beyond American and Euro-western styles.
    • Dance media can be “self-choreographed”, but it must be a solo video of you. This can include a show, competition, or other performance so long as you are clearly featured on your own.
    • Please use steps, movement, and physical vocabulary that you are familiar with and can execute well. Fully move your body to the best of your ability.

    To assist applicants with the dance prescreen, several institutions provided the following resource videos for applicants who do not have access to a choreographed combo for the prescreen process. You may submit this choreography (or a combination of it) to any of the schools you are applying to that ask for a dance prescreen.

    This list will be updated as more institutions share resources.

    • • • Abilene Christian University
        • Emerson College
        • Nazareth University
        • Texas State University
    • OPTIONAL: One “Wild Card” video – Think of the wild card section as an opportunity to show your personality or share something about you. This media can be ANYTHING you want (a special skill, an interesting story about yourself, a passion speech, an instrument you play, etc). Submissions should be no more than 60 seconds.
      

    Below is a list of ideas that have been successful in the past.

    • • • Singing a pop song
        • Singing or playing an original composition/song/poem or choreographed dance.
        • Performing your own Saturday Night Live-styled skit where you create a comedic character
        • Sharing a hobby or activity that means something to you
        • Performing in a language other than English in which you are fluent
        • Playing an instrument
        • Making a “how-to” video on something you are good at, baking, calligraphy, gymnastics.
        • If you are a dancer and want to show us a different style you excel in: Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, etc.

    Labeling Guidelines

    Title of Song – Musical/Show – Your First & Last Name

    Title of Play – Playwright – Your First & Last Name

Those wishing to pursue a BFA in Acting, Devised, or Musical Theatre must audition prior to entering the program and will be assessed in the areas of acting, voice, and movement.

The Prescreen Submission Link will be emailed to you once the following criteria are met:

• You have applied to CSUF through Cal State Apply. - OR - You currently attend CSUF, and have emailed Theatre Admissions that you are interested in auditioning to initiate your application.
• Your application has been processed by the Department of Theatre. It may take up to two weeks for the Department of Theatre to receive your Cal State Apply application. Once processed, you will start receiving emails from the Department of Theatre.

 

Callback Information

In-Person Callback Dates:

• January 30, 2027
• January 31, 2027
• February 6, 2027
• February 7, 2027

The Audition Sign-Up Link will be emailed to you once the following criteria are met:

• Prescreening requirements have been submitted and evaluated: Prescreening submission instructions will be emailed to applicants in areas requiring prescreening upon meeting the two criteria above. Results will be released beginning mid-December.

In-Person Callbacks 

NOTE: if you are invited to our in-person auditions, you only need to attend on ONE date corresponding to the area that called you back.

About the program

See the "Areas of Study" page for program information.

 

About the program

Our MFA provides professionally-oriented education and training in design and technical production.

Our goal is to nurture a professional artist who possesses a powerful individual viewpoint, visual acuity, technical proficiency and conceptual flexibility, leading to successful collaborative engagement in a provocative, ever-changing art form.

Design and Technical concentrations include: Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Sound Design and Technical Direction.  Students can also pursue secondary areas of study in Costume Technology, Theatrical Makeup, Projections, and Props.

 

Applying to the Program

There are two parts to the application process - application to the University and application to the MFA Program.

Program Admission

Prospective students must apply to CSUF through the CalApply system.

As part of the Cal Apply process, prospective students must submit an online application to the program.  The required application materials include a resume, a statement of intent, a digital portfolio and contact information for two references.

Please note that we do not recruit in all areas every year.  Please contact the Graduate Advisor to see if we are recruiting for your discipline in a given year.

Applicants with successful applications will be invited to interview and present their portfolio to a faculty panel, which will then make an admissions recommendation.  In-person interviews are preferred, though virtual interviews may also be arranged.

CSUF participates in the URTA Auditions and Interviews.  If you are planning to interview through URTA, your portfolio and interview information will be administered through URTA. Contact URTA for more information.

Deadline to Apply

Program applications are open until June 15th, but please keep the following in mind:

• Applications for financial aid and scholarships are due March 1st.  It is highly recommended that you submit your applications before the end of February in order to receive full consideration for financial aid and scholarships.

• We generally start interviewing candidates at the end of January, and start making offers in February.  This means that we may not have spots available later in the application window.

What's Special About our Program?

Practical Experience

We believe that practical production experience is a critical complement to classroom study.  Graduate students will take lead roles on at least six fully-realized productions during their time at Cal State Fullerton.

