California State University - Long Beach
Test-Free
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
TRAINING & FACILITIES
•Emphasis on design and technical crafts: Lighting, Scenic, Costumes, Stage Management, Theatrical Makeup, Sound Design
•Three fully-staffed theatre spaces with state-of-the-art automated lighting, video, and sound equipment
•Cross-college collaboration: CAD, 3D Printing, Architectural Lighting, Film and Electronic Arts, Fine Art
INTERNSHIPS & CAREER
•Professional internship pipeline: Disney, LA Opera, South Coast Rep, Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse
•Students have worked nationally and internationally (NYC, Colorado, Utah, Russia, Tokyo, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Norway)
STUDENT COMMUNITY
•Artists in Black student association for technical majors — mentoring, workshops, job postings
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Nick Davidson — BA Lighting Design '13; principal lighting designer for Diavolo Dance Company and Thinkwell
•Kyle Gladfelter — '14; lead stage manager, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
•Graduates working in scenic, costume, and lighting design across professional theatre, film, television, and live entertainment
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCal State Apply
Deadline
Freshmen & Transfer DeadlineNov 30, 2025
Fee
$70Waiver
Good to Know
HOW TO APPLY
•Apply via Cal State Apply (calstate.edu/apply) during Oct 1 - Nov 30 window
•No audition or interview required for admission
IMPORTANT NOTES
•Transfer students must have equivalent of THEA 114A (Fundamentals of Acting)
•Check transfer articulation at assist.org
What's The Process
•No audition or interview required for admission
•New technical students share portfolios and tour facilities at orientation (not for admission)
•Contact: artistsinblack@gmail.com (student association)
Scholarship Info
COTA SCHOLARSHIPS
•College of the Arts (COTA) scholarships available through BeachScholarships application (csulb.edu/beachscholarships)
•Application opens each January for following academic year
•Must complete both general university section and COTA department section
Program info updated 4d ago
TRAINING & FACILITIES
•Emphasis on design and technical crafts: Lighting, Scenic, Costumes, Stage Management, Theatrical Makeup, Sound Design
•Three fully-staffed theatre spaces with state-of-the-art automated lighting, video, and sound equipment
•Cross-college collaboration: CAD, 3D Printing, Architectural Lighting, Film and Electronic Arts, Fine Art
INTERNSHIPS & CAREER
•Professional internship pipeline: Disney, LA Opera, South Coast Rep, Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse
•Students have worked nationally and internationally (NYC, Colorado, Utah, Russia, Tokyo, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Norway)
STUDENT COMMUNITY
•Artists in Black student association for technical majors — mentoring, workshops, job postings
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Nick Davidson — BA Lighting Design '13; principal lighting designer for Diavolo Dance Company and Thinkwell
•Kyle Gladfelter — '14; lead stage manager, Wizarding World of Harry Potter
•Graduates working in scenic, costume, and lighting design across professional theatre, film, television, and live entertainment
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.67
Avg GPA (W)
46%
Admit Rate
69%
Grad Rate
35,924
Enrollment
$64,403
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$7,350
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,950
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,440
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.
Family Income $0 - $30k$7,183
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,831
Family Income $48k - $75k$9,705
Family Income $75k - $110k$12,630
Family Income $110k+$19,750
