Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa Junior College in Northern California offers a comprehensive Theatre Arts program that combines academic coursework with a rich production season and vocational training. The program is designed for both students aiming to transfer to four‑year institutions and those pursuing entry-level roles in performance, design, or management. With a noted commitment to cultural diversity and community engagement, SRJC prepares students for creative careers through hands-on learning at its Santa Rosa and Petaluma campuses.

Students can expect a robust production calendar, including four major plays or musicals each academic year staged in two venues: the large-scale Burbank Auditorium and the more intimate Newman Auditorium. Productions are open to all students—including faculty-led settings and community actors—offering experience in acting, design, stagecraft, and backstage roles.

The curriculum intertwines theoretical study with practical training. Core courses include World Theatre Through Time, Introduction to Acting, Introduction to Stagecraft, Costume Technology, Makeup Design, and Production Lab courses. Practicum participation is integrated, allowing students to earn credit through roles in live productions. Students also benefit from instruction in multicultural theatre perspectives and modern theatrical technologies.

A unique feature of the program is its modular certificate offerings—students may earn specialized vocational credentials in areas such as Acting, Costuming, Makeup Design, Stagecraft, Repertory Theatre, and Theatre Management. These certificate tracks emphasize technical skills, self-marketing, audition preparation, and portfolio development.

Graduates leave SRJC with either an Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Theatre Arts or an Associate in Arts for Transfer (A.A.-T) in Theatre Arts, both designed to facilitate seamless transfer to California State University or UC systems. These degrees align with CSU Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) standards and ensure junior standing admission into most four-year school programs in theatre.