The El Camino College Theatre Department offers a comprehensive foundation in the theory, history, and practice of theatre to students seeking a degree, a certificate, or preparing to transfer to four-year degree programs. Students receive a structured program of study in history, dramatic literature, acting, performance, technical theatre and related crafts.
What We Offer
Associate of Arts Degree
Upon completion of the required courses, students can earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre with options for emphasis in acting, technical theatre, and production.
Preparation for the Transfer Major
For information on specific university major requirements, please obtain a transfer curriculum guide sheet in Counseling Services, consult with your counselor, or visit the Transfer Center.
Master Classes and Events
Students are encouraged to attend professional and student productions presented by the El Camino Center for the Arts and to participate in or observe master classes presented by visiting artists. Upcoming performances, events, and ticket information is available through Center for the Arts.
Performance Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to perform in, or work backstage on four productions each year, including main stage, workshop, and major musical productions with a live orchestra.
FALL 2024:
Production #1 will be the return of our student directed "An Evening of One Act Plays." This is by audition only. Open Auditions will be August 29th and 30th from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Campus Theatre. The performances will be October 11th and 12th at 8:00 p.m. and October 13th at 3:00 p.m.
Production #2 will be “Pride & Prejudice“ by Kate Hamill. This is also by audition only. Open Auditions will be October 7th and 8th from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Campus Theatre. The performances will be November 22, 23, Dec 6, 7 at 8pm and November 24 & Dec 8 at 3:00 p.m.
Our Courses
Fundamentals of Acting • Intermediate Acting • Audition and Cold Reading Workshop • Acting Shakespeare • Improvisation • Stagecraft • Lighting • Costuming • Theatrical Makeup
Course descriptions can be found in the College Catalog. To view current class offerings, refer to Online Class Schedule.
Our Facilities
Our facilities include a 350 seat Campus Theatre, with a proscenium style thrust stage, a removable orchestra pit with full flying capability, and sufficient wing space for rolling scenery. Attached are a green room area and two large chorus dressing rooms. The theatre is equipped with wireless microphones and state-of-the-art lighting equipment. In addition to providing well-stocked costume and property rooms, we provide theatre students access to a fully operational scene shop where they can build scenery.
Career Goals
Our theatre classes can be a student’s first step towards a variety of careers in theatre including:
Actor • Acting coach • Advertising/marketing specialist • Agent • Announcer • Booking manager • Casting director • Costume designer • Costumer • Critic • Director • Drama coach • Entertainment lighting • Lighting designer • Make-up artist • Movie theatre manager • Narrator • Playwright • Producer • Prop manager • Rigger • Scene painter • Script coach/manager • Set designer/carpenter • Sound designer • Stage manager • Talent scout • Theatre arts instructor • Theatre manager