2024 Best Colleges with Drama and Theatre Production Degrees in California

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,267 reviews

Alum: The first year at Stanford was incredibly enjoyable, especially for those with intellectual curiosity, given the abundance of opportunities across various interests. While the engineering school is popular, Stanford isn't solely focused on engineering, as confirmed by others not in that field. I particularly appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from engaging extracurriculars and sports to vibrant parties and valuable work opportunities. Personally, I regularly enjoyed activities like surfing at the excellent spots in Santa Cruz, about an hour off-campus, and hiking in the picturesque hills nearby. Questions about controversial topics like the "prohibited words list" did come up, but, in reality, it had and continues to have no impact on campus life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Stanford to anyone and everyone.... Read 1,267 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  420 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 420 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,527 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,527 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  429 reviews

Freshman: People at CMC are welcoming, driven, intelligent, and fun to be around. There are a variety of social communities present on campus from kids that went to prep school, international school, charter schools, and public schools. Professors make themselves so accessible, and for many of my freshmen courses I am required to meet with them 1 on 1 before writing an essay. Everyone agrees that the professors truly care about their students. The social life can be really fun—Monte Carlo, Oktoberfest, and 601 are all a blast (especially because cmc is a wet campus and half the student body is part of a varsity sport). The campus is gorgeous being in the mountains with brand new facilities with much more on the way that is expected to be finished between 2024 and 2027. Not to mention it’s connected to a great college town with access to golf courses, beaches, and parks. Ultimately, you get all the benefits of a small and mid sized school in one… as long as you can manage a ton of work.... Read 429 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $21,663

• SAT range 1420-1530

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,007 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 4,007 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  4,426 reviews

Senior: It's a big school so it was a little difficult to transition into my freshman year, but once I looked at the different resources and organizations the university offered, I loved it! It's really important to get involved while you're there. I was involved in different pre-law organizations, ASUC, Cal Cheerleading, and others and it was a great experience. It's a little difficult getting classes especially in your first or second year, but once you declare your major it's a lot easier. My major advisor Lauri is the best. She's super helpful and has made my time at Berkeley a lot easier. I would like to see an easier way for students to enroll to classes they need easier. I would also like for the university to recognize cheer as a sport so cheerleaders can have access to academic accommodations, as they are at all the sports events and have hours of practice per week.... Read 4,426 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Irvine, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,226 reviews

Junior: The campus community thrives on inclusivity and support, with individuals eager to engage in meaningful conversations and lend a helping hand. UCI has a myriad of club opportunities available. No matter your interests, there is an organization that caters to your passions that provide avenues for personal development and also serve as platforms for making lifelong friendships with like-minded individuals! The campus boasts a wide array of support resources aimed at ensuring the success and well-being of every student. Academic support centers, tutoring programs, and career services are readily available, empowering students to excel in their studies and prepare for their future endeavors. A big plus is that within a short walking distance there is a lot of dining options. Additionally, the convenience of nearby grocery stores and transportation to them ensures that students can easily access the essentials they need, making life on campus incredibly convenient.... Read 4,226 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $11,633

• SAT range 1230-1430

• La Jolla, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,923 reviews

Sophomore: So far UCSD has been an amazing second home, with so many resources available to me. I have ventured out of my comfort zone by joining clubs and meeting new people! The professors are always striving to help us students learn better and willing to lend a helping hand whenever we need further explanation. I have grown comfortable with my new environment and the school itself, and cannot wait to spend the rest of my undergraduate years here at UCSD.... Read 3,923 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 34%

• Net price $15,632

• SAT range —

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,692 reviews

Junior: My experience at the University of California - Santa Barbara (UCSB) was truly incredible! From the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful coastal campus, I knew I was in for an amazing adventure. The combination of fun and learning at UCSB was beyond comparison. Academically, UCSB exceeded my expectations. The university is renowned for its rigorous programs across various disciplines, and the faculty members are top-notch. The courses were intellectually stimulating, challenging me to expand my knowledge and think critically.... Read 4,692 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Davis, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  5,064 reviews

Senior: Davis has been an extraordinary experience as a pre-med student! The faculty's expertise and genuine care for students have been remarkable. They provide engaging lectures, one-on-one guidance, and research opportunities. The pre-med advising team is accessible and immensely helpful, supporting me in every aspect of my journey. The campus is beautiful, offering study spaces and research facilities with cutting-edge resources. The inclusive environment fosters collaboration with like-minded peers, making it feel like a family. Davis also provides numerous healthcare and medicine-related clubs and organizations, enhancing networking opportunities. The university's ties to local hospitals and medical centers have opened doors for internships and clinical experiences, giving me invaluable exposure to the medical field. My time at Davis has been transformative and inspiring, preparing me for medical school and beyond. I highly recommend Davis to any aspiring pre-med student.... Read 5,064 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $16,640

