San Diego State University

San Diego State University

BA in Theatre Arts (Performance emphasis)
BA in Musical Theatre
MFA in Musical Theatre

San Diego State University has two energetic undergraduate BA degree programs in Theatre Arts (Performance emphasis) and Musical Theatre and a thriving graduate MFA degree program in Musical Theatre.

Video auditions are required for acceptance into our programs. This Acceptd site is the platform where you submit your video or portfolio. However, this is ONLY ONE PART OF THE APPLICATION.  You will also need to apply to SDSU through Cal State Apply.  Both your Acceptd submission and your Cal State Apply application are required for admission to SDSU.

Which degree is right for you?

Are you a high school senior or a potential transfer student? Are you looking for an undergraduate degree that combines great performance training and maximum flexibility?

If yes, then one of our BA degrees might be right for you.

Our BA in Theatre (Performance emphasis) degree prepares students for excellence in every aspect of theatre with a myriad of performance opportunities.  Our program is structured to involve students in all aspects of theatre while giving the flexibility to students to choose their own path of discovery. 

Theatre is an immensely rewarding major.  Through the art of theatre, we experience works of some of the greatest writers, thinkers, and artists our civilization has ever known. Employers actively seek the skills offered by theatre degree: creative thinking and problem-solving, collaboration, a goal-oriented approach to projects, superior communication skills, and ability to handle deadline pressures, effective time-management, and independent thinking and initiative. 

Theatre majors are part of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film. In addition to opportunities to work in production in most areas of theatre, there are also ample opportunities to work in Television and Film productions, behind and in front of the camera.

For students interested in musical theatre at SDSU, our BA in Musical Theatre combines excellent musical theatre training taught by Broadway professionals with the flexibility of taking many different classes within the School of Theatre, Television, and Film and throughout the university. We know that a successful career rewards diversity of experience and entrepreneurial thinking and we want to help you achieve your goals. 
 
SDSU is also home to the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Program in Musical Theatre.  This graduate degree is one of only a handful in the country where students learn the art of performing and teaching musical theatre.  As an undergraduate performance major, you are taught not only by the faculty but also mentored by professional actors who are studying for their graduate degrees. 

Do you already have a bachelors’ degree and are looking for a deeper understanding of musical theatre training? Are you looking for a terminal degree in musical theatre so that you can improve your own skills and perhaps someday teach this amazing art form at the university level?

If yes, then the MFA in Musical Theatre might be right for you.

The MFA in Musical Theatre has helped hundreds of students establish life-long careers as leaders in the world of musical theatre.  Many of our graduates have gone on to teach in musical theatre programs in schools and universities worldwide, while others have gone on to become professional performers, directors, choreographers, music directors, producers, casting agents, and writers. 

This degree program only accepts students every other year, so applications for the class of 2028 will open in October 2025.

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film practices policies of inclusion, equity, diversity, and access in student recruitment and advising, faculty/staff hiring, and mentoring.

For questions regarding these SDSU degree programs:
BA in Theatre Arts (Performance emphasis): Prof. Adrian Alita - aalita@sdsu.edu
BA or MFA in Musical Theatre: Prof. Robert Meffe - rmeffe@sdsu.edu

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Helpdesk.