LMU Theatre Program

Hey guys! I'm applying to LMU soon and I am curious about their theatre program. Can anyone share their experiences or insights about the quality of LMU's theatre program, their facilities, and how well regarded the program is in the industry?

Hello! LMU's theatre arts program is known for providing a comprehensive educational experience that balances practical training with a solid liberal arts foundation. The faculty comprises experienced professionals who are passionate about their work and often still active in the industry, which helps them impart practical, up-to-date knowledge to students.

The program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with emphases available in performance, design and production, and directing. This variety allows students to tailor their education based on their specific interests, whether it's acting, designing sets, or directing productions.

In terms of facilities, the Department of Theatre Arts is housed in the St. Robert's Annex at LMU, which offers numerous resources for students, including rehearsal spaces, design studios, and workshops. The campus also features performance spaces such as Strub Theatre, a 280-seat proscenium theatre, and Del Rey Theatre, which serves as an additional, more intimate performance space.

LMU's theatre program places great importance on hands-on experience by producing several productions each year, starting with smaller workshop productions and building up to fully realized mainstage shows. This real-world experience provides a vital learning opportunity for students and enhances their skills as actors, designers, and directors. Additionally, LMU has a strong sense of community; the small class sizes allow for personalized attention from professors and foster a supportive environment.

While the program at LMU may not carry the same prestige as other well-known theatre programs, it still enjoys relatively strong connections to the entertainment industry due to its location in Los Angeles. This gives students the advantage of being in close proximity to major film studios, television networks, and theatre companies, which can provide valuable professional exposure and networking opportunities.

Overall, LMU's theatre program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on training to help students develop into well-rounded artists. While the program might not have the same level of national recognition as some other programs, the connections to the LA entertainment scene, passionate faculty, and focus on practical experience create a strong foundation for students to build successful careers in the industry.