Introduction to the Major
Students in the Theater and Performance Studies major will engage with theater performance on physical, intellectual, and aesthetic levels, growing not only as performers but also as artists, thinkers, makers, viewers, and participants in the artistic event. The practical focus of the major is to create theater of all kinds using all its art forms. Equally important is the study of theater and dance performance theory, history, culture, and literature, thereby balancing the practical with the theoretical.
Our graduates have gone on to careers in all theatrical fields and graduate schools all over the world. Our alumni include professional actors on stage and screen, stage managers on Broadway, arts journalists, stunt actors, directors, designers, producers, playwrights, technicians and more.
Additional Opportunities
- Already have an intended major but interested in Theater and Performance Studies? Consider adding a TPS double major or minor.
- As either a major or minor in Theater and Performance Studies, you will study with nationally and internationally known faculty, respected for their scholarly research and creative work.
- Whether new to theater or seasoned with years of training and skill, all students receive an education that engages them fully. Your focus may be on acting, dance, technical theater, design, performance studies, or some combination thereof.
Amplify Your Major
- Get involved in student-directed theater performances and projects.
- Intern at Bay Area theaters.
- Participate in diverse and exciting lectures and performances.
- Engage with world-renowned guest artists through Cal Performances and the department’s extensive network.
- Bring together your undergraduate experience with an Advanced Study Opportunity (Capstone).
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Review major and college requirements.
- Enroll in L&S 1 and an Arts & Humanities Gateway Course.
- Take THEATER 60 as soon as you can to get involved in one of the department productions.
Connect and Build Community
- Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect.
- Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
- Attend all productions put on by the department.
- Attend TDPS Welcome Back Celebration in August for prospective and returning students.
Discover Your Passions
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course.
- Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships.
- Add zest to your studies—take courses you never imagined taking.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
- Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
- Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
- Develop a plan for getting career ready.
- Set up a Handshake account and sign up for CareerMail.
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Talk to TDPS peer advisors about creative ways to engage in the major.
- Complete lower division prerequisites and declare the major.
- Start talking about ideas for an Honors Thesis or Project (THEATER H195A/B).
Connect and Build Community
- Join a performing arts group on campus like BareStage Productions or CalTV.
- Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
- Sign up for the TDPS email list and start attending department events.
Discover Your Passions
- Continue exploring with a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course, or Discovery Course.
- Assist faculty in their research through URAP.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Contribute to a community organization with an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
- Go on a service-learning trip with the Alternative Breaks Program.
- Teach theater and promote the arts in local schools through the CREATE program.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
- Shadow alumni through the Cal Job Shadow Program.
- Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Focus on upper division requirements.
- Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor.
- Ask your major advisor about Advanced Study Opportunities (Capstones).
- Take online summer courses like THEATER 117AC or 118AC to free up time your final year.
Connect and Build Community
- Give back by becoming a TDPS peer advisor.
- Work with peers and graduate students in HUM 196: Mentored-Research and Discovery Groups.
- Share your ideas with the department for future events, shows, and guest speakers.
Discover Your Passions
- Interested in joining a production? Check out the TDPS Callboard for calls and audition information.
- Pitch your idea for teaching a DeCal course in the department next year.
- Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program.
- Intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital, or in Sacramento with UCCS.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Learn about career fields and conduct informational interviews with people in those fields.
- Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Complete any “bucket list” courses.
- Finish remaining major, college, and campus requirements.
- Complement your major with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Connect and Build Community
- Get support for your Honors Thesis or Honors Project in the Townsend Honors Thesis Workshop.
- Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
- Bring together your undergraduate experience with an Advanced Study Opportunity (Capstone).
- Curious about entrepreneurship? Enroll in HUM120: Entrepreneurship for All.
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
- Attend Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
- Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
Jobs and Employers
- 3D Film Production Asst., LBNL
- Actor, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Actor, Berkeley Repertory Theatre
- Actor, Cal Shakespeare Theater
- Adjunct Faculty, Monterey Peninsula CC
- Art Manager, Trinity Repertory Co.
- Coordinator, SF Opera
- Cruise Ship Performer
- Dancer, LevyDance Company
- Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival
- Director, San Francisco Mime Troupe
- EMT, ProTransport 1
- Filmmaker
- Instructor, Alameda School of Music
- Marketing Asst., Joe Goode Group
- Member, San Francisco Ballet
- Playwright
- Public Speaking Coach
- Publicist, The Magic Theater
- Software Engineering Intern, Zillow
- Sound Designer
- Stage Manager, Aurora Theatre Company
- Stunt Woman
- Writer, Netflix & Disney+
Graduate Programs
- Acting, Masters, American Cons. Theater
- Arts Management, Masters - Yale
- Drama and Theater Arts, Masters - Columbia Univ.
- Journalism, Masters - Columbia Univ.
- Social Sciences, Masters - UC Berkeley
- Law, JD - UC Berkeley
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit tdps.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students can email the Undergraduate Academic Advisor at laxmik@berkeley.edu to schedule an in-person or online appointment.
Advising Hours
Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-4:30pm
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
