Theatre Arts can help prepare people for many career opportunities including work
in the specific areas of theater production or performance as well as the related
areas of advertising, television, film, recreation, education, and management. Theater
managers manage theaters for stage productions or motion pictures. Related career
titles include actor, director, costumer, script coach, stunt person, playwright,
drama coach, set designer, business manager and instructor.
Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer, students will
have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper division
baccalaureate study. Completion of the degree indicates that the student will have
satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into Theatre Arts or similar
major for many campuses in the California State University system. This degree complies
with The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440).
Students pursuing the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer will demonstrate,
through written and oral academic work and performance skill, knowledge of the principles,
concepts, and theories of theatre art and performance and be prepared to pursue further
study in theatre arts or a similar major at the baccalaureate level at the California
State University.
For additional career possibilities, visit the Career Services Center on the main
campus to utilize computerized career information systems and other valuable career
resources.
An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with
a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) in degree applicable coursework and
a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units, including:
Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or
with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a
C or higher;
Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or
IGETC;
Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.
A Certificate of Achievement is granted upon successful completion of a program of
study with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a designated minimum number of units, including:
Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or
with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a
C or higher;
Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department
Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet
the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or
better grade.
A Department Certificate is granted upon successful completion of a program of study
with a designated minimum number of units, including:
Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or
with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a
C or higher;
Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department
Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet
the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or
better grade.
Note: Department Certificates are not noted on student transcripts. Students must
submit a petition to the relevant academic department to be awarded a Department Certificate.
A student may satisfy the requirements of a degree that were in effect at any time
of the student’s continuous enrollment. Continuous enrollment means attendance in at least one semester (Fall
or Spring) in each academic year.
Many colleges/universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning
to transfer to a four-year college or university should complete the lower-division
major requirements and the general education pattern for the specific transfer institution.
SMC has articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as several
private and out-of-state institutions.
Exact major requirements for UC and CSU campuses can be found online at assist.org.
A listing of private, nonprofit California colleges and universities can be found
online at aiccu.edu. For articulation agreements between SMC and some of these institutions see smc.edu/articulation.
SMC offers the Theatre Arts Associate Degree for Transfer. Students completing this degree are eligible for priority transfer admission consideration
in the majors at many California State University campuses. In addition, students will be required to complete no more than 60 semester/90
quarter CSU units of coursework after transfer to complete the baccalaureate degree.
NOTE: Students considering transfer to a UC, private, or out-of-state school should
consult a counselor BEFORE applying to transfer, as the transfer requirements may
be different from those required for the Theatre Arts AA-T.
Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer, students will
have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper-division
baccalaureate study. Completion of the degree indicates that the student will have
satisfied the lower-division requirements for transfer into Theatre Arts or similar
major for many campuses in the California State University system. This degree complies
with The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440).
Students pursuing the Associate in Arts in Theatre Arts for Transfer will demonstrate,
through written and oral academic work and performance skill, knowledge of the principles,
concepts, and theories of theatre art and performance and be prepared to pursue further
study in theatre arts or a similar major at the baccalaureate level at the California
State University.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to evaluate and appreciate a
theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components that go into creating
theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors,
the rehearsal process, and the technical skills involved in making a play come to
life. In addition, students will hone performance, design, analytical, or technical
skills leading to performance in the capacity of at least one of the following: actor,
director, stage manager, set/light/sound/costume/make-up designer, stage technician,
reviewer, educated audience member.
Area of Emphasis: (18 units)
Required Courses: (6 units)
TH ART 2,Introduction to the Theatre(3)
or
TH ART 5,History of World Theatre(3)
-----
TH ART 41,Acting I(3)
An additional 12 units are required with a minimum of 3 units from List A and a minimum
of 6 units from List B. The remaining 3 units may come from either list:
LIST A: Rehearsal and Performance or Technical Theatre Practicum: (3-6 units)
Repeated courses can only apply once, and cannot be used for both List A and List
B credit.
