About the Technical Theatre Program

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to developing the next generation of theatre performers, designers and live-event technicians. We provide you with hands-on training in scenic design and construction, lighting, sound, projection, staging, and makeup and costuming using cutting edge technology. Students will have opportunities to design for industry productions and workshops. Our degree and certificate programs open doors to diverse career opportunities.

Technical Theatre students gain hands-on experience both within and outside of the theatre. Build a foundation in theatre history, and learn the principles of montage, story, human behavior, cinematics, and staging and camera techniques. We combine theory and practice to help you develop transferable skills for the industry workplace.

Theatre Arts

Associate in Science Degree Icon Associate in Science More information on the Associate in Science Degree

Get a foundation in general education, then gain the skills needed to excel in your desired field.

Completion of an Associate degree usually will not satisfy transfer major requirements. Meet with a counselor to develop an academic program best suited for you.

Estimated Timeline:
2+ years, 60 units

Close information and back to main content
Certificate of Achievement Icon Certificate of Achievement More information on the Certificate of Achievement

Gain the skills needed to excel in your desired field without completing general education requirements.

Estimated Timeline:
1+ years, 24+ units

Close information and back to main content
Certificate of Achievement Icon Department Certificate More information on the Department Certificate

Gain skills quickly with this short term program, then leverage them to get ahead in your career.

Estimated Timeline:
1 year or less, 18 units or less

Close information and back to main content

Associate in Science Degree - Technical Theatre Associates of Science Degree

19 units + General Education Requirements

Certificate of Achievement - Technical Theatre Certificate of Achievement Icon

19 units

The Technical Theatre Program provides rigorous academic instruction, hands-on practical training, and experiential learning in several areas of technical theatre production. Through coursework as well as practical work on theatrical productions, students are trained in Stagecraft, Stage Lighting, Stage Sound, Scenic and Prop Construction, Stage Management, Stage Costuming, and Stage Make-Up.

PDF File View Requirements Associate in Science Degree or Certificate of Achievement - Technical Theatre

Department Certificate - Audio and Visual Technician Department Certificate

Coming soon.

PDF FileComing Soon Department Certificate - Audio and Visual Technician

Department Certificate - Scenic Design and Construction Department Certificate

9 units

This Certificate provides rigorous academic instruction and practical training for students to attain skills and knowledge in Scenic Design and Construction.

Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate knowledge and basic skills in the area of set building, construction and painting techniques.

PDF FileView Requirements Department Certificate - Scenic Design and Construction

Department Certificate - Stage Lighting, Sound and Projection Department Certificate

9 units

The Stage Lighting, Sound and Projection Certificate provides academic instruction, hands-on practical training, and experiential learning in the specific areas of Lighting, Sound, and Projection for Theatre and Live Events. Students will work with advanced technology and materials in the use of Intelligent Lighting Systems, Sound and Projection equipment.

PDF FileView Requirements Department Certificate - Stage Lighting, Sound and Projection

Planned Degrees

  • Audio/Visual Technician
  • Stage Costuming & Make-up

SMC Resources

Potential Career Options

Job Title Typical Education Median Wage
Set and Exhibit Designers Bachelor's Degree $53,615
Producers Bachelor's Degree $96,560
Directors - Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio Bachelor's Degree $96,560
Technical Directors/Managers Bachelor's Degree $96,560
Sound Engineering Technicians High School Diploma or More $67,864
Costume Attendants High School Diploma or More $45,929
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance A Certificate $66,591