Major Preparation in the School of Theater, Film and Television

The School of Theater, Film and Television offers undergraduate majors in Theater and in Film and Television. Both majors provide a comprehensive introduction to the history, theory, and practice of these art forms within the context of a liberal arts education. 

Undergraduates in theater study the history of world and American theater, contemporary theater issues, acting and performance, playwriting and analysis, design, directing, theater production, and complete a sequence of advanced courses in an emphasis along with a capstone project. Undergraduates in film and television study the history of film and television, screenwriting, animation, film and television production, including cinematography, editing, directing the camera, and digital media and tools. Undergraduates complete a senior concentration in one area of specialization and a professional internship. 

Applicants to the school must have a minimum 3.2 GPA at the time of application and by the time of entrance must have attained junior standing (60 semester or 90 quarter units) and have completed their general education coursework — either the school’s General Education requirements, the IGETC at a California Community College, or the General Education requirements while a student at another UC campus. Completion of the School of Theater, Film and Television’s foreign language requirement before arriving at UCLA is strongly encouraged but not required. In addition to the UC application, applicants are required to submit a supplemental application.

• Minimum GPA: 3.2
• IGETC required: Yes
• Double-major possible: No
• Supplemental application required: Yes
• Supplemental application deadlines:
  • Theater: December 9, 2024
  • Film and Television: January 13, 2025

Theater

Undergraduates in theater study the history of world and American theater, contemporary theater issues, acting and performance, playwriting and analysis, design, directing and theater production and complete a sequence of advanced courses in their chosen emphases along with a capstone course.

Applicants interested in the theater major must choose one of the following emphases on the UC Application: acting, design/production, musical theater or integrated studies.

Students interested in directing, playwriting, teaching artistry and theater/performance studies should apply through integrated studies. Those interested in stage management should select design/production.

In addition to the general UC Application, a supplemental application is required. This includes materials such as a headshot, writing samples, transcripts, resumes, etc. Applicants will be contacted ONLY if more information is needed and an interview or audition is required.

Note: Transfer students cannot change to the theater major after admission to UCLA.

Additional information may be found at the theater B.A. page.

Preparation for the Major

• Acting, design, play analysis or theater history (recommended)

Film and Television

Undergraduates in film and television study the history of film and television, screenwriting, animation and film and television production, including cinematography, editing, directing the camera, and digital media and tools. Undergraduates complete a senior concentration in one area of specialization and a professional internship.

Additional admission requirements include a personal essay, a critical essay, a creative writing sample, a life challenge essay and two letters of recommendation. Films, DVDs, and links are not accepted. Prior experience is not required.

Note: Transfer students cannot change to the film and television major after they transfer to UCLA.

Additional information may be found at the film and television B.A. page.

Preparation for the Major

• One course in theater (recommended)
• Completion of the School of Theater, Film and Television's foreign language requirement before arriving at UCLA is strongly encouraged but not required.