Theatre Arts: Technical Theatre - Certificate
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Technical Theatre certificate is designed for students seeking entry-level careers in live entertainment and theatre production. The curriculum introduces technical theatre knowledge and hands-on production skills that prepare students for employment in a variety of performance and event environments.
Coursework includes topics such as stagecraft, lighting, sound, set construction, and live event production. Students develop practical technical skills used in theatres, event venues, churches, cruise ships, trade shows, film production, and other live entertainment settings.
The Technical Theatre program is workforce-focused and prepares students for entry-level positions as stagehands and technical production assistants. All coursework in the certificate applies toward the Professional Theatre Technician (AAS) degree for students interested in continuing their education.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Apply knowledge of safe working practices and theatre etiquette to stage productions
- Read and execute technical drawings for scenery, lighting and rigging
- Apply critical thinking skills to solve theatre production challenges
- Create completed theatrical designs in one or more technical areas
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| TA111 | Technical Theatre: Scenery | 3 |
| TA115 | Professional Technician Orientation | 1 |
| TA134C | Technical Theatre Workshop: First Year | 3 |
| TA101 or TA227 | Appreciating Theatre or Theatrical Makeup | 3 |
| Credits | 10 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| TA112 | Technical Theatre: Lighting and Sound | 3 |
| TA135C | Technical Theatre Workshop: Major Production | 3 |
| TA213 or TA247 | Stage Lighting Design or Theatre Sound Design and Production | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| TA113 | Technical Theatre: Painting and Special Effects | 3 |
| TA121 or TA211 | Costuming (Cultural Literacy course) or Scene Design | 3 |
| TA136C | Technical Theatre Workshop: Studio Production | 3 |
| HE252 | First Aid: Responding to Emergencies | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
Career Information
Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.
Cultural Literacy course