University of California, Berkeley
LGBTQ+ AffirmingGreek LifeTest-Free
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Customizable BA with focus areas in acting, design, directing, playwriting, stage management, and performance studies
•Conservatory-style classes with 20 students or fewer for most theater and technical training courses
•Courses taught by faculty known nationally and internationally for scholarly research and creative work
•Combination of academic study and hands-on production experience
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Studio and Playhouse productions throughout the year
•Student-directed performances and New Play Reading Series
•Workshops and collaborations with professional guest artists and Artists-in-Residence
•Access to 70+ student-run performing arts groups on campus
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
•Internships with Bay Area professional theaters including Berkeley Repertory Theatre and American Conservatory Theater
•Access to Cal Performances visiting artists
•Graduates pursue careers as professional actors, directors, producers, playwrights, arts journalists, and more
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atapply.universityofcalifornia.edu
Deadline
Regular DecisionNov 30, 2025
Domestic Fee
$80Waiver
International Fee
$95Waiver
Good to Know
UC APPLICATION
•Apply through the University of California Application
•Applications open in August and are due in November for admission the following fall
•No supplemental application or materials required for TDPS
TRANSFER STUDENTS
•Transfer students who select TDPS as their major on the UC Application are automatically declared
•Incomplete prerequisite courses must be finished before graduation
NOTE
•Individual courses within the major may require auditions or interviews for enrollment, but these are separate from admission to the major
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition, interview, or portfolio required to declare the major
•Students apply to UC Berkeley through the UC Application
•After admission, declare the major by completing two lower-division courses and meeting with an advisor
MAJOR DECLARATION
•Complete one practice course (e.g., Introduction to Acting) and one performance studies course (e.g., Introduction to Performance Studies)
•Schedule an appointment with the undergraduate advisor to formally declare
CONTACT
•Undergraduate Advisor: Laxmi Kumaran — laxmik@berkeley.edu
•General inquiries: tdps@berkeley.edu
Program info updated 2 days ago
Academic School Information
12%
Admit Rate
93%
Grad Rate
33,073
Enrollment
$92,446
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$14,850
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$45,627
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,979
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$5,895
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,751
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,424
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,713
Family Income $110k+$35,154
