Theater Arts (AA)
Program Overview:
The Show Will Go On Because of You
Bring a play to life as you apply compelling makeup on your cast of actors. Take center stage in a soliloquy as the main character. Prepare a show for production by assisting the director and artistic team in rehearsals, and calling the show’s various lighting, sound, and other cues during the production. From technical roles to management, presentation, and organization, you’ll find you niche in the theater.
With local and Broadway hits continually capturing the audience’s attention, theater arts is a flourishing business. In LASC’s Theater Arts program, you will express your vision of the world through playwriting and performance. Experience in the performing arts builds confidence and creative problem-solving skills. It teaches you to work individually and collaboratively under pressure as you prepare to explore careers in this dynamic job market. This career path is constantly evolving with social changes and technological advancements and requires adaptability and creativity.
Careers in Theater Arts
Traditionally, it may seem that a degree in theater arts would lead directly to an acting career. Yet, earning your degree in Theater Arts can open the door to wide variety range of careers, both on and off stage.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with a Theater Arts degree:
Career information below taken from bls.gov February 2020. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Is the liaison between actors on the stage and the behind the scenes crews. Schedule and run rehearsals, communicate the directors wishes to designers, and coordinator the work of the stage crew.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college | $41,300/year | $19.86/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 15% increase (much faster than average) | N/A |
Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. Work with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college | $71,470/year | $34.36/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 20% increase (much faster than average) | 1,900 |
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, settings, and situations of their roles.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Some college | $81,100/year | $38.99/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 43% increase (much faster than average) | 1,480 |
Express ideas and portray characters in theater, film, television, and other performing arts media.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | $36,480/year | $17.54/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 1% increase (little or no change) | 64,500 |
Create motion pictures, television shows, live theater, commercials, and other performing arts productions.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $122,310/year | $58.81/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years | 18% increase (much faster than average) | 18,610 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Theater Arts
You can get Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) degrees through LASC’s Theater Arts program where you will advance your acting, technical theater skills and academic knowledge, and establish connections to launch your career in the theater world:
- Develop your writing skills creating a one act play while developing a well-rounded background in acting, design, stage management, theater history, and production.
- Gain invaluable experience in performing and preparing productions at LASC’s state-of-the-art theater, where you’ll collaborate with peers and join a community who are passionate about theater.
- Bring a production to life by using the advanced technical functions involved with lighting, sound, and props and keep the back of the house organized and on schedule.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? Get an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) degree in Theater Arts and save money on your first two years of college learning from dedicated faculty who are committed to the performing arts. Once you graduate, you’ll have guaranteed admission into a CSU! See your academic counselor for details.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC ‘s Associate in Arts in Theater Arts (AA) and Associate in Arts in Theater Arts for Transfer (AAT) degrees below, along with our suggested course of study for these programs. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 1007.00
Total Units Required: 60
Upon successfully completing this program, you should be able to:
- Select, prepare, and perform a character from monologues, scenes, and plays with emphasis on styles, vocal patterns, and differentiate between the theatrical genres.
- Execute the technical functions involved with production that include lights, sounds, and the development and use of props.
- Write a one act play. In that process, identify the genre of their work: comedy, drama, etc. Their story will be based on a self-developed high concept treatment sentence and step outline.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| THEATER 100 Introduction to Theater | 3 |
| THEATER 110 History of the World Theater | 3 |
| THEATER 130 Playwriting | 3 |
| THEATER 233 Play Production | 3 |
| THEATER 240 Voice and Articulation for the Theater | 3 |
| THEATER 270 Beginning Acting | 3 |
| THEATER 271 Intermediate Acting | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 21 |
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU or UC, then an Associate in Arts in Theater Arts is for you! You can complete an Associate in Arts in for Transfer Degree (ATT) in Theater Arts if you are planning to transfer to a CSU Theater bachelor’s program, and by successfully completing this degree, you are guaranteed admission to a CSU upon completion of this program!
The Transfer Degree is designed to provide you with a Transfer Model Curriculum focusing on general education and preparing you for transfer to CSU with a foundation for all Theater Arts courses.
The Associate in Arts in Theater Arts for Transfer Degree requirements include:
- completion of 60 CSU transferable units, including the minimum 18 units in the major and the completion of either IGETC or CSU GE;
- a minimum GPA of 2.0.
If you are interested in completing an Associate Degree for Transfer, you must:
- Complete 60 semester units of 90-quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: *
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. 2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
*As required by Senate Bill 1440 & California Education Code section 66746.
- ADTs also require that you must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is not an acceptable grade for courses in the major.
You should meet with a counselor to determine the necessary course work to complete the general education requirements.
| Required Courses: | Complete 9 Units |
|---|---|
| THEATER 100 Introduction to the Theater | 3 |
| OR | |
| THEATER 110 History of the World Theater | 3 |
| THEATER 270 Beginning Acting | 3 |
| THEATER 291 Rehearsals and Performances | 3 |
| OR | |
| THEATER 342 Technical Stage Production Lab | 3 |
| Select Three Courses | |
| THEATER 114 Script Analysis for Performance, Production and Appreciation | 3 |
| THEATER 271 Intermediate Acting | 3 |
| THEATER 310 Introduction to Theatrical Lighting | 3 |
| THEATER 315 Introduction to Theatrical Scenic Design | 3 |
| THEATER 405 Costume Design | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 18 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Interested in a career in theater? Before your first class at LASC, you can start preparing for your career:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and find out what opportunities and support services would best match your academic and career goals.
- Still in high school? See if your school has a drama club or puts on theater productions so you can gain hands-on theatrical experience. Enroll in public speaking classes to prepare you to perform in front of crowds. Seek out theaters in your area to audition for various roles. Take English and writing classes to learn to read and understand plays to add to your portfolio.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, once you successfully complete the program, you should be able to:
- Select, prepare, and perform a character from monologues, scenes, and plays with emphasis on styles, vocal patterns, and differentiate between the theatrical genres.
- Execute the technical functions involved with production that include lights, sounds, and the development and use of props.
- Write a one act play. In that process, identify the genre of their work: comedy, drama, etc. Their story will be based on a self-developed high concept treatment sentence and step outline.