MUSIC 45,Music Theatre Workshop (same as TH ART 45)(3)
MUSIC 46,Production for the Younger Audience (same as TH ART 53)(3)
TH ART 18A*,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(1)
TH ART 18B*,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(2)
TH ART 18C*,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(3)
TH ART 45,Music Theatre Workshop (same as MUSIC 45)(3)
TH ART 50,Advanced Production – Full Play (3)
TH ART 53 ,Production for the Younger Audience (same as MUSIC 46)(3)
TH ART 55,Advanced Production – Small Theatre(3)
LIST B: Select courses from the following: (6-9 units)
May use up to 3 units from List A, not already used. Repeated courses can only apply
once, and cannot be used for both List A and List B credit.
MUSIC 45,Music Theatre Workshop (same as TH ART 45)(3)
MUSIC 46,Production for the Younger Audience (same as TH ART 53)(3)
TH ART 20,Stagecraft(3)
TH ART 22,Stage Lighting(3)
TH ART 26,Introduction to Stage Costuming(3)
TH ART 42,Acting II(3)
TH ART 45,Musical Theatre Workshop (same as MUSIC 45)(3)
TH ART 50,Advanced Production – Full Play(3)
TH ART 53,Production for the Younger Audience (same as MUSIC 46)(3)
TH ART 55,Advanced Production – Small Theatre Venue(3)
Any combination of TH ART 18A, 18B, and/or 18C to total a maximum of 3 units.
Technical Theatre, Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement
The Technical Theatre Program provides rigorous academic instruction, hands-on practical
training, and experiential learning in several areas of technical theatre production.
Through coursework as well as practical work on theatrical productions, students are
trained in stagecraft, stage lighting, stage sound, scenic and prop construction,
stage management, stage costuming, and stage make-up. Students will work with advanced
technology and materials in the use of intelligent lighting systems, audio equipment,
video projection equipment, stage machinery, set construction, scenic painting, and
costume construction and design. Internship, mentorships, and entry level job opportunities
in the industry are made available to candidates who meet and exceed expectations.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will be able to evaluate and appreciate
a theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components that go into creating
theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors,
the rehearsal process, and the technical skills involved in making a play come to
life. In addition, students will hone design and technical skills leading to performance
in the capacity of at least one of the following: Stage Manager, Set/Light/Sound/Costume/Make-Up
Designer, Stage Technician.
Area of Emphasis: (19 units)
Required Introduction/History Courses; Select 3 units from the following:
TH ART 2,Introduction to the Theatre(3)
TH ART 5,History of World Theatre(3)
Required Stagecraft Course: (3 units)
TH ART 20,Stagecraft(3)
Required Production Workshop Courses; Select 3 units from the following:
TH ART 18A,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(1)
TH ART 18B,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(2)
TH ART 18C,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(3)
Elective Courses: Select at least 10 units from the following:
TH ART 21,Scenic Painting Techniques(3)
TH ART 22,Stage Lighting(3)
TH ART 23,Projection and Lighting Design(3)
TH ART 25,Projection and Lighting Design(3)
TH ART 26,Introduction to Stage Costuming(3)
TH ART 28A,Beginning Stage Make-Up(2)
TH ART 28B,3D and Theatrical Styles Make-Up(1)
TH ART 31,Introduction to Stage Management(3)
TH ART 32,Scenic Design(2)
Theatre, Associate Degree
The program provides instruction and training in the field of Theatre Arts. A comprehensive
curriculum in acting, voice, movement, theatrical styles, theatre history, production,
and technical theatre prepares students for university transfer and future careers.
The program seeks to empower students at all levels to hone their performance, technical
or critical/analytical skills through active and rigorous engagement in their areas
of study. The program makes effort to instill a sense of responsibility in students
and a desire for excellence in their craft.
The department’s curriculum focuses on providing education and experience towards
mounting theatrical productions. Performance related classes one skill enabling the
actor to audition and perform with confidence. Technical Theatre classes provide students
with the knowledge and skills to tackle various aspects of technical theatre. Department
productions are student cast and run by student crews.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to evaluate and appreciate
a theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components that go into creating
theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors,
the rehearsal process, and the technical skills involved in making a play come to
life. In addition, students will hone performance, design, and analytical or technical
skills leading to performance in the capacity of at least one of the following: Actor,
Director, Stage Manager, Set/Light/Sound/ Costume/Make-Up Designer, Stage Technician,
Reviewer, Educated Audience Member.
