CSUN is a 356-acre university that can be tiring to walk across when your classes are on opposite ends. Along the way, however, some of the buildings you pass are home to concerts, theatre productions and other performances worth stopping for.
From Grammy-award winning artists to student performers, there is lots of talent to discover on campus. With concerts, theatre productions, music performances and other live shows, students should take time to see what CSUN has to offer.
One place to start is The Soraya, which is located on the south side of campus. There are a variety of live shows and performances to look forward to throughout the school year as part of the 2026-2027 season. You don’t have to know and love every artist in the lineup to enjoy the show, and the student discount is a plus. In addition, the Experimental Theatre, located in the theatre wing of The Soraya, is regularly used by CSUN Department of Theatre to showcase theatrical productions.
The CSUN Department of Theatre holds around four performances each semester, and uses three different venues. The other two venues include the Little Theatre and the Campus Theatre, both located in Nordhoff Hall. From student performances and set design to costumes, lighting and sounds, each detail helps bring the story to life. Their webpage lists the different productions and includes a short summary of each, making it easy to find a show that interests you.
If you are interested in orchestra, ensembles, jazz and other musical performances, CSUN’s Department of Music offers plenty to explore. It’s a great chance to support musicians and listen to the work they have put into their performances. The department also includes an updated calendar of events, giving people time to plan which concerts they want to attend. They often use the Shigemi Matsumoto Recital Hall and The Soraya for their performances.
Within the Department of Kinesiology, the dance program holds a fall and spring concert at the Plaza del Sol Performance Hall. It features work from different choreographers, showcasing a variety of dance styles. The upcoming fall concert will feature choreography by alumni, graduate students and faculty.
After attending several shows at CSUN, I realized how much there is to enjoy on campus. At The Soraya, the Great Hall provides the full experience of seeing artists perform live. No matter where you sit, the view and sounds filling the hall make it worth staying for.
Since I’ve watched productions from the Department of Theatre in all three of its venues, each time I find myself observing how the sets, dialogue and music come together. Whether it’s a familiar story or something I have never heard of, it’s a great experience seeing how it unfolds onstage, and it drives me to come back for more.
Entertainment at CSUN can go beyond live shows. Students can also explore the art galleries, visit the CSUN Library exhibits, attend sporting events and check out other campus activities.
The next time you are looking for something to do on campus, see what entertainment CSUN has to offer you.
