California Lutheran University
Faith-BasedTest-Optional
Select Program
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Focus on professional acting for theatre, film, television, and multimedia
•Coursework in acting, advanced scene study, stage speech, movement for the stage, and directing
•Average of four major productions per year including classics, musicals, contemporary pieces, and original films
VENUES & OPPORTUNITIES
•Preus-Brandt Theatre (mainstage) and Black Box Studio Theatre
•Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival — professional theatre company performing on campus each summer
•Student internship opportunities through Camp Shakespeare and the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company
•Students have won top regional awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
LOCATION & INDUSTRY ACCESS
•Located in Thousand Oaks, CA — close proximity to Los Angeles for screen, stage, and TV connections
•Graduates work at Disney Studios, NBCUniversal, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and more
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 15, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Fee
$25Waiver
Program AppApplication
Deadline
VAPA Scholarship Application & Admission DeadlineJan 23, 2026
Audition
VAPA Scholarship Audition — Theatre Arts & Dance (On-Campus)Feb 14, 2026
Audition Requirements
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Good to Know
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Apply via Common App — $25 application fee (waiver available)
•No separate department application or audition portal required
VAPA SCHOLARSHIP
•Optional Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship — up to full tuition
•VAPA application deadline: January 23, 2026
•University admission application must be complete by January 23 for VAPA consideration
•Fall enrollment only for VAPA applicants
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition required — admission is through the university application (Common App)
•Students accepted to Cal Lutheran may declare the Theatre Arts major with Performance emphasis
VAPA SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION (OPTIONAL)
•In-person audition day for Theatre Arts & Dance: February 14, 2026
•Virtual audition/portfolio considered for late applicants on a case-by-case basis
•Contact: vapa@CalLutheran.edu
Scholarship Info
VAPA SCHOLARSHIP
•Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship — up to full tuition
•Available to incoming first-year and transfer applicants
•Optional audition for Theatre Arts & Dance
•Recipients expected to participate in department productions
•Renewable for subsequent years
•Contact: vapa@CalLutheran.edu
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.74
Avg GPA (W)
76%
Admit Rate
72%
Grad Rate
2,296
Enrollment
$68,712
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$52,560
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,109
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$22,161
Family Income $30k - $48k$23,668
Family Income $48k - $75k$24,318
Family Income $75k - $110k$29,303
Family Income $110k+$38,364
