Affordable
Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.
Looking for a career in the broad-based field of live entertainment? Learn to organize and lead teams of artists, technicians and performers as you make all kinds of shows happen. Become a stage manager, and work “behind-the-scenes” in the entertainment industry.
Live Entertainment Management students gain experience in rehearsal and performance procedures by participating in live productions at IVC’s Performing Arts Center. Local employers include theaters, theme parks, convention centers, concert producers, opera companies, dance companies, cruise ships and cirque troupes. Gain valuable experience leading backstage crews as you and your team execute shows before a live audience. As a stage manager you will find yourself at the center of all aspects of a production including costume designers, directors, performers and backstage crews.
Program Length
Associate Degree students can finish in four semesters. Certificate students can finish in as little as two semesters
Transfer Options
Associates Degree students complete coursework that fulfills degree transfer requirements to local universities such as Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, and other UC/CSU campuses.
Program Specific Support
Opportunities are available for the student to:
- Work on live productions as managers, designers and technicians.
- Assist working artists on touring summer shows.
- Get placement in internships with local employers such as The Laguna Playhouse and Pacific Coast Entertainment.
- Receive assistance developing portfolios required for university transfer
- Receive interview coaching and support developing an industry specific résumé.
- Apply for employment at the IVC Performing Arts Center doing management support, selling tickets, or working as ushers.
Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates
Sample Academic Plans
Semester 1
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| TA 51 | Stage Management Practicum | 1 |
| TA 52 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 |
| TA 1 | Acting | 3 |
| TA 61, 62, 63, 64 or 65 | Back Stage Crew | 1 |
Semester 2
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| TA 53 | Advanced Stage Management | 3 |
| TA 40 or TA 54 | Introduction to Theater Design or Special Topics in Stage Management | 3 |
| TA 71, 72,73, 74, 75 or 76 | Production Shop | 1-3 |
Summer
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| TA 168 | Cooperative Work Experience: Live Entertainment | 1-3 |
Semester 1
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 1 | College Writing 1 | 1A | 4 |
| MATH | Math GE Course | 2 | 3-5 |
| TA 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A or 19A | Various Rehearsal and Performance | Major | 1 |
| TA 20, 25, 25H, 26 or 26H | Theater Appreciation or Great Plays | 7 & Major | 3 |
| TA 41 | Stage Lighting Design | Major | 3 |
Semester 2
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | 1B & Major | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | Critical Thinking | 1C | 3-4 |
| TA 40 | Introduction to Design | Major | 3 |
| American Institutions | American Institutions GE Course | 8 | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 |
Semester 3
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 1 | Acting | Major | 3 |
| TA 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 | Various Rehearsal and Performance | Major | 2 |
| Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences GE Course | 3 | 3 |
| Lifelong Health | Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course | 9 | 3 |
| Cultural Diversity | Cultural Diversity GE Course | 5 | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 2 |
Semester 4
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 42 or 43 | Costume or Scenic Design | Major | 3 |
| Humanities | Humanities GE Course | 6 | 3 |
| Social Sciences | Social Sciences GE Course | 4 | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 | |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 |
AA = Associate of Arts | AS = Associate of Science | AA-T = Associate of Arts for Transfer | AS-T = Associate of Science for Transfer | COA = Certificate of Achievement | COC = Certificate of Completion | COP = Certificate of Proficiency | = Fast Track Career Path
Not sure if Live Entertainment Management is the right fit?
Exploratory Interest Area
Explore Live Entertainment Management while still working toward your academic goals.
Talk with a Counselor
Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.
Why choose IVC?