FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to audition to be a theater major or minor?
No, you do not need to audition to be a major or a minor. However, you may audition or send in an audition tape as a supplement to your Oxy application. For details, please click here.
What are my chances, as a freshman, of being cast in shows?
That depends on the show. Any Oxy student may audition for our productions, which means anyone can be cast. It is completely up to the director who generally chooses cast members who best serve the play and the role.
What types of acting opportunities are there?
There are many opportunities for our students to perform here at Oxy. Besides our three professionally directed Mainstage productions (2 in the fall, 1 in the spring), we have our annual New Play Festival (a series of professionally directed staged readings and workshop productions of student written plays), directing class midterms and finals, senior comprehensive projects, and various student independent projects.
What types of design/directing/teching opportunities are there?
Students have designed costumes, lights, and sound for various Mainstage productions. They also stage manage all of our productions and have co-produced our New Play Festival. Students also direct and design various independent projects.
What are the major and minor requirements?
Click here for a complete list of the requirements. Basically, students need 44 units to major and 20 to minor. Students take courses in performing, designing and technical theater for a well-rounded theater education.
Can I double major?
Yes, we have several students who double major. Often students will also major in Art, Economics, English, various languages, sciences and many others. Our program of study, while extensive, is flexible and can accommodate any double major or minor.
What classes do you offer?
We offer courses in a variety of fields. We strive to produce a student who is accomplished in more than one area of theater. Students here must take courses in performance, design, history, and technical theater. Click here to see our online catalog for complete course descriptions.
How many faculty members are there?
We have 4 full time faculty members, and several adjuncts who teach in the department. We also bring in a number of guest professionals during the school year to work with students. For more information on our faculty, click here.
How many productions do you do per year?
We mount three Mainstage productions per year along with our New Play Festival. Two shows play during the fall semester; the New Play Festival in February and one show toward the end of the spring semester. Every other spring we produce a musical.
What types of internships are available?
Various internships are available during the school year in film television and theater in the Los Angeles area. Many students pursue summer internships throughout the country.
What types of study abroad programs are available?
The study abroad program at Oxy is extensive and offers programs in many countries. Our students most often study in London with the British American Dramatic Academy and the London Dramatic Academy.
Are there employment opportunities?
Yes, but priority is given to students who are eligible for work-study. Please talk to financial aid (323-…) to see if you are eligible. Jobs are listed through Human Resources.
What are recent graduates doing now?
Recent graduates have gone on to work in feature films, television and professional theater companies. They are working as actors, directors, writers, publicists, administrators, designers, stage managers and technicians. Other graduates have gone on to pursue careers in fields such as law, education, and business.
Do you produce musicals?
Yes, every other year. Recently we produced Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” and “Sweeney Todd”. This year we plan to mount Bernstein’s “Candide”.
Do you have an MFA program?
No, Occidental College does not offer graduate degrees with one exception. Oxy does offer teaching credentials through the Education department.
Do you offer a BFA?
No, Occidental offers only a B.A.
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