Theatre Arts
El Camino’s theatre program puts you on the right track for a career in a variety of theatre and entertainment fields. Whether your passion is acting, directing, makeup, costuming, or lighting, you’ll be ready to start a career following graduation or to continue your education at another college or university. It’s an accessible, affordable path to a rewarding, in-demand career.
3,394
Annual job openings for talent directors$47,511
Typical starting pay for technical directors/managers#1
California leads the nation in the number of people working as producers and directorsOur Theatre Associate of Arts (AA) degree typically takes up to two years. Theatre at El Camino will challenge you to be your best. We’ll be here to help.
Choose a Degree Designed for Theatre
Some El Camino theatre students want to start their careers as soon as possible. Others aim to continue their studies at a four-year college or university. We offer options perfect for either goal.
Degrees
Drawing upon concepts from dramatic literature, acting, performance, technical theatre, entertainment lighting, and other related crafts, this degree prepares you for a career in a number of fields related to theatre and entertainment.
- Acquire the historical, technical, and artistic foundations of theatre.
- Develop proficiency through acting competency, public performance, research papers, essays, class projects, and technical crew assignments.
- Participate in and observe master classes presented by visiting artists.
- Consider careers in acting, casting, directing, set, lighting and sound design, and theatre management.
El Camino College’s associate degree for transfer in theatre prepares you for a career in a variety of theatre and entertainment fields. You’ll also be prepared for transfer to a CSU bachelor’s degree program.
- Acquire the historical, technical, and artistic foundations of theatre.
- Develop proficiency through acting competency, public performance, research papers, essays, class projects, and technical crew assignments.
- Participate in and observe master classes presented by visiting artists.
- Consider careers in acting, casting, directing, set, lighting and sound design, and theatre management.
- Prepare for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at CSU.
Pursue an Entry-Level Theatre Job or Further Education
As an El Camino theatre graduate, you’ll be ready to start work in an entry-level threatre-related field or to pursue a bachelor’s degree at another school. We’ll help you build the practical knowledge and hands-on skills for any career you choose.
- Start a career in a wide variety of fields related to theatre and entertainment, including acting coach, costume designer, prop manager, talent scout, and more.
- Apply your understanding of the theory, history, and practice of theatre in diverse professional settings.
- Use the academic foundation you have developed in recreation to pursue advanced degree options.
- Median salary for a set designer with a bachelor’s degree is almost $51,000.
Find Opportunities Outside of the Theatre and Classroom
El Camino is a great place to network, practice your skills, find entry-level jobs in your areas of interest, or transfer.
- Take advantage of the many opportunities to demonstrate your performance techniques and artistic skills in one of El Camino’s five or six live productions each year, including main stage, workshop, and major musical productions with a live orchestra.
- Gain experience in costuming and lighting during formal performances, where you also work closely with professional guest artists in a live theater environment.
- Network with experienced instructors who are active theatre professionals in the area.
- Attend master classes, events, and special events through our Center for the Arts.
- El Camino’s proximity to Los Angeles/Hollywood offers a variety of internship/employment opportunities in film and theater.
