1. Theatre Arts students of all emphases have many
opportunities to showcase their talents in our mainstage
season. Productions are done in both the 350-seat
University Theatre and the 150-seat, modular Hal Todd
Theatre. Actors, directors, playwrights and designers
collaborate during the four annual mainstage productions,
as well as in student productions and works throughout
the season. Advanced performance students are also
granted showcase auditions with San José Repertory
Theatre, various Bay Area regional theatres, and TV-film
casting directors and agents.
mainstage & studio theatre
Our curriculum offers courses in acting and directing
for the camera, with numerous opportunities to work
on student-faculty directed short and feature films.
Our department annually produces feature films, shot
on location in the Bay Area and on the University’s
two state-of-the-art soundstages. Films produced
have been honored in major film festivals such as
Cinequest, Slamdance, Mill Valley Film Festival and
the Locarno International Film Festival and regularly
receive commercial distribution, including VOD and
DVD. Students have the opportunities to participate in
hands-on mentoring from industry professionals, faculty
and staff outside the classroom setting.
stage & screen career pathways outstanding alumni
The Theatre Arts program offers a degree in Bachelors
of Art and Minor degree focused on a multi-faceted
approach to learning the craft of performing arts. Stu-
dents have the choice to concentrate in different empha-
sis in Acting, Directing (for Stage and Screen), Design
& Technology, Writing & Research, Theatre Education
and Musical education or work with an advisor to craft a
multi-disciplinary degree. Our rich network of Bay Area
resources offers opportunities for graduates to be placed
through our internship program with some of the most
respected and influential film and theatre companies in
the industry.
SJSU’s Professional affiliation has provided the
opportunity to pursue internships in acting, directing,
dramaturgy, stage management, production design,
development, arts marketing and more. After graduation,
students have found careers as professional actors and
directors in film, television and on the stage. Students
also find careers as stage managers, scenic designers, in
costume design, sound designers, dramaturges, educators,
producers, agents and administrators.
Omar Benson Miller, Regular cast member on CSI:
Miami, 8 Mile, The Express, Spike Lee’s Miracle at St. Anna,
and Walt Disney’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Adrienne Muller, starred as Nala in the national tour
of Disney’s The Lion King, member of the original Las Vegas
cast of Mama Mia!
Coby Bell, starred as Officer Ty Davis, Jr. in NBC drama
Third Watch, CW comedy-drama The Game, USA Network
action series Burn Notice, co-produced and starred in feature
film Drifting Elegant
beauty and the beastthe mummified deerangels in america secret in the wings

2. Theatre Arts
admissions questions
408-924-2564
online university
catalog
info.sjsu.edu
financial aid,
scholarships
408-938-7500
international and
extended studies
408-924-2670
theatre arts program
408-924-4530
by telephone
408-924-1000
by mail
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192
web address
www.sjsu.edu
bravo! sjsu
www.sjsu.edu/bravo
contact us
Students have access to numerous opportunities with
many affiliated companies. Our alliance with the award-
winning San José Repertory Theatre provides students
with access to professional instruction and experience
in the theatre. San José Rep professionals and guest
artists will lecture or teach courses in playwrighting,
design, directing, acting and educational theatre. The
affiliation between SJSU and San José Rep offers
the chance to intern in a variety of fields and work
closely with top industry professionals through close
interactions with the company. Students learn what the
art form of theatre means to the life of a community
and how the life of a community enriches its theatre.
Luis Valdez, Peabody Award winner and Golden Globe
nominee, is among San José State University’s proud
alumni. In 1965, his full-length play, The Shrunken
Head of Pancho Villa was produced by our department
in what is now the Hal Todd Theatre. Valdez is also
known for his famous play and film Zoot Suit, the
Richie Valens biopic La Bamba, and his formation of
the theatre troupe El Teatro Compesino. In 2008, Luis
Valdez returned to stage a production of his play The
Mummified Deer, directed by his son, Kinan Valdez.
san josé repertory theatre affiliation honored alumni luis valdez