Theater Arts

Theater Arts students are taught a variety of performance and production skills that are needed to pursue careers in the entertainment industries.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

Program Length

Associate Degree students can finish in four semesters.

Transfer Options

Many university programs in theater arts require a successful audition for transfer. Our faculty and coursework will make you competitive in the university admissions process. Transfer requirements vary. Consult a counselor to identify the specific courses needed for your transfer school. IVC graduates frequently transfer to UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, and Chapman University.

Program Specific Support

Opportunities are available for the student to:

Work on live productions as crew members or actors.
Assist working artists on touring summer shows.
Students receive assistance developing portfolios and audition material required for university transfer
Receive interview coaching and support developing an industry specific résumé.

Program Length

Associate Degree students can finish in four semesters.

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Opportunities are available for the student to:

Work on live productions as crew members or actors.
Assist working artists on touring summer shows.
Students receive assistance developing portfolios and audition material required for university transfer
Receive interview coaching and support developing an industry specific résumé.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

For Actors

CSU Transfer

Sample Academic Plan for Actors

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	UNITS
WR 1	College Writing 1	A2	4
MATH 10*	Introduction to Statistics	B4	3
TA 1 or 2	Acting	C1 & Major	3
TA 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19	Rehearsal and Performance	Major	2
Learning & Self Development	Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course	E	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
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
TA 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19	Rehearsal and Performance	Major	2
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	C2	3
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	F	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	A1	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	UNITS
TA 8	Advanced Acting	Major	3
TA 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19	Rehearsal and Performance	Major	2
TA 49	Stage Makeup Design	Major	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American History Course	D	3
Physical Science	Physical Science GE Course	B1	3
Science Lab	Physical Science Lab	B3	1

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	UNITS
TA 29 or 29H	Script Analysis	Major	3
TA 51, 61, 62, 63, 63, 65	Back Stage Crew	A1	1
Life Science	Life Science Course	B2	3
PS 1	American Government	D	3
Social Science	Social Science GE Course	D	3

Students can take Math 10 or any other math course that meets the CSU math transfer requirement.

*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.

For Designers and Technicians

COA CSU Transfer

Sample Academic Plan for Designers and Technicians

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	UNITS
WR 1	College Writing 1	A2	4
MATH 10*	Introduction to Statistics	B4	3
TA 1 or 2	Acting	C1 & Major	3
TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65	Technical Theatre Practicum (up to 3 units)	Major	1
LEARNING & SELF DEV	Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course	E	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
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
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	F	3
TA 44	Stagecraft	Major	3
TA 51,61,62,63,64, or 65	Technical Theatre Practicum (up to 3 units)	Major	1

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	A1	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
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

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
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

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
TA 41	Stage Lighting Design	3
TA 47	Sound Reinforcement for Live Entertainment	3
TA 63	Theater Crew: Lighting	1
TA 64	Theater Crew: Audio/Video	1

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
TA 44	Stagecraft	3
TA 61	Theater Crew: Scenic	1
TA 40, 43, 45, 46, 51, 52, 75 or 76	Technical Theater Electives	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
TA 168	Cooperative Work Experience: Live Entertainment		1-3

Theatre Arts

AA AS

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH	Math GE Course	2	3-5
TA 1, 8, 12	Acting Technique Course	Major	3
TA 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A or 19A	Various Rehearsal and Performance	Major	1
TA 20, 25 or 25H	Theater Appreciation-Classical or Great Plays Primitive to Renaissance	7 & Major	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		2

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
TA 51, 61, 62, 63, 63, 65	Production Crew	Major	1
TA 72, 75	Production Shop	Major	2
Natural Sciences	Natural Sciences GE Course	3	3
Cultural Diversity	Cultural Diversity GE Course	5	3
Lifelong Health	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	9	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
TA Major	Production Shop Course	Major	1
TA Major	Production Crew Course	Major	1-3
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)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
TA Major Course	TA Major Course	Major	1-2
TA Major Course	TA Major Course	Major	2
Social Sciences	Social Sciences GE Course	4	3
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	6	3
Lifelong Health	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	9	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check the catalog for full requirements.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH	Math GE Course	1C	3-5
TBD	Various Rehearsal and Performance	Major	2
TA 20	Theatre Appreciation - Classical Overview	4 & Major	3
TA 41	Stage Lighting Design	Major	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
COMM 1	Fundalmentals of Communication	1B	3
TA 40	Introduction to Design	Major	3
TBD	Various Rehearsal and Performance	Major	3
CULTURAL DIVERSITY	Cultural Diversity GE Course	5	3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
TA 1	Acting	Major	3
TBD	Various Rehearsal and Performance	Major	3
SOCIAL SCIENCES	Social Sciences GE Course	3	3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
TA 42 or 43	Costume or Scenic Design	Major	3
TBD	Various Rehearsal and Performance	Major	3
NATURAL SCIENCES	Natural Sciences GE Course	2	3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Explore Careers

Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Education

Associate's Degree
1%

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Master's Degree
52%

Doctoral or More
32%

View Career

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

New workers start around $55,964. Normal pay is $105,266 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $199,655.

Education

Associate's Degree
1%

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Master's Degree
52%

Doctoral or More
32%

Core Tasks

Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and performance pieces.
Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
Display students' work in schools, galleries, and exhibitions.
Participate in campus and community events.
Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
Keep students informed of community events, such as plays and concerts.
Act as advisers to student organizations.

