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
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	A2	4
STAT C1000 (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 C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	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
POLS C1000 (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
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	A2	4
STAT C1000 (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 C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	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
POLS C1000 (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 IVC's catalog to create a customized academic plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	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 C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	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

Music Directors and Composers

Median Salary

$48,378

Job Growth

+13%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
32%

Master's Degree
23%

Doctoral or More
37%

View Career

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

New workers start around $18,961. Normal pay is $48,378 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $175,702.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
32%

Master's Degree
23%

Doctoral or More
37%

Core Tasks

Use gestures to shape the music being played, communicating desired tempo, phrasing, tone, color, pitch, volume, and other performance aspects.
Direct groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
Study scores to learn the music in detail, and to develop interpretations.
Apply elements of music theory to create musical and tonal structures, including harmonies and melodies.
Consider such factors as ensemble size and abilities, availability of scores, and the need for musical variety, to select music to be performed.
Determine voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in a musical composition.
Experiment with different sounds, and types and pieces of music, using synthesizers and computers as necessary to test and evaluate ideas.
Transcribe ideas for musical compositions into musical notation, using instruments, pen and paper, or computers.
Audition and select performers for musical presentations.
Plan and schedule rehearsals and performances, and arrange details such as locations, accompanists, and instrumentalists.
Write musical scores for orchestras, bands, choral groups, or individual instrumentalists or vocalists, using knowledge of music theory and of instrumental and vocal capabilities.
Position members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
Perform administrative tasks such as applying for grants, developing budgets, negotiating contracts, and designing and printing programs and other promotional materials.
Confer with producers and directors to define the nature and placement of film or television music.
Meet with soloists and concertmasters to discuss and prepare for performances.
Fill in details of orchestral sketches, such as adding vocal parts to scores.
Explore and develop musical ideas based on sources such as imagination or sounds in the environment.
Write music for commercial mediums, including advertising jingles or film soundtracks.
Transpose music from one voice or instrument to another to accommodate particular musicians.
Rewrite original musical scores in different musical styles by changing rhythms, harmonies, or tempos.
Arrange music composed by others, changing the music to achieve desired effects.
Assign and review staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music, and vocal coaching.
Study films or scripts to determine how musical scores can be used to create desired effects or moods.
Transcribe musical compositions and melodic lines to adapt them to a particular group, or to create a particular musical style.
Create original musical forms, or write within circumscribed musical forms such as sonatas, symphonies, or operas.
Collaborate with other colleagues, such as copyists, to complete final scores.
Copy parts from scores for individual performers.

Median Salary

$48,378

Job Growth

+13%

Musicians and Singers

Median Salary

$55,618

Job Growth

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
32%

Some College
26%

Bachelor's Degree
29%

Master's Degree
13%

View Career

Play one or more musical instruments or sing. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for sound or video recording.

New workers start around $18,961. Normal pay is $55,618 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $228,166.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
32%

Some College
26%

Bachelor's Degree
29%

Master's Degree
13%

Core Tasks

Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.
Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.
Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.
Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.
Play from memory or by following scores.
Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.
Teach music for specific instruments.
Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.
Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.
Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.
Make or participate in recordings in music studios.
Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.
Make or participate in recordings.

Median Salary

$55,618

Job Growth

Radio and Television Announcers

Median Salary

$55,265

Job Growth

-12%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
16%

Some College
10%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
55%

Master's Degree
8%

View Career

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

New workers start around $27,654. Normal pay is $55,265 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $181,346.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
16%

Some College
10%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
55%

Master's Degree
8%

Core Tasks

Operate control consoles.
Record commercials for later broadcast.
Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
Develop story lines for broadcasts.
Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.
Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.
Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.
Host civic, charitable, or promotional events broadcast over television or radio.
Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.

Median Salary

$55,265

Job Growth

-12%

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Median Salary

$64,539

Job Growth

+14%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
35%

Some College
8%

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
4%

Doctoral or More
4%

View Career

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

New workers start around $20,172. Normal pay is $64,539 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $203,725.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
35%

Some College
8%

Bachelor's Degree
50%

Master's Degree
4%

Doctoral or More
4%

Core Tasks

Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.
Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.
Confer with clients, editors, publishers, or producers to discuss changes or revisions to written material.
Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.
Follow appropriate procedures to get copyrights for completed work.
Attend book launches and publicity events, or conduct public readings.
Collaborate with other writers on specific projects.

Median Salary

$64,539

Job Growth

+14%

Speech-Language Pathologists

Median Salary

$89,559

Job Growth

+22%

Education

Master's Degree
100%

View Career

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

New workers start around $52,945. Normal pay is $89,559 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $134,461.

Education

Master's Degree
100%

Core Tasks

Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.

Median Salary

$89,559

Job Growth

+22%

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Median Salary

$48,090

Job Growth

+16%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
20%

Certificate
16%

Some College
4%

Associate's Degree
2%

Bachelor's Degree
33%

Master's Degree
24%

View Career

Assist speech-language pathologists in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. Implement speech and language programs or activities as planned and directed by speech-language pathologists. Monitor the use of alternative communication devices and systems.

New workers start around $33,230. Normal pay is $48,090 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $69,180.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
20%

Certificate
16%

Some College
4%

Associate's Degree
2%

Bachelor's Degree
33%

Master's Degree
24%

Core Tasks

Implement treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
Document clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
Assist speech-language pathologists in the remediation or development of speech and language skills.
Perform support duties, such as preparing materials, keeping records, maintaining supplies, and scheduling activities.
Collect and compile data to document clients' performance or assess program quality.
Select or prepare speech-language instructional materials.
Assist speech-language pathologists in the conduct of client screenings or assessments of language, voice, fluency, articulation, or hearing.

Median Salary

$48,090

Job Growth

+16%

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 in Transfers

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With #1 in transfers in Orange County to the UC System, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

Contact Counseling

Need help now?

Call 949-451-5100

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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

Music Directors and Composers

Musicians and Singers

Radio and Television Announcers

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants

Not sure if Theater Arts is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 in Transfers

Questions?

Need help now?

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