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? Become an entertainment technician, and work “behind-the-scenes.” You can make magic happen on stage.
Entertainment Technology students learn the fundamentals of stage lighting, scenery construction, audio equipment, and rigging. You can learn to work with specialized tools such as programmable lighting controllers, fog machines, sound mixing consoles, and woodworking equipment. Create special makeup effects such as scars, wounds and prosthetics. 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.
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 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 working as a stage technician
Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates
Sample Academic Plans
Semester 1
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| TA 41 | Stage Lighting Design | 3 |
| TA 47 | Sound Reinforcement for Live Entertainment | 3 |
| TA 74, 75 or 76 | Scenic Producation | 1-3 |
Semester 2
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| TA 44 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| TA 61, 63 or 64 | Crew | 1 |
Summer
| Course | Title | UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| TA 168 | Cooperative Work Experience: Live Entertainment | 1-3 |
Sample Academic Plan for Designers and Technicians
Semester 1
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | Critical Thinking GE Course | A3 | 3-4 |
| TA 22, 25 or 25H | Introduction to Theatre or Theatre History I | C1 & Major | 3 |
| Social Science | Social Science GE Course | D | 3 |
| TA 44 | Stagecraft | Major | 3 |
| TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65 | Technical Theatre Practicum (up to 3 units) | Major | 1 |
Summer
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | A1 | 3 |
Semester 3
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 41,49, or 53 | Stage Design or Stage Management | Major | 3 |
| TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65 | Technical Theatre Practicum | Major | 1 |
| TA 52 | Stage Management Seminar | 3 | |
| Humanities | Humanities GE Course | C2 | 3 |
| Physical Science | Physical Science GE Course | B1 | 3 |
| Science Lab | Physical Science Lab | B3 | 1 |
Semester 4
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA 40 or 42 | Design Course | Major | 3 |
| TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65 | Technical Theatre Practicum | Major | 1 |
| TA 73 or 76 | Scene Shop or Costume Shop | Major | 3 |
| Life Science | Life Science GE Course | B2 | 3 |
| PS 1 | American Government | D | 3 |
| HIST 20 or HIST 21 | American History Course | D | 3 |
- Students can take Math 10 or any other math course that meets the CSU math transfer requirement.
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 Deisgn | 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 |
*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.
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 | COP = Certificate of Proficiency
Explore Careers
Not sure if Live Entertainment Technology is the right fit?
Exploratory Interest Area
Explore Engineering 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?