Department of Theater Arts
Get Started on Your BFA in Theater and Film Acting
Theater Arts requires a secondary application and audition.
Cultivating Transformation in the Arts
Rigorous Performing Arts Training
Looking to act on the stage and screen? APU theater arts students perform in main-stage productions, studio shows, short films, animation, voice-overs, musical theater, and episodic short films. They’re mentored by professors with acclaimed professional credentials—working actors, directors, designers, agents, and casting directors. And they end their senior year with a Los Angeles industry showcase for talent reps and casting directors.
APU Theater Arts Studies Abroad in England and Scotland
Students in APU's acclaimed Theater Arts program have the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich theatrical history of the United Kingdom. This immersive experience allows students to explore renowned and historical theater sites, such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, and the Oxford Playhouse. Beyond sightseeing, students actively engage with the culture through Shakespeare-focused classes, participation in performances at the Oxford Playhouse, and the excitement of experiencing live previews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This study abroad program provides invaluable hands-on learning and cultural enrichment.
Learn More About APU’s Theater Arts Programs
One of the Top BFA Programs in the Nation
Azusa Pacific University's BFA in Acting offers a rigorous and historically pioneering
curriculum in both on-camera and stage performance, strategically located 25 minutes from Los Angeles to provide invaluable
engagement with acclaimed industry professionals.
BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting with a Musical Theatre emphasis provides integrated conservatory-style training in vocal performance, dance techniques, and comprehensive musical theatre skills.
Training for students pursuing creative careers in stage and arts management, writing, directing, technical design, and arts education.
Los Angeles Talent Rep Perspectives on Program and Showcase
I really enjoyed the showcase. The work was creative, thoughtful, and fun to watch. The students followed up with professionalism and heart, which says a lot about the kind of training they’re getting at APU’s Theater Arts program. I ended up signing one of them and will definitely be keeping an eye on future grads.
-Janelle Polk, The Green Room
APU has done an excellent job blending media with monologues. Beautiful venue aside,
the actors I met were charming and personable. After attending the 2025 showcase,
I definitely made some referrals to talent representation whom I trust.
-Robert Terry, Zak Barnett Studios
Azusa Pacific’s Theater Arts program deserves to be discovered by talent reps, casting
directors, producers and others. The school’s annual showcase shows the grads’ talents,
both in person and on film. APU should be on your radar!
-Mark Scroggs, Vice President of LB Talent
Featured Working Alumni
Sam Bixby (’20)
Sam Bixby is an actor with an appearance in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking and a Domino's Super Bowl commercial.
Amanda Dayhoff (’20)
Amanda Dayhoff toured nationally with the musical 1776 and is an active professional in the theater industry.
Jaeda Lavonne (’19)
Jaeda Lavonne is an actress who understudied the role of Kiyana in Steppenwolf's production of Chlorine Sky.
Ricky Staub (’06)
Ricky Staub is a writer known for John Wick: Chapter 4 and the director of Netflix's Concrete Cowboy.
Senior BFA Acting Industry Showcase at Warner Bros.
Each spring, APU hosts an Industry Spotlight event at an acclaimed Los Angeles industry affiliated location giving graduating theater arts students in APU’s highly acclaimed, an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work both on stage and film in front of talent representatives, and casting directors. The Industry Spotlight is an example of APU’s innovative approach to the arts made possible because of our industry-connected faculty and close proximity to Los Angeles.
Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.