Theatre


Program Description


An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Theatre prepares students to transfer to a university with a solid understanding of theatre history and the fundamentals in acting or stagecraft, which includes the technical aspects of theatrical production. Theatre majors also have the opportunity to include their performances as cast or crew members as departmental credit.

Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of theatre literature and historical periods that includes Western and non-Western traditions
  • Demonstrate basic skills in acting, directing, technical theatre, and design
  • Demonstrate effective communication and/or criticism in theatre performance/production
  • Demonstrate the ability to create theatre events, projects, or productions through practicums, independent projects, or internships
  • Describe the value of theatre as a fine art and the necessity to become an informed audience member with an understanding of theatre as a way of learning about broader issues

Degree(s) / Certificates(s)


Title Local Bachelor's
Theatre - A.A. Transfer Degree -

Career Outlook


Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Actors *
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
*
Sound Engineering Technicians
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions. 
$51,550
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
$51,690
Choreographers
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
$55,600
Producers and Directors
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
$62,810
Film and Video Editors
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
$68,940
Lighting Technicians
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
$80,130
Art Directors
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
$80,560

* Wages for some occupations that do not generally work year-round, full time, are reported either as hourly wages or annual salaries depending on how they are typically paid. 

Successful completion of this program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Check the above for additional information.

Contact Information


Department Contact(s)

Liberal Arts & Education


Hours of Operation
  • Normal Hours
  • Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
Name Title Phone Email
Rodney Abriol, DMA Professor of Music - Piano (928) 317-6019 rodney.abriol@azwestern.edu
William Blomquist, MFA Professor of Visual Arts-2D (928) 317-6060 william.blomquist@azwestern.edu
Julie Floss, MFA Professor of Visual Arts-2D, SYC (928) 314-9434 julie.floss@azwestern.edu
Deltrina Grimes, MM Professor of Music: Voice (928) 344-7574 deltrina.grimes@azwestern.edu
Brad Pease, MFA Professor of Computer Graphics and Visual Arts (928) 344-7707 brad.pease@azwestern.edu
Louis Pollard III, DMA Professor of Instrumental Music (928) 344-7573 Shawn.Pollard@azwestern.edu
Rebecca Shelby, MFA Professor of Visual Arts-3D (928) 344-7756 Rebecca.Shelby@azwestern.edu
Ann Wilkinson, MFA Professor of Theatre (928) 344-7592 ann.wilkinson@azwestern.edu