Theatre Arts, Associate in Arts Degree

Orange Coast College

The Theatre Department provides the student opportunities to study the art and craft of theater. Students who enroll in the Associate in Arts in Theater Arts degree program prepare for transfer education and/or careers related to theatrical performance, design/technology, and management. Theater Arts majors are introduced to core courses in theatrical literature and production, as well as courses in design and technology, acting, directing, and management through coursework and performance/production opportunities. The Theatre Arts AA degree major is a performance-oriented major emphasizing a ''hands-on'' approach and places special focus on the ''well-rounded'' theatre artist. After completing the required core Theatre courses, students can focus their studies on performance, on a specific aspect of technical theatre, on management, or on a general study of theatre. Critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills will be acquired through production assignments in faculty-directed productions and productions in "The Rep" our student-produced theatre company/course. Students who complete the program can successfully transfer to a competitive four-year university or conservatory to further pursue their chosen career in performance, entertainment technology or design, production, management, directing, or other allied entertainment fields. Complete 18 units from the following and the Associate in Arts graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog. If the student chooses this degree option, a plan must be developed with a counselor and placed on file prior to petitioning for graduation.. Program Outcomes Understand and demonstrate the fundamental performance and technical production processes for the theatre arts. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and cultural dimensions of theatre, including the works of leading playwrights, actors, directors and designers, past and present. Develop a clear understanding of the interaction between script, actor, and audience and the areas of scenery, lighting, sound and costume.