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, 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.
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Associate in Science Degree
Certificate of Achievement
Department Certificate
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.
Department Certificate
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.
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your colleges/universities.
A concentrated group of talented art students who have been invited to explore and develop their artistic practice in an experimental and interdisciplinary manner.
The Theater Arts building houses the Main Stage and Studio Stage. Theatre productions are student cast and run by student crews. The curriculum focuses on providing education and experience toward mounting theatrical productions. Purchase your discounted tickets to the shows at the box office.
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
