Overview

The Theater Arts programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers a unique fusion of traditional performance techniques and contemporary digital media practices. This advanced degree encourages students to engage in socially conscious analysis while developing their creative voice within a vibrant academic community. By merging classical theater with modern play and design, the curriculum prepares graduates for the evolving landscape of the performing arts.

Why Theater Arts at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Students benefit from a department that embodies rigorous experimentation and a deep commitment to social equity and justice. The university provides a scenic 2,000-acre campus overlooking Monterey Bay, offering an inspiring environment for artistic research. With over 150 events hosted annually by the arts and humanities divisions, learners have ample opportunity to showcase their work and engage with a diverse creative community.

The department features specialized faculty labs and studios designed to support interdisciplinary performance and scholarship. This collaborative atmosphere allows students to work alongside ladder-rank faculty who serve as mentors, guiding the direction of their creative projects. The integration of the Art and Design: Games & Playable Media program ensures that students are at the forefront of digital storytelling and interactive performance.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15102 per year
National fee: USD 15102 per year
Local fee: USD 15924 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between traditional stagecraft and new media. Modules may include:

Performance, Play & Design
Digital Media
Theater Arts
Games & Playable Media
Socially Conscious Analysis
Interdisciplinary Performance
Creative Technologies
Research Methods

Careers with Theater Arts

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the global arts and entertainment industries. The programme focuses on developing professionals who can work in traditional theater, digital media production, and game design. By fostering skills in both performance and scholarship, the university enables students to pursue careers as directors, designers, performers, and creative researchers.

The department's emphasis on social equity and accessible performance ensures that graduates are equipped to lead in community-based arts organisations and educational institutions. Alumni often find success in roles that require a sophisticated understanding of how performance intersects with modern technology and social change.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Arts Dean's Lecture Series on Creative Entrepreneurship

Iranian Theatre

Theater Design and Technology

Stage Management

Drawing

Costume Construction

Drafting for Theatrical Production

Drafting-Computer Aided

Design Studio: Lighting Studio

Acting Studio: Psychological Realism

Indonesian Dance and Drama

Voice for the Actor

Movement for Performers

Understanding Shakespeare

Dance Studio

Ballet

Contemporary Dance Theory and Technique

The Dance Experience

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-02 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

40 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Film Studies Drama Music Performance View 256 other Masters in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official transcripts

Supplemental Materials

Recommendations

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, up to 5 may be submitted.

Résumé

Work sample

Writing sample

A Statement of Purpose is required: Please describe your plans for graduate study and for your future profession. Include information about your past experience and current projects that will help the selection committee evaluate your preparedness for graduate study and your promise as a professional. (Recommended length: 3-4 pages.)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Out-of-State

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15924 USD / year

≈ 15924 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Theater Arts.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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