College of Lake County

The College of Lake County offers two transfer-oriented Associate of Arts degrees in Theatre: one in Theatre Performance (Acting/Directing) and another in Technical Theatre (Design & Stage Management). These tracks provide a strong foundation in both theory and practical skills, preparing students for smooth transitions into four-year theatre programs or entry-level creative roles in theatre production.

Students engage actively through a hands-on curriculum. Core courses cover theatre history, literature, acting fundamentals, voice and movement, and script analysis, alongside specialized training in stagecraft, lighting, sound design, costume, makeup, and stage management. Each term includes practicum courses where students participate on production crews or as performers, earning academic credit for real-world work in rehearsals and performances.

The department maintains a busy production schedule, typically staging five fully mounted shows annually. These include mainstage productions as well as community-access performances, offering students the opportunity to work in multiple roles across acting, technical support, or design. Auditions are open to all students as well as community participants, creating an inclusive environment for artistic development.

Performances take place in the college’s state-of-the-art James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, which houses a 600-seat Mainstage Theatre, a 250-seat Studio Theatre, and a flexible Experimental Theatre. These venues are equipped with professional lighting, sound systems, a hydraulic orchestra pit, and scenic workspaces—supporting high production value and realistic training for students.

Graduates leave CLC with both transferable academic credits and robust production portfolios. With affordable tuition, expert faculty in small-class settings, and supportive advising geared toward seamless transfer, students are well-positioned to pursue theatre studies at four-year colleges—or enter the performance, design, or technical theatre workforce with confidence.