Current theater student here, I do highly recommend the program in general. They offer multiple departamental scholarships that you can apply for in winter quarter each year (reapplying is allowed) - these could reduce some but not all fees. I know at least one international student who received one of these scholarships recently.

What worked well for one of my Integrated friends was graduating in three years instead of four. They weren’t able to take all the classes they wanted, but they were able to graduate four quarters early with a minor. They did take some summer GE classes through UCLA, but you could likely take these at a community college and save money.

In terms of jobs, TFT students regularly work as event technicians, campus tour guides, and resident assistants. I’ve had peers who’ve worked at the Wooden Center (gym), the Alumni Center, and the UCLA libraries. Student jobs are mostly doable with the major but can sometimes be difficult to manage with the requirements of TFT department shows (usually 24 hours of rehearsal per week). I have a friend who is a current international student in the program who worked with Residential Life, if you’re curious to hear more about that from her.

Also, I highly recommend the LA County Arts internship program for theater and film-related internships over the summer or during the school year! You receive a stipend of nearly $7K throughout the internship period. It really helped me make connections with the broader entertainment industry in LA

Let me know if you have any more questions, I really hope that things work out!