California State University - Long Beach
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Rigorous, focused, and sequential 132-unit actor-training degree
•Three-phase curriculum: Self (fundamentals, body, voice, imagination) → Role (dramatic texts and genres) → Professional Arena (Shakespeare, on-camera, digital media)
•Training spans stage, film, television, and web-based work
CORE SEQUENCES
•BFA Acting sequence (6 semesters)
•BFA Movement sequence (5 semesters)
•BFA Voice and Speech sequence (3 semesters)
•Accents: Theory and Practice (2 semesters)
PERFORMANCE & CAREER
•Must perform substantive role in at least one Mainstage or Studio production
•Degree culminates in online Showcase introducing graduates to industry professionals
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCal State Apply
Deadlines
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
TransferDec 1, 2025
Fee
$70Waiver
Good to Know
•Apply to CSULB via Cal State Apply as a BA Theatre Arts major
•Complete lower-division prerequisites at CSULB before auditioning for BFA
•BFA admission is internal only — cannot apply directly as incoming freshman
•Required prerequisite courses: THEA 103 (Dramaturgy), 111 (Theatre Arts Showcase), 112 (Beginning Voice and Speech), 114A (Fundamentals of Acting), 116 (Fundamentals of Collaboration), 140 (Theatre Arts Activity - Crew), 141A & B (Orientation to Production Crafts)
What's The Process
ELIGIBILITY
•Internal audition — students must already be enrolled at CSULB
•Must complete at least 33 semester units including THEA 103, 111, 112, 114A, 116, two units of 140, and 141A & B
•Minimum 3.0 GPA in THEA 103, 112, 114A, and 116
•May not apply after completing 90 units
•Students enrolled in prerequisite courses may audition with signed Grade In-Progress forms
AUDITION PROCESS
•Adjudicated audition with Theatre Arts Department performance faculty
•ONE audition opportunity only — decisions are final, no appeal process
•Admission to the BA does not guarantee admission to the BFA
RETENTION
•BFA students evaluated at end of every semester; must maintain 3.0 GPA in performance courses
Scholarship Info
•College of the Arts (COTA) scholarships available through BeachScholarships application
•Application opens each January for following academic year
•FAFSA or CADAA required for need-based scholarships
Program info updated Today
Academic School Information
3.67
Avg GPA (W)
47%
Admit Rate
71%
Grad Rate
34,131
Enrollment
$64,403
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$7,008
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,888
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$8,931
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$5,477
Family Income $30k - $48k$6,191
Family Income $48k - $75k$9,063
Family Income $75k - $110k$12,787
Family Income $110k+$18,575