Area of Emphasis: (23 units)
Required Core Courses: (14 units)
TH ART 5,History of World Theatre(3)
TH ART 10A,History of World Theatre(3)
TH ART 15,Stage Movement for the Actor(1)
TH ART 20,Stagecraft(3)
TH ART 28A,Beginning Stage Make-Up(2)
TH ART 41,Acting I(3)
Required Production Workshop Courses: (3 units minimum)
TH ART 18A,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(1)
TH ART 18B,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(2)
TH ART 18C,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(3)
Technical Theatre Courses: Select 1 course from the following: (3 units)
TH ART 21,Scenic Painting Techniques(3)
TH ART 22,Stage Lighting(3)
TH ART 23,Projection and Lighting Design(3)
TH ART 25,Introduction to Theatrical Sound(3)
TH ART 26,Introduction to Stage Costuming(3)
TH ART 31,Introduction to Stage Management(3)
Advanced Performance Courses: Select 1 course from the following: (2 units)
MUSIC 45,Musical Theatre Workshop (same as TH ART 45)(3)
MUSIC 46,Production for the Young Audience (same as TH ART 53)(3)
TH ART 10B,Advanced Voice Development for the Stage(3)
TH ART 13,Stage Dialects(3)
TH ART 14,Beginning Stage Combat(2)
TH ART 16,Advanced Stage Movement for the Actor (same as TH ART 15B)(2)
TH ART 38A,Beginning Stage Direction(3)
TH ART 42,Acting II(3)
TH ART 43,Acting, Historical Styles – Early(3)
TH ART 44,Acting, Historical Styles – Late(3)
TH ART 45,Musical Theatre Workshop (same as MUSIC 45)(3)
TH ART 48A,Introduction to Acting Shakespeare(3)
TH ART 50,Advanced Production – Full Play(3)
TH ART 52,Advanced Production – Musical Theatre(5)
TH ART 53,Production for the Younger Audience (same as MUSIC 46)(3)
TH ART 55,Advanced Production – Small Theatre Venue(1)
Scenic Design and Construction, Department Certificate
This certificate provides rigorous academic instruction and practical training for
students to attain skills and knowledge In Scenic Design and Construction.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate knowledge and basic skills
in the area of set building, construction, and painting techniques.
Area of Emphasis: (9 units)
Required Courses: (9 units)
TH ART 18A,Technical Theatre Production Workshop(1)
TH ART 20,Stagecraft(3)
TH ART 21,Scenic Painting Techniques(3)
TH ART 32,Scenic Design(2)
This is a stackable certificate. Additional coursework can lead to a Certificate of
Achievement or an Associate degree in Technical Theatre.
Stage Lighting, Sound and Projection, Department Certificate
The Stage Lighting, Sound and Projection Certificate provides academic Instruction,
hands-on practical training and experimental learning in the specific areas of Lighting,
Sound and Projection for Theatre and Live Events. Students will work with advanced
technology and materials in the use of Intelligent Lighting Systems, Sound and Projection
equipment.
Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this Certificate, the student will:
Demonstrate analytical and technical skills In the areas of Stage Lighting, Sound
and Projection for theatrical or Live Events.
Evaluate and appreciate a production by recognizing Its Inherent components Including
research, collaboration and the technical skills Involved.
Area of Emphasis: (9 units)
Required Courses: (9 units)
These core courses will introduce students to the areas of Theatrical and Live Event
Sound, Lighting and Projection techniques:
TH ART 22,Stage Lighting(3)
TH ART 23,Projection and Lighting Design(3)
TH ART 25,Introduction to Theatrical Sound(3)
This is a stackable certificate that can be used as a stepping stone toward obtaining
a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate degree in Technical Theatre.
