Mount Hood Community College

The Theatre Arts program at Mount Hood Community College (MHCC) provides a hands-on, inclusive environment for students to explore all aspects of theatre performance and production. Designed for both beginners and experienced performers, the program emphasizes practical experience, collaborative creativity, and academic study. Students develop foundational skills in acting, directing, voice, movement, stagecraft, and theatre history, while also engaging in critical analysis and creative problem-solving.

MHCC offers an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree with an emphasis in Theatre, allowing students to complete general education requirements while focusing on theatre coursework. This degree prepares students to transfer seamlessly to four-year universities in Oregon and beyond, continuing their studies in theatre arts or related disciplines. Experienced faculty members provide personalized mentorship, guiding students through both technical training and artistic development.

Central to the program is MHCC’s active production calendar, which typically features several fully staged plays each year, including contemporary dramas, classical works, and student-directed projects. These productions offer students valuable opportunities to perform, design, manage, and collaborate in a real-world theatre setting. Auditions and crew positions are open to all students, ensuring broad access to performance and technical roles.

Theatre students benefit from MHCC’s dedicated facilities, including a main stage theatre and black box performance space. These venues are equipped with professional-grade lighting, sound, and scenic tools that help students gain experience using industry-standard technologies. Students interested in design and production can explore areas such as set construction, lighting, costuming, and sound design.

Overall, the MHCC Theatre Arts program fosters a strong sense of community, artistic growth, and transferable skills in communication and teamwork. Whether students plan to pursue a professional career in the performing arts or continue their education at a four-year institution, the program provides a supportive and enriching foundation for success.