San Joaquin Delta College

Delta Drama—San Joaquin Delta College’s vibrant theatre arts program—is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic community college theatre offerings in California. Located in Stockton, Delta Drama delivers a comprehensive two-year curriculum through multiple tracks: Associate of Arts for Transfer in Theatre Arts (AA-T), Associate of Arts in Acting, or Associate of Arts in Technical Theatre, along with a Stagecraft Certificate option. The program is specifically designed to prepare students for transfer to four‑year programs or direct entry into theatre careers.

Students gain foundational training through core courses like Introduction to Acting, Voice and Speech, Movement, Classical Acting, Stage Makeup, and Technical Theatre. Electives span Improvisational Theatre, Acting for the Camera, Principles of Directing, Scenic Painting, Costume, Lighting, and Production workshops. Practical learning is embedded via Repertory Workshops and production courses, where students earn academic credit by actively participating on stage and backstage.

The production calendar is robust: Delta Drama mounts four fully staged mainstage productions per year, operates a summer season, and schedules two studio theatre workshops annually. These performances are held in two on‑campus venues—the 393-seat Tillie Lewis Theatre (proscenium thrust style) and the 128-seat Alfred H. Muller Studio Theatre (black box)—offering students diverse settings for creative expression.

Guided by professional faculty and frequent guest artists, the program is committed to nurturing artistic growth in a culturally diverse environment. Faculty bring real-world experience in performance and design, and the department emphasizes inclusive values—mirroring the multicultural richness of the Central Valley community. Scholarship and financial aid opportunities help make Delta Drama accessible to aspiring artists.

Beyond the college campus, Delta Drama also extends its impact through community outreach—offering theatre workshops, talkback series, and networking events to local high schools in Stockton, Modesto, Tracy, and surrounding areas. These initiatives deepen student engagement while strengthening regional arts connections. Graduates leave with a transferable skill set in performance, production, and collaborative artistry, as well as a portfolio well suited for next-step academic or professional theatre opportunities.