The Theatre Arts Major

The Theatre Arts major (associate degree), with concentrations in Musical Theatre and Theatre, is designed to prepare students with the theatrical knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to continue their studies in theatre arts to attain a baccalaureate degree and/or pursue opportunities in a professional theatre career. To assist students in achieving this goal, the curriculum is supported with considerable opportunities for students to audition for and participate in a variety of performing arts productions either in performance or the technical areas of theatre.

Theatre Arts-Musical Theatre Concentration

Students concentrating in Musical Theatre will be trained in all three areas of musical theatre: music, theatre, and dance. Through the course of study in the Associate Degree in Theatre Arts – Musical Theatre concentration, students will be provided an opportunity to learn how to:
• exhibit competency of fundamental music skills including reading music and sight singing.
• identify and perform rudimentary technique in modern jazz and tap.
• perform in an improvisational setting and a rehearsed theatrical production.
• perform two monologues of contrasting types which can be utilized for an audition.
• explain key historical aspects of the American musical theatre.

The Musical Theatre concentration also provides considerable opportunities to audition for and participate in a wide variety of performing arts groups, including Music Theatre Ensemble and the annual musical and dramatic productions. Students are also exposed to professional guest artists and attend regional and national performances to expand their knowledge of the theatre arts. The Theatre Arts major prepares students for further study in college, conservatory, or specialized performing arts schools.

After completing the associate degree, students are well prepared for further studies in voice, acting and dance, taking advanced courses in each area. Some of the advanced courses of study include Advanced Voice Study, Advanced Music Theory/Analysis, Advanced Jazz, Tap and Ballet, Musical Theatre Studio and Internship, Directing the Musical, and Theatre History.

Students in the Musical Theatre field obtain careers as musical theatre performers/actors, dancers, singers, directors, choreographers, musical directors, voice, acting or dance teachers, accompanists, vocal coaches, and stage managers.

Theatre Arts-Theatre Concentration

Students concentrating in Theatre will develop a knowledge of all areas of the theatre arts, including performance, technical production, and design. Through the course of study in the Associate Degree in Theatre Arts – Theatre concentration, students will be provided an opportunity to learn how to:
• identify the various aspects of theatre including its origin, the roles of the various people who create a theatrical production, and the various types of drama, dramatic structure, dramatic characters, theatrical environments, and visual elements of theatrical design.
• identify and explain the basic elements of stage craft in scenic design, rigging, construction, and stage lighting.
• perform in an improvisational setting and a rehearsed theatrical production.
• perform two monologues of contrasting types which can be utilized for an audition.
• perform a scene with a fellow actor and explain the character’s goals, obstacles, tactics, and expectations.

The Theatre concentration also provides considerable opportunities to audition for and participate in a wide variety of performing arts groups, including Music Theatre Ensemble, and the annual musical and dramatic productions. Students are also exposed to professional guest artists and attend regional and national performances to expand their knowledge of the theatre arts. The Theatre Arts major prepares students for further study in college, conservatory, or specialized performing arts schools.

After completing the associate degree, students are well prepared for further studies in acting, directing, stage management, or design, taking advanced courses in their selected area of study. Some of the advanced courses of study include: Advanced Acting, Movement, Voice, Stage Directing, Stage Management, Set, Costume or Lighting Design, Playwriting, Script Analysis, Arts Management, Theatre History, and Dramaturgy.

Theatre majors obtain careers as theatre/film/TV performers/actors, dancers, singers, directors, set/costume/lighting designers, acting and voice teachers, stage managers, and dramaturges.