Theater Arts

Program Description

Everything you do in life involves elements of theater from developing social skills as a child to interviewing for a job as an adult. The study of theater arts offers a number of advantages such as improved oral communication; a healthy self-image; creative problem solving; working cooperatively and independently; the ability to learn quickly; adaptability and flexibility; a goal-oriented approach to work to name a few; and let’s not forget FUN! There is a great deal of fun involved with developing all those skills. The Theater Arts Program offers one transfer degree: A.A.-T in Theater Arts, two non-transfer degrees: A.A. in Musical Theater and A.S. in Technical Theater, and two certificates: Musical Theater and Technical Theater. The courses are designed to provide a transfer path to a four-year college or entrance to the entertainment industry workforce while also offering non-theater majors the opportunity to gain the confidence and aesthetic awareness that can benefit any career path.

Theater Arts Department Page

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.  

Related-Content Groups

(4 attempts within a related-content group/each course 1 time for credit unless otherwise noted)

Course Title Credits
Acting
THA-110Fundamentals of Acting3
THA-111Intermediate Acting3
THA-112Acting for Film and Television3
THA-132 (thru SU19)
Musical Theater Production
DAN/MUS/THA-209 (thru SU16)
DAN-216Musical Theater Production: Dance1-3
MUS-216Musical Theater Production: Music1-3
THA-216Musical Theater Production: Theater 11-3
Theater Production
THA-200 (thru SU21)
THA-201Rehearsal and Performance (THA-200:: (thru SU21)) 13
THA-205 (thru SU21)
DAN/MUS/THA-209 (thru SU16)
THA-216Musical Theater Production: Theater 11-3
Voice and Movement
COMM/THA-105 (thru SU16)
COMM-129/THA-127 (thru SU23)
DAN/THA-108Improvisation for Dance and Theater3
THA-109 (thru SU19)
1

Repeatable 4 times for credit.

Contact Information

San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)/ (951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561/ 1-800-452-3335
Bianca Swan-Finch (951) 487-3791
bswanfinch@msjc.edu

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Dean of Instruction, Academic Programs
(951) 487-3400

Degrees

Transfer Degree

Non-Transfer Degree

Certificate

  • The student will develop an appreciation for theatre/film through critical analysis of the art form.
  • The student will develop knowledge regarding the cultural, artistic and expressive contexts of theater/film.
  • The student will develop an awareness of the political, cultural, economic, and historical context of theatrical expression from ethnically diverse voices.

Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests!  See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.

Career/Industries CA Annual Median Salary or Range Employment Demand or Opening CA
Actor (SM, B, M) $37,420 2,992
Talent Director (A, B, M) $100,572 6,445
Set and Exhibit Designer (A, B, M) $63,503 542

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)