Shasta College

Shasta College’s Theatre Arts Department operates year‑round, offering a lively mix of academic study, technical training, and fully staged productions. The department welcomes both students and community members into rehearsals, production roles, and theatre operations—creating an inclusive environment that balances vocational training with liberal arts values.

Each academic year, the program stages two mainstage productions—usually plays—and a vibrant Summer Theatre Festival featuring popular musicals and comedies. Auditions are held at the start of each term, and rehearsals often occur during evenings and weekends. Technical theatre activity—including set, lighting, sound, and props—happens daily, ensuring hands‑on practical learning.

Curriculum blends both theory and practice. Core courses include surveys in theatre arts, script analysis, acting, stagecraft, and technical theatre fundamentals. Production practicum courses allow students to earn credit through active participation in performance or technical roles. The program emphasizes skills like public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and stage confidence—beneficial both on and offstage.

Faculty and staff support community engagement and outreach. Productions are open to community actors and volunteers, creating an environment rich with outside collaboration. The Summer Festival, held annually, further encourages community participation in both performance and production roles. Students gain experience in promotion, box office, and theatre management alongside artistic work.

Graduates typically pursue transfer to four‑year theatre programs or entry-level roles in performance, backstage, or production settings. The department’s Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA‑T) in Theatre Arts is aligned with California State University system requirements—providing a smooth path to junior standing for those continuing bachelor’s degrees in theatre or related fields