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About the Theatre Program

Prepare yourself for a creative job in the exciting world of live theatre and musical productions. Modesto Junior College's Theatre program offers many opportunities to collaborate on live performance events.

The Theatre Program at MJC is designed to prepare students to work in professional or semi-professional theatre situations or to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to pursue additional classes that may include preparation for teaching theatre. The program is designed to teach students the techniques of acting, dance, costuming, directing, playwriting, lighting, make-up, oral interpretation, stage design, and children's theatre. Students have the opportunity to act in major productions.

Opportunities also exist for narrators, costume designers, wardrobe workers, make-up and hair stylists, lighting designers, stage managers, and actors. Graduates find marketing and advertising positions, becoming publicists, booking agents, or sales representatives.

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Design & Technical Theatre Certificate of Achievement

The Design and Technical Theatre Certificate is designed for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills to support the technical aspects of live theatre and dance productions which includes the scenery construction, lighting, makeup and audio elements. Students will experience practical work on theatrical productions and will work with advanced technology in lighting, audio, and projections. Job opportunities include both part-time and full-time work at Performing Arts Centers, Lighting and Sound Production Companies, Regional Theatre Companies, and College and University Performance Venues.

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Theatre A.A. Degree

The Theatre Program at MJC is designed to prepare students to work in professional or semi-professional theatre situations or to transfer to four-year colleges and universities to pursue additional drama classes that may include preparation for teaching theatre. The program is designed to teach students the techniques of acting, costuming, directing, playwriting, lighting, makeup, oral interpretation, stage design, and children’s theatre. The Theatre Program provides students the opportunity to act in major productions.

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Theatre Arts for Transfer Degree

The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer Degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system leading to a baccalaureate degree in Theatre Arts which can lead to careers in teaching, design, technical theatre, theatre management, professional performance, stage direction, stage management, etc. Please consult a counselor regarding specific course requirements for the transfer institution. Completion of the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer Degree also provides guaranteed admission with junior status to the CSU system. Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer students will understand and be able to demonstrate the fundamental performance and technical production processes for the Theatre Arts, demonstrate knowledge of the historical and cultural dimensions of theatre and understand the interaction between script, actor and audience and the areas of scenery, lighting, sound and costume. The Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer Degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept this degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

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Theatre Performance Skills Recognition

The Theatre Performance Skills Recognition Award at MJC is designed to prepare students to work in professional or semi-professional theatre situations or to pursue additional drama classes that may include preparation for teaching theatre. The program is designed to teach students the techniques of acting, improvisation, and storytelling. The Theatre program provides students the opportunity to act in major productions.