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Actors

Median Salary

$50,751

Job Growth

-5%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
62%

Certificate
4%

Bachelor's Degree
21%

Master's Degree
14%

View Career

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.

New workers start around $26,966. Normal pay is $50,751 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $161,812.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
62%

Certificate
4%

Bachelor's Degree
21%

Master's Degree
14%

Core Tasks

Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation most suited to the role.
Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain, inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations, using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
Study and rehearse roles from scripts to interpret, learn and memorize lines, stunts, and cues as directed.
Learn about characters in scripts and their relationships to each other to develop role interpretations.
Attend auditions and casting calls to audition for roles.
Sing or dance during dramatic or comedic performances.
Work with other crew members responsible for lighting, costumes, make-up, and props.
Tell jokes, perform comic dances, songs and skits, impersonate mannerisms and voices of others, contort face, and use other devices to amuse audiences.
Read from scripts or books to narrate action or to inform or entertain audiences, utilizing few or no stage props.
Promote productions using means such as interviews about plays or movies.
Prepare and perform action stunts for motion picture, television, or stage productions.

Median Salary

$50,751

Job Growth

-5%

Producers and Directors

Median Salary

$98,069

Job Growth

+14%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
6%

Certificate
11%

Some College
5%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
53%

Master's Degree
15%

View Career

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

New workers start around $44,797. Normal pay is $98,069 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $261,699.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
6%

Certificate
11%

Some College
5%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
53%

Master's Degree
15%

Core Tasks

Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.
Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.
Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.
Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.
Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.
Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.
Perform administrative duties, such as preparing operational reports, distributing rehearsal call sheets and script copies, and arranging for rehearsal quarters.
Resolve personnel problems that arise during the production process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary.

Median Salary

$98,069

Job Growth

+14%

Talent Directors

Median Salary

$98,069

Job Growth

+14%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Some College
10%

Associate's Degree
19%

Bachelor's Degree
51%

Master's Degree
18%

View Career

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

New workers start around $44,797. Normal pay is $98,069 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $261,699.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Some College
10%

Associate's Degree
19%

Bachelor's Degree
51%

Master's Degree
18%

Core Tasks

Audition and interview performers to match their attributes to specific roles or to increase the pool of available acting talent.
Prepare actors for auditions by providing scripts and information about roles and casting requirements.
Select performers for roles or submit lists of suitable performers to producers or directors for final selection.
Contact agents and actors to provide notification of audition and performance opportunities and to set up audition times.
Serve as liaisons between directors, actors, and agents.
Negotiate contract agreements with performers, with agents, or between performers and agents or production companies.
Review performer information, such as photos, resumes, voice tapes, videos, and union membership, to decide whom to audition for parts.
Arrange for or design screen tests or auditions for prospective performers.
Maintain talent files that include information such as performers' specialties, past performances, and availability.
Read scripts and confer with producers to determine the types and numbers of performers required for a given production.
Attend or view productions to maintain knowledge of available actors.

Median Salary

$98,069

Job Growth

+14%

Dancers

Median Salary

$45,313

Job Growth

-44%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
79%

Certificate
14%

Some College
7%

View Career

Choreographers

Median Salary

$48,497

Job Growth

-79%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
25%

Some College
25%

Bachelor's Degree
30%

Master's Degree
20%

View Career

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

New workers start around $13,581. Normal pay is $48,497 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $161,049.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
25%

Some College
25%

Bachelor's Degree
30%

Master's Degree
20%

Core Tasks

Direct rehearsals to instruct dancers in how to use dance steps, and in techniques to achieve desired effects.
Teach students, dancers, and other performers about rhythm and interpretive movement.
Choose the music, sound effects, or spoken narrative to accompany a dance.
Advise dancers on how to stand and move properly, teaching correct dance techniques to help prevent injuries.
Design dances for individual dancers, dance companies, musical theatre, opera, fashion shows, film, television productions, and special events, and for dancers ranging from beginners to professionals.
Seek influences from other art forms such as theatre, the visual arts, and architecture.
Develop ideas for creating dances, keeping notes and sketches to record influences.
Train, exercise, and attend dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical ability, and physical fitness.
Experiment with different types of dancers, steps, dances, and placements, testing ideas informally to get feedback from dancers.
Read and study story lines and musical scores to determine how to translate ideas and moods into dance movements.
Direct and stage dance presentations for various forms of entertainment.
Coordinate production music with music directors.
Audition performers for one or more dance parts.
Design sets, lighting, costumes, and other artistic elements of productions, in collaboration with cast members.
Restage traditional dances and works in dance companies' repertoires, developing new interpretations.
Record dance movements and their technical aspects, using a technical understanding of the patterns and formations of choreography.
Assess students' dancing abilities to determine where improvement or change is needed.

Median Salary

$48,497

Job Growth

-79%

Not sure if Theater Arts is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Theater Arts while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

Why choose IVC?

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.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

Contact Counseling

Need help now?

Call 949-451-5100

Ready to get started?

Apply Now

Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Main Navigation

Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Theater Arts Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

For Actors

CSU Transfer: Theatre Arts, AA-T (Actors)*

For Designers and Technicians

CSU Transfer: Theatre Arts, AA-T (Designers and Technicians)

Live Entertainment Technician, COA

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts, AA

Technical Theatre, AS

Explore Careers

Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

Actors

Producers and Directors

Talent Directors

Dancers

Choreographers

Not sure if Theater Arts is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 Transfer Rate

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

Select a Language