Shine a Light.

No audition is required to declare the B.A. in Drama. Admission is through the UC Irvine application process.

Alumni work as actors, directors, designers, stage managers, producers, teachers, and scholars. Many go on to graduate training programs or professional theatre companies.

Drama students are supported by academic counselors in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, along with peer academic advisors who are current students.

Yes. Departmental scholarships are awarded annually, often based on audition or portfolio review, academic merit, or financial need.

Yes. Undergraduates and graduate students audition for roles in all productions. There are some workshop productions that are designed to provide specific opportunities for grad students, but there are frequently roles for undergrads as well.

You can find these on our Facilities page.

Yes. Applicants may submit an optional digital audition or portfolio to demonstrate strengths in acting, directing, design, stage management, criticism/theory, or music theatre.

The department has faculty specializing in acting, directing, voice, speech, dialects, movement, design, stage management, criticism, and history. Bios are listed on the Drama faculty page. Faculty bios are listed on the Drama faculty page.

Appointments are made through the Claire Trevor Student Affairs Office.

Applications are typically due in winter quarter. Check the CTSA scholarships page.

Yes. Many students spend a quarter abroad through UC Education Abroad Programs.

At the beginning of Fall Quarter, the department hosts “Mega Auditions” — one large audition that casts all departmental mainstage productions for the academic year.

Undergraduate Admissions: UCI Admissions Office
Drama Department: drama@uci.edu
Academic Advising: CTSA Student Affairs

Yes. All UCI students are eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Yes. All UCI students are eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Groups include Brown Bag Theater Company, Pipeline (student improv/sketch), and others. Student productions are often sponsored through the Drama Department or the CTSA.

Yes!  but also No!! Mega Auditions are the entry point for mainstage casting. However, students can also be involved in workshops, classes, and student-run projects outside of this process, and these productions have their own auditions.

You’ll find detailed submission guidelines and deadlines on the Drama admissions page.

Use the waitlist system on WebReg. If you’re unable to enroll, advisors can suggest alternatives or help with petitions. Also emailing the professor has been known to help!

Yes!  but also No!! Mega Auditions are the entry point for mainstage casting. However, students can also be involved in workshops, classes, and student-run projects outside of this process, and these productions have their own auditions.

Yes. Freshmen and transfer students may audition as soon as they arrive.

Yes. Admission begins with the B.A. program, and eligibility for the B.F.A. is earned through Music Theatre Workshop courses (Levels I–IV). Students apply for advancement to the B.F.A. after completing Workshop III.

Most Drama majors must take required courses for a letter grade. General education electives may be taken Pass/No Pass — check with your advisor before choosing this option.

About 45 minutes to one hour by car, depending on traffic.

Introductory courses may be larger (50–100 students), but acting, design, and advanced classes are capped at smaller numbers (10–20 students).

No, but many choose to live in campus housing their first year.

Yes, double majors are allowed if requirements for both programs can be completed. Popular combinations include Drama and English, Drama and Film & Media Studies, or Drama and Education Sciences.

The Drama Department presents multiple mainstage productions each season, including classics, contemporary plays, and new works. Additional workshops and student-led projects also happen throughout the year.

The Drama Department presents multiple mainstage productions each season, including classics, contemporary plays, and new works. Additional workshops and student-led projects also happen throughout the year.

Yes. Non-majors may take many Drama classes, though some courses are restricted.

Yes. Some classes require attending productions on or off campus. And even if not required, there is so much theatre available to you. South Coast Repertory is nearby and students often attend in large groups. And, as mentioned above, LA isn't far away.

Students participate in workshops, studio classes, student-run productions, and special projects. Opportunities expand as students progress through the program.

Yes. The department offers a Drama minor, which includes coursework in acting, literature, and production.

Yes. Undergraduate students can work in scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design, as well as stage management. Undergraduates who follow this path can work alongside grades and even design shows on their own.

No. Transfer students are admitted through the UC system. However, they may also submit optional auditions/portfolios.

Yes. Students receive course credit for participation in productions.

Yes. Production participation is part of the B.A. and required for the B.F.A.