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Theatre Arts

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts transfer degree is designed to facilitate successful transfer to baccalaureate theatre or drama degree programs. This degree provides students with lower division breadth and depth in the field of theatre arts. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices in the field. Students will learn the basics of acting, the basics of theatre technology and production, and where theatre fits in to both the historical and modern world of entertainment.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre (3) 3
   or TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I (3)
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I 3
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
TA 351 Theory and Techniques of Acting II (3)
TA 420 Stagecraft (3)
TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
TA 423 Introduction to Scene Design for the Stage (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAP 300 Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 301 Modern Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 302 Modern Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 303 Modern Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 311 Modern Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 312 Modern Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 313 Modern Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 320 Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 321 Classical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 322 Classical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 323 Classical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 331 Classical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 332 Classical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 333 Classical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 341 Musical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 342 Musical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 343 Musical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 351 Musical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 352 Musical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 353 Musical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 360 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 361 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 362 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 363 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 370 Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 371 Children's Theatre Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 372 Children's Theatre Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 373 Children's Theatre Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 380 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 381 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 382 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 383 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 390 Repertory and Touring Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 391 Repertory and Touring Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 392 Repertory and Touring Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 393 Repertory and Touring Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • critique and evaluate the role of the theatre arts and their relationship to other parts of society.
  • evaluate the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical environments in which theatre exists.
  • analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance.
  • formulate alternative solutions to theatrical production situations.
  • employ audition and performance skills in community, educational, and/or professional theatres.
  • develop skills to work as a theatre technician in community, educational, and/or professional theatres.
  • demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an ensemble member of a theatre company.
  • demonstrate skills that will allow the student to thrive in a baccalaureate level theatre program.

Career Information

People with advanced degrees in Theatre have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, acting, design and technology for the theatre, publicity and public relations, teaching, theatre technician, stage management, and box office management. Some of these careers may need additional degrees beyond the Associate level.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Theatre Arts, Acting-Directing Emphasis

This program provides students with an understanding of the overall process by which theatre is produced, including the theories and techniques of acting, directing, and playwriting, and the elements of technical theatre. It also provides an overview of the historical and social context of the theatre. Consultation with an SCC counselor is urged.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre 3
TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I 3
TA 303 History and Theory of the Theatre II 3
TA 342 Introduction to Acting 3
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I 3
TA 351 Theory and Techniques of Acting II 3
TA 420 Stagecraft (3) 3
   or TA 422 Stage Lighting (3)
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
TA 308 Diversity in American Theatre (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 360 Styles of Acting (3)
TA 364 Shakespeare Without Fear (3)
TA 370 Theatre Movement (2)
TA 395 Playwriting (3)
TA 423 Introduction to Scene Design for the Stage (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
TA 452 One-Act Play Workshop (3)
TA 454 Race & Ethnicity in Performance I (3)
TA 455 Race & Ethnicity in Performance II (3)
TAP 300 Modern Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 301 Modern Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 302 Modern Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 303 Modern Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 320 Classical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 321 Classical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 322 Classical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 323 Classical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 341 Musical Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 342 Musical Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 343 Musical Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 360 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 361 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 362 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 363 Children's Theatre Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
TAP 380 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
TAP 381 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance II (1 - 3)
TAP 382 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance III (1 - 3)
TAP 383 Repertory/Touring Rehearsal and Performance IV (1 - 3)
Total Units: 30

The Theatre Arts, Acting-Directing Emphasis Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • recognize standard practices of ensemble playing in a rehearsal/performance environment.
  • compare and analyze the theories and techniques of acting and/or directing from a historical perspective.
  • analyze texts and scripts as they pertain to performance.
  • demonstrate skill in technical aspects of acting, including physical, vocal, imaginative, analytical, and emotional elements.
  • demonstrate skill in directing acting, including text analysis, staging, actor coaching, and design.
  • analyze theatre as a dynamic art form influencing society.
  • compare and contrast theatrical periods and styles in terms of acting, directing, playwriting, and technical elements.
  • analyze the components of a theatrical production.
  • apply imagination and character analysis to identify and describe the personality and motivations of a given character.
  • apply technical processes, including lighting, set, costume, and/or stage make-up design, as they pertain to a given dramatic script.

Career Information

Completion of this Degree could lead to employment in the entertainment industry in both stage production and film production as performer or director.


A.A. in Theatre Arts, Technical Production Emphasis

This program provides the student with an understanding of the process by which theatre is produced from a technical standpoint, including scenic design, lighting design, costuming, sound design, and make-up design and the application of these designs. It also provides an overview of the other processes that are involved in the production of theatre, such as acting, directing, and playwriting and of the historical and social context of the theatre.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
TA 300 Introduction to the Theatre 3
TA 302 History and Theory of the Theatre I 3
TA 303 History and Theory of the Theatre II 3
TA 342 Introduction to Acting 3
TA 420 Stagecraft 3
TA 422 Stage Lighting 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
TA 423 Introduction to Scene Design for the Stage (3)
TA 430 Costume Construction (3)
TA 437 Stage Make-up I (3)
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 311 Modern Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 312 Modern Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 313 Modern Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 331 Classical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 332 Classical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 333 Classical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 351 Musical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 352 Musical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 353 Musical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 370 Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 371 Children's Theatre Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 372 Children's Theatre Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 373 Children's Theatre Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 390 Repertory and Touring Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 391 Repertory and Touring Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 392 Repertory and Touring Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 393 Repertory and Touring Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAFILM 330 Film Making (3)
TAFILM 332 Film Production Workshop I (3)
TAFILM 333 Film Production Workshop II (3)
TAFILM 334 Film Production Workshop III (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAFILM 360 Screenwriting (3)
TA 308 Diversity in American Theatre (3)
TA 356 Acting for the Camera I (3)
TA 360 Styles of Acting (3)
TA 364 Shakespeare Without Fear (3)
TA 370 Theatre Movement (2)
TA 395 Playwriting (3)
TA 452 One-Act Play Workshop (3)
TA 454 Race & Ethnicity in Performance I (3)
TA 455 Race & Ethnicity in Performance II (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
TAP 310 Modern Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 311 Modern Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 312 Modern Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 313 Modern Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 330 Classical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 331 Classical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 332 Classical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 333 Classical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 350 Musical Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 351 Musical Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 352 Musical Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 353 Musical Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 370 Children's Theatre Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 371 Children's Theatre Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 372 Children's Theatre Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 373 Children's Theatre Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
TAP 390 Repertory and Touring Technical Production I (1 - 3)
TAP 391 Repertory and Touring Technical Production II (1 - 3)
TAP 392 Repertory and Touring Technical Production III (1 - 3)
TAP 393 Repertory and Touring Technical Production IV (1 - 3)
Total Units: 30

The Theatre Arts, Technical Production Emphasis Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • assess the influence of theatre as a dynamic art form and a social and cultural force in our society.
  • compare theatrical periods and styles in terms of acting, directing, playwriting, and technical elements.
  • analyze the components of a theatrical production and the role of technical theatre in the production process.
  • evaluate a script, assess production requirements, and develop practical and artistic solutions through scenic, lighting, costume, sound, or makeup designs.
  • integrate practical information from construction plans.
  • demonstrate proficiency in technical production skills.
  • evaluate tools, materials, and processes used in technical theatre work.

Career Information

Completion of this degree could lead to employment in the entertainment industry in both stage production and film production as lighting technician, stage technician, scenic artist, or stage manager.