The CSUB Theatre Program
CSUB’s Theatre Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, as well as minors in Theatre, Theatre Technology, and Theatre for Youth. Each season the Theatre Program mounts three main-season productions in the Francis B. Doré Theatre, as well as a play for children that tours local elementary schools. All CSUB students are welcome to audition for roles in departmental productions.
- small class sizes allowing individual attention from dedicated, experienced faculty
- opportunities to perform, design, direct, stage manage
- a lively production program including a Theatre for Young Audiences tour and Theatre of New Voices—a new play festival
- training in acting, design, directing, creative dramatics, technical theatre
- a solid foundation in theatre history, literature and script analysis
We take pride in turning out well-rounded members of the theatre community.
For further details regarding either a major in theatre, the minor programs, or how to participate in theatre productions, please contact the Music & Theatre Department at (661) 654-3093.
Look under “For Majors” on our webpage to learn more about the program, to see a list of classes offered, and to read about why majoring in Theatre is a great idea!
CSUB’s Theatre Program offers each student numerous opportunities to take courses and participate in productions as actors, directors, designers, dramaturgs, playwrights and technicians. In other programs, incoming students must “pay their dues” while upper-division and graduate students receive choice roles and assignments, but at CSUB, even a new student may be cast in a major role or serve as stage manager for a mainstage production. With opportunities in set construction, scenic design and lighting design, the study of theatre offers students many chances for applied learning.
CSUB Theatre produces a variety of material ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary drama to Broadway musicals to original student work. Recent productions include La Gringa, Servant of Two Masters, Hairspray, The Taming of the Shrew, Chicago, Lorca in a Green Dress, Living Out, Theatre of New Voices (student-written one acts) and shows for children including "The Imaginators," "The Talking Stick," and "The Water Play."
Productions are mounted in the Frances B. Doré Theatre which includes a 495-seat proscenium auditorium, scenery and costume shops, a design lab, the Arena (black box theatre) and the Acting Studio (classroom).
Theatre majors develop a variety of skills through their course work and production experiences. These skills include discipline, oral communication, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, creative problem solving, working under pressure, and adaptability. They learn to research, write, analyze, critique and make public presentations. These skills can be applied to many careers.
Because the program offers course work in history and theory as well as practical applications, CSUB Theatre graduates leave well-rounded and prepared to enter graduate school for further study.
