Since the 1950s, Santa Monica College has developed a far-reaching reputation for
producing top talent across Theatre Arts and Technical Theatre — from the stage to
the silver screen and beyond. With easy access to Hollywood and Burbank, you are sure
to thrive as you build creative and technical skills.
Our students have been accepted at NYU, Columbia University, and other prestigious
institutions nationally and abroad. Eight of our students were accepted to Juilliard
with 2 waitlisted over 8 consecutive years — with only 20 acceptances nationwide per
year.
As a performance student, you will study a range of acting styles, from Modern Realism
and Shakespeare to Greek, Commedia dell'arte, Comedy of Manners, Brecht, Beckett,
and more. We offer comprehensive training in Musical Theatre performance, and coach
you in Voice and Stage Movement to provide you with well-rounded skills.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to evaluate and appreciate
a theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components that go into creating
theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors,
the rehearsal process, and the technical skills involved in making a play come to
life.
In addition, students will hone performance, design, analytical, or technical skills
leading to performance in the capacity of at least one of the following: Actor, Director,
Stage Manager, Set/ Light/ Sound/ Costume/ Make-Up Designer, Stage Technician, Reviewer,
Educated Audience Member.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to evaluate and appreciate
a theatrical performance by recognizing the inherent components that go into creating
theatre, including the research involved, the collaboration among designers and directors,
the rehearsal process, and the technical skills involved in making a play come to
life. In addition, students will hone performance, design, analytical, or technical
skills leading to performance in the capacity of at least one of the following: Actor,
Director, Stage Manager, Set/Light/Sound/Costume/Make-Up Designer, Stage Technician,
Reviewer, Educated Audience Member.
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.
Mentor Program
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.
