Career Pathways for Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts program at LMU gives students strong comprehensive course work, training and experience in acting, directing, design, theatre technology, playwriting, history and criticism. Our intimate classes allow for close working relationships with the faculty. Students get a diverse theatre experience with classic, contemporary and new works that are multicultural, political and progressive. Students also have opportunities to pursue individual research and creative projects as well as participate in a highly exclusive study abroad program with the Moscow Art Theater.

Our program focuses on professional preparation to enter the industry and world of professional theatre, the development of new work alongside a grounding in the classics, and theatre for social justice: how one can use one’s art to make the world a better place for others.

Through the Theatre Arts program, students can train for a variety of careers in film, television, theatre, producing, casting, playwriting, event planning, arts management and promotion, stage management, law, public relations or teaching. Theater Arts majors will also develop practical communication and leadership skills and apply them in a humanistic context. In addition to preparing students for a wide range of professional careers, the LMU theatre program lays the foundation for students to pursue graduate work in academic as well as conservatory programs.

Stepping Stones to Success

In their senior year, students may take "Career Development," which offers an overview of current trends in casting toward professional work in theatre, television and film with visits from professional artists such as agents, managers, actors, and casting directors, and “Surviving as an Artist,” which builds an understanding of the unique requirements and challenges that life as an artist in our society presents, including but not limited to personal finance, unions, professional conduct and how to develop and sustain career opportunities. Students carry out a senior thesis designed to create a body of work that leads to post-graduation opportunities. Students may also pursue one of numerous internships with local theatre, production companies and industry organizations.

Industry Showcase

Every Spring, Loyola Marymount University produces an industry Showcase for graduating seniors who have successfully completed the Career Development class. The showcase is held at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles for an invited audience of industry professionals, such as theatrical and commercial agents, casting directors, studio casting executives, and personal managers. Over the past several years, the showcase has helped graduates secure commercial and theatrical representation, and has launched the careers of many new actors. We are proud to say that the showcase has achieved a “must-see” status among industry professionals.