Butler County Community College

Butler County Community College (BC3) offers an Associate of Arts in Theatre with two tracks: Theatre Performance and Technical Theatre. Designed as a transfer-oriented pathway, this program introduces students to foundational skills such as acting, stagecraft, design, lighting, sound, makeup, and production support. It prepares students either to continue theatre studies at four-year institutions or to take entry-level roles in regional performance or technical arts.

The BC3 program is built on a “learn by doing” philosophy. Students participate in practicum courses that integrate early hands-on involvement in department productions. Each year, the department stages four mainstage shows and supports additional student-led projects, enabling students to practice performance, direction, design, and technical roles in a collaborative setting.

Performances are held in the on-campus Succop Theater—a modern venue with fixed seating and professional lighting and sound systems. The facility offers students a real-world stage environment where they can apply their skills and develop confidence in front of live audiences, while crew members gain experience working behind the scenes in technical workshops.

Students can deepen professional engagement through membership in Delta Psi Omega, the campus theatre honor society, and are able to audition for performance scholarships, which may include tuition and book support. Student learning includes exposure to performance-based workshops, audition technique training, and production practicum that fosters both artistic and logistical maturity.

Graduates emerge with practical production experience and transferable credits toward four-year theatre programs. Whether continuing academic study or entering creative professions in acting, stage management, or design, students complete the BC3 Theatre Arts program with a solid foundation in theatrical craft, collaboration, and production-readiness.