• SAT range 1160-1400

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  501 reviews

Junior: I think one thing that sets Oxy apart from other schools is the relationship you will build with your professors and peers in a class setting. My professors are always really accessible and encourage everyone to go to office hours and ask questions. Because of the small class size and collaborative setting where I am able to talk to my classmates, I've met some of my closest friends in my classes at Oxy. Everyone here is super involved and passionate about something they do on campus. This creates a really fun and supportive culture where we all go to everyone's club events, music performances, and sports games. Oxy really takes advantage of its location in Los Angeles. I've had field trips to Downtown LA and City Hall, and there are lots of opportunities to get off campus like free tickets to the Kings game last week! I chose Oxy because I wanted to be a part of a community that cares about what they are doing and that is exactly what I've found here.... Read 501 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $43,047

• SAT range 1340-1490

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,943 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at USD has been positive so far! The campus is so pretty, so it's definitely a nice environment to learn within. I love how unique and consistent the architecture is, even with new buildings, and the view of Mission Bay is fun to see every day. My first-year housing experience (in Camino) was good. The bathrooms were recently renovated, so that was appreciated, and there were a lot of private bathroom spaces. All of my professors were so nice as well!... Read 1,943 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  4,824 reviews

Alum: This school is full of wonderful people. There a lot of students from all over the world with a brilliant personalities. If you don’t fit in, they will help you to fit in and succeed. A lot of students from economically successful social groups in the third college generation. I witnessed freshmen who drive Maserati and Tesla. Some professors are incredible, polite and have a tendency to like all of their students and treat them like if they were their kids. The parking lots are great. You be late for 30 minutes before classes and always find a free spot. I’m so glad I graduated from that place. Beaches are nearby and it’s a beach life. If I will ever have kids, I will send them to CSULB instead of sending them to an expensive private college where they can experience bad influence from spoiled classmates or toxic environment of faculty and administration. Don’t hesitate and Go Beach!... Read 4,824 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $9,171

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  646 reviews

Junior: I think that overall, Pitzer offers an incredible education and a supportive community of students who genuinely care for each other. There's such a diverse range of courses, not to mention the incredible access you get to courses throughout the Claremont Consortium. However, sometimes it feels as though the administration is out of touch with the needs of the student body. There's been times where students, particularly minority students, have felt their needs disregarded by administration despite pressure from the student body. It's another thing I admire about Pitzer - students aren't afraid to speak their mind, and organize for causes they believe in.... Read 646 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $19,153

• SAT range 1300-1450

• Los Altos Hills, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  509 reviews

Junior: I have been at Foothill for almost three years now and throughout these past years I feel like I am very satisfied with my education here. To begin, the professors show that they care for their students by being flexible to meet with students one on one and they are very big on advocating for diversity within their classrooms. In every class I have taken, the professors make it a point to emphasize the importance of valuing everyone in the class. Most importantly, the professors provide students with the information of almost every resource that is available to us such as tutoring, mental health services , and financial aid resources. What I also really love about the school is the campus. The style of the campus gives me an old town vibe and I completely fell in love with it. There are so many trees and open space so it is possible to study or do homework at the tables that are spread out in the quad. Overall, this school is a good choice to keep in mind!... Read 509 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,820

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,739 reviews

Senior: This university has contributed to the academic, social, and communal achievements. I have acquired during the course of my stay as a student here. Loyola Marymount University is the positive, namely, cause of not only my own achievements, but my family and siblings to come as well. As a first time generation student who was not exposed to diverse environments, independent environments; LMU has created a comfortable, easily accessible environment for us! I am thrilled that my siblings will be attending LMU next year, and joining the summer program this summer, 2023! Thank you LMU for being extremely welcoming, having positively supporting staff and support groups!... Read 1,739 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $40,180

• SAT range 1250-1420

• San Luis Obispo, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,962 reviews

Sophomore: Cal Poly SLO has an excellent academic program. This college strives for "Learn By Doing" and is seen within every major. Students are expected to learn hands-on in their field of choice. For example, for animal science majors there are fields of land where horses, cows, pigs, and more live. This is for the purpose of undergrads to gain experience. Cal Poly has well has a preschool located in front of the library to support students who have an interest in education. Child development majors participate in this preschool by being an observer and staff to the children. The preschool not only is able to make the "Learn By Doing" slogan true but as well brings in citizens to the school. Thus creating a closer community. The location of Cal Poly is beautiful as well. The school is surrounded by mountains with the ocean only being 10 minutes away! Downtown can be reached within walking distance from Cal Poly. Overall, great school.... Read 3,962 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $20,708

• SAT range 1240-1440

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,343 reviews

Freshman: Beyond the excellent academics, SDSU has a great social and school spirit atmosphere with amazing athletics and clubs. As an out-of-state freshman, the transition to college has been tough; however, the many welcoming communities between fun or academic clubs, intramural, club, and D1 sports, and various other excellent programs. There are countless wonderful opportunities, including those at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center (MBAC). Students (and others) can take classes for surfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, and more! So far, the surfing class has been a major highlight for me. Getting around is also extremely easy, which is a big deal as a freshman without a car. The trolley and bus system is free to students under 20, which is a major bonus for getting around San Diego, going to the MBAC, and getting other important places in SoCal (like the airport)! I also feel that SDSU is a very safe campus, and has overall been a wonderful experience filled with growth and learning. Go Tecs!... Read 5,343 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Malibu, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,350 reviews

