Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students

Any incoming Freshman or Transfer students interested in pursuing a Theatre or Dance major may submit an optional art portfolio/audition video to enhance their overall UC San Diego application. The Theatre and Dance faculty will review the art portfolio/audition video and share their evaluations with UC San Diego's Admissions Committee. Your optional art portfolio/audition video may help assist your overall application review.

For the art portfolio/ audition video requirements visit: Theatre & Dance Portfolio Requirements

For FAQ's regarding the Optional Art Portfolio/Audition Video visit: School of Arts & Humanities

Current UCSD Students

Current UC San Diego students do not have to submit an art portfolio/audition video; you can change your major to Theatre or Dance through TritonLink.

Performance and Production Opportunities

The Department of Theatre and Dance produces undergraduate productions throughout the academic year in our Theatre District, which is shared with the Tony award-winning La Jolla Playhouse. These productions range in scale from student-directed “black box” productions to full-scale faculty-directed undergraduate productions on the main stage. Every effort is made to provide a faculty-directed opportunity for undergraduates each quarter.

Each of these productions is staged with undergraduate actors and dancers. Historically, where there are design assignments to be made (sets, costumes, lights, sound), those assignments are given to qualified undergraduates. Upper-division credit is available for students involved in the design or staging of department productions. Students may not work on department productions unless they are formally enrolled in a related class. Information regarding design and advanced crew opportunities is typically available from the design faculty sent to students via email or may be posted on the bulletin board in the lobby of Galbraith Hall as opportunities arise.

Undergraduate Audition Policy

Undergraduates are encouraged to audition for all shows produced in the department. Auditions are typically held in the quarter preceding the staging of a production. Audition announcements are sent via email and may be posted on the bulletin board in the lobby of Galbraith Hall. Undergraduates who have completed or are currently enrolled in TDAC 1, Introduction to Acting are eligible to audition. Qualified undergraduates may audition for roles in graduate productions as they are available. Students cast in an acting role will receive course credit and enroll in either TDAC 122 or 123.

For Dance Productions

Dance students have the opportunity to perform in two fully produced dance concerts in each academic year: winterWORKS in winter quarter features choreography by faculty and guest artists. In spring quarter, students perform in the experimental choreographic works of other students in the New Directions concert.

Audition information will be posted in the Molli and Arthur Wagner Dance Building and on bulletin boards in the main lobby, outside the main Theatre and Dance Department Office.

If you have questions or would like more information about our Undergraduate programs, call the Undergraduate Coordinator at 858-534-3619 or email tdadvising@ucsd.edu.