É«ÇéÊÓƵ

Theater & Performance Studies

Explore. Discover. Create.

The study and practice of the art of Theater involves exploration of self and others through theory, production and performance — over time, across cultures, and technology.

Here in the entertainment capital of the world, you’ll be introduced to Los Angeles’ vast performance resources and connected with professionals and companies across the city. You’ll embrace the excitement of theater through an intense and joyful program of performance and study. É«ÇéÊÓƵ’s theater curriculum provides a rich understanding of both the enactment of the written word and the essence of theatrical expression.

On stage, in studios and in classrooms, you will work intimately with faculty and guest artists who are professionals in theater, film and television, all the while developing insight and perspective within an excellent liberal arts college. É«ÇéÊÓƵ’s program offers many paths to explore or follow—acting, directing, playwriting, design, production, technical theater, community-based theater, theory and history. From among these, you will find your own way to success.

Students experience the collaborative nature of theater through participation in the department’s annual major projects: two fall mainstage shows, the New WorksÌýFestival, a spring musical or classical show, and the Occidental Children’s Theater during the summer. Workshops, internships, and study abroad further enrich your experiential and career exploration opportunities.

Many of our students complete double majors, and have pursued graduate programs or careers in law and medicine, geology, business, and other disciplines. Recent alums who have continued in theater have pursued graduate degrees in several areas, including design, writing for performance, acting, television and film production. Our alumni work across the country as arts administrators, writers, stage managers, production managers, artistic directors, actors and designers for theater as well as writers, producers, designers and actors for film and television.

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Kai Morfin headshot

I have found that the professors in the theater department strike a balance between mentorship in classroom experiences and treating you as though you are a working professional during rehearsals or tech crew experiences.

Kai Morfín
Theater/philosophy major; Tucson, AZ

Meet Our Faculty

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Broadway Stage Manager

Isabel Schwartzberg
2019

Show Creator, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024

Nina Rose Carlin
2015

Writer, Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Kyle Brakeman
2018

Production Coordinator & Resident Production Stage Manager, The Geffen Theater

Alyssa Escalante
2010

Costume Designer/Fabricator, Costume Designers Guild

Daniel Selon
2008

Writer/Producer/Actor - Shithouse, Our House

Will Youmans
2020

Costume Historian/Librarian for Humanities & Social Sciences, Caltech

Olivia Warschaw
2015

Walt Disney Imagineering Project Coordination Intern

Michael Jacob
2024

J.D. Candidate, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law

Tasha Spear
2017

Upcoming Events

Contact the Theater & Performance Studies Department
Keck Theater 202

Box Office: (323) 259-2922