Variety of Performance Mediums

Cal State Fullerton provides opportunities to work in a variety of different mediums, including Theater, Musicals, Devised Performance, Dance, Live music and Opera

Extensive Facilities

Clayes Performing Arts Center includes several state-of-the-art theatres, rehearsal rooms, dance studios, sound, makeup, lighting, scenic and costume shops and studios.  Our performance venues include a large proscenium theater, a large thrust theater, a flexible black box theater, two intimate arena theaters, a concert hall, a recital hall and a dance studio. See our Facilities page for more information.

Committed Mentorship

In every production you work on at CSUF, you will have a faculty mentor to guide you through the entire process, from initial ideas and conversations to the generation of design and production materials and throughout the entire technical rehearsal period. 

Location

California State University is located close to Los Angeles, a vibrant hub for film, television, visual arts and performing arts, and adjacent to major theme parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm.

Program Coursework

The curriculum core requires study in design and production, history, literature and theatre criticism. Students participate in department production activities, including plays, musicals, dance and opera.

Details of all coursework, including course names and descriptions, can be found in the CSUF Catalog.

 

FAQ's

What are the production opportunities for MFA students?

The department mounts 12-15 productions each year in five venues. Graduate students will take a lead role (e.g. design, technical direction) in a minimum of six fully-produced shows.  MFA students will have the opportunity to work in a variety of venues and in genres that include straight theater, musical theater, devised performance, dance, concert and opera.

Are internships available?

Yes. CSUF students regularly work at several of Southern California’s leading theatres, film and television studios, including South Coast Repertory, A Noise Within, Mark Taper Forum, NBC, CBS and Paramount Studios to name a few.

What are CSUF Theatre alumni up to?

Upon obtaining an MFA from Cal State Fullerton, you are part of a family of CSUF alumni that includes critically-acclaimed producers, directors, casting directors, actors, stage managers, screenwriters, designers, technicians, playwrights, etc. Current and recent alumni are working or have worked in the following venues:

Broadway: Wicked, The Drowsy Chaperone, A Chorus Line, The Producers, Homebody/Kabul, Hairspray, Altar Boyz, Momma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, and Les Miserables

International/National Tours:  Hamilton, Hairspray, Miss Saigon, Hair, and Camelot

Regional Theatre: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory

Film: Spiderman 2, Fargo, Beauty and the Beast, Homeward Bound and Men in Black II

TV: Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, 24, Boston Public, General Hospital, LAX, JAG, Criminal Minds, Married with Children, Sleeper Cell, The Following, and The Young and the Restless.

Do I need to have a B.A. in Theatre in order to apply? What are the prerequisites for admission?

Not necessarily. It is required that you have a B.A., B.F.A. or M.A. from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in theatre; or a degree in a related field and extensive work in technical design and production, acting, or directing. Other prerequisites are: minimum GPA of 3.0 in all upper-division undergraduate work in theatre; minimum GPA of 2.75 for the last half of the undergraduate program is also required; completion of any additional prerequisites which may be required by the Graduate Adviser prior to admission and classification.

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. The department offers a number of scholarships, assistantships, and paid work opportunities in the classroom, scenery shops, library, and production office. CSUF nominates incoming graduate students for out-of-state tuition waivers for student who are not already residents of the State of California, however all students are responsible for in-state tuition and fees. To help offset these costs, MFA candidates may receive either a graduate assistantship or a teaching assistantship, depending on individual qualifications and background. In addition, students may apply for supplementary financial aid, which is administered through the university Office of Financial Aid .

Do I need to take the GRE before applying to CSUF?

No. You do not need to take the GRE before applying to the MFA program at CSUF. If you are accepted into the program, you will need to satisfy the GWR (Graduate Writing Requirement) within the first year of residency.

How many years does it take to get an MFA at CSUF?

Three. The MFA program at CSUF requires three (3) years of residency. It is not possible to complete the program in less than three years.

Can I “double major”?

No. Graduate study in each of the areas of emphasis is extremely demanding. There is only enough time for students to complete their course and production responsibilities, and students do not have time to hold down a job, or fulfill requirements of an additional degree or area of emphasis within the department. 

Do graduate students teach?

Yes, MFA students can work as teaching assistants and can potentially serve as co-instructors or even primary instructors for classes, depending on the student’s goals and the needs of the department.

Can I visit the campus?

Yes! We encourage visits throughout the year. Discover for yourself what we’re all about. Call the Department of Theatre and Dance Office to schedule a visit: (657) 278-5538.

 

About the program

We will not be accepting new students for the MFA in Directing before Fall 2028.