Alum: Pepperdine University is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there - I loved my professors, loved the location, and loved the stunning campus. Everyone there was remarkably friendly, and when I switched my major to Art History, I felt very welcomed by the department and encouraged in the pursuit of my goals. My professors were eager to offer help and advice, and it was clear that they enjoyed their careers and loved teaching and mentoring students. The other classes that I took outside of my major (as part of Pepperdine's liberal arts curriculum) were also excellent. I found my religion classes (three required) especially fascinating; given that I was not a Christian student, all the material was new for me and quite enlightening. The classes I took for my minor - Creative Writing - were also fantastic, particularly my Spiritual Writing class (taught by an outstanding professor). I had an amazing time at Pepperdine, and in all honesty, wish I could go back!... Read 1,350 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,945

• SAT range 1260-1440

• Livermore, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  608 reviews

Junior: I love the professors and the staff! The facilities are maintained and are being updated, and any new construction is there to benefit the students and staff. They are very protective of their students and staff and everyone is treated well. There’s resources for anyone and they genuinely do want to see everyone’s success. One thing I would like to see changed is the hours the administration, cafeteria, library, and student store remain open until. I feel the pandemic changed the hours of operation drastically and they never went back to the old hours, which had a lot of benefit to late-night students.... Read 608 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,675

• SAT range —

• Santa Clara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,459 reviews

Alum: I had an amazing time at SCU and am proud to be a BRONCO! There are tons of job opportunities in the Bay Area because there are thousands of successful companies in the area, classes are small, education is impressive, the campus is beautiful, and people are so friendly. Santa Clara is not only a great university; the statistical information speaks for itself, but it is more than the numbers. Everyone is happy and proud to study here. The numbers are just getting better each year.... Read 1,459 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 54%

• Net price $48,469

• SAT range 1330-1490

• La Mirada, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,285 reviews

Senior: Biola's teachers are AMAZING! The online courses are well structured and provide exceptional content. I have grown so much in my faith, knowledge, and confidence in Christianity through the Bible, Theology, and Apologetics program. The only reason the school gets 4 stars instead of 5 is the administrative staff (Non- Academic advisors - my academic advisor was AWESOME!). This area of the school is severely lacking. They are unhelpful and even rude when trying to get confirmation on simple and important information. It soured my entire experience and ruled out any consideration of attending online for my master's degree.... Read 2,285 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $29,123

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,024 reviews

Freshman: My first semester at SBCC I took 2 online courses and 2 in-person courses. I really liked how simple the online courses were. I never had trouble turning in online assignments, contacting teachers, or asking for help. I also enjoyed how much the teachers cared even though we weren't seeing each other on a daily basis. They emialed us to make sure we were on track and always provided resources for extra help. The professors were also very educated on how to use the online format. My in-person classes were just as good. The professors truly cared about the work they put out. I took an acting and journalism class with amazing professors who pushed me to do better and made the class fun. Overall my time at SBCC was great!... Read 1,024 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,000

• SAT range —

• Orange, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  2,268 reviews

Alum: Overall, I had a very positive experience going to Chapman. The campus was beautiful; there was always a new part of campus to discover with its unique layout. The professors provided such a positive teaching atmosphere that inspired students to ask questions. I always felt like the teachers went above and beyond to be available to help their students. The smaller class sizes helped foster a community that took pride in helping and reaching out to one another. The food on campus? DELICOUS! The cafeteria set up allows for students to eat and study or conduct group meetings thanks to the spacious tables with ample seating. Athletics at Chapman turns students into family. Teams would support each other and have lots of laughs on trips to games. Coaches would be mindful of student schedules and would establish a healthy balance between school and sport. Chapman was absolutely a delight to attend. If anyone is looking for a family away from family, this is it.... Read 2,268 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $40,451

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Pasadena, CA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,789 reviews

Freshman: Pasadena City College while not a highly connected community, is a very pleasant and friendly one. Students tend to keep to themselves and professors are very eager to help their students succeed and are far more willing to communicate with their students than in my previous college experiences. It will not be easy! You will need to put in hard work, and utilize all resources available to you should you want to pull off those A grades. The campus is sweet and small, relatively quiet and nestled right next to many boba shops and fast food options for busier students who need a quick meal to tide them over. Be it working night shifts, day shifts, or anything in-between; if you are willing to communicate with professors they will do all in their power to accommodate you. Overall while students tend to keep to themselves, some of the best friendships I've made were through PCC. I discovered both my patience and my grit with the Pasadena Lancers, proud to have been apart of the family... Read 1,789 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,466

• SAT range —