North Lake College

North Lake College, part of the Dallas College system, offers a Drama/Theatre Arts curriculum through the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD). Although the college does not offer a dedicated bachelor’s-level theatre degree, students can pursue foundational theatre coursework as part of the Associate in Arts (A.A.) pathway, ideal for transfer to four-year institutions in theatre, performance, or related arts programs. Through the Dallas College system, these courses serve the dual goals of practical skills and transferability.

Curriculum offerings include core theatre subjects such as Introduction to Theatre, Acting I & II, Stagecraft, Stage Movement, Theatre Practicum, Voice for the Actor, and Stage Makeup. These courses emphasize performance technique, ensemble work, design fundamentals, and backstage operations. Many classes meet both lecture and lab goals, preparing students for both onstage and offstage roles.

Theatre Practicum courses, available across several levels (I–IV), give students direct participation in campus productions. These produce hands-on experience in performance, technical crew support, design, and stage operations—often repeatable for credit as students gain experience over multiple terms. Theory and practice intertwine through these experiential lab courses.

Beyond coursework, Dallas College’s Visual and Performing Arts department stages a variety of full theatre productions across multiple campuses, including North Lake. These productions—ranging from classic plays to contemporary works and original student projects—offer real-world rehearsal and staging experience. Students involved gain exposure to techniques and collaborative processes akin to professional environments.

Smaller class sizes and campus-level programs at North Lake foster personalized instruction and mentoring. Drama students receive guidance from faculty skilled in performance, design, and production. With access to transfer pathways, practical labs, and regional production opportunities, the North Lake theatre program offers a supportive entry point for aspiring actors, designers, technicians, or transfer-bound students.