Moorpark College

Moorpark College’s Theatre Arts Department offers a flexible and engaging program for students interested in theatre—whether aiming to transfer to a four-year program or launch a career in acting, design, directing, or technical production. Degrees include an Associate of Arts in Theatre Arts, an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA‑T) in Theatre Arts, and a Technical Theatre AA or Certificate for those focusing on backstage work.

The curriculum introduces students to foundational courses such as Introduction to Theatre, History of the Theatre, and Acting I, before progressing to intermediate and advanced coursework including script analysis, voice and diction, improvisation, playwriting, stage direction, auditioning techniques, and theatre production labs. Production labs across multiple semesters serve as the heart of the experience, allowing students to participate in performance or technical roles in actual stage productions.

For practical, career-ready training, Moorpark offers certificates and proficiency awards in areas such as Acting, Technical Theatre, Directing, Lighting, Costume, Makeup, and more. These programs are often led by industry professionals and provide focused skill-building for employment in theatre, television, or live event management.

Performances in the Theatre Arts program are presented in the college’s Performing Arts Center, which hosts musicals, plays, student one-acts, and experimental works across its black box and proscenium venues. Recent highlights include the annual Student One Acts festival and public productions like A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, allowing students to see and stage productions in fully equipped theatre spaces.

The overall program emphasizes cultural awareness, collaboration, and communication. It prepares students for careers or academic continuation through practical coursework, strong mentorship from theatre faculty, and opportunities to refine performance, design, and production skills alongside academic exploration of theatre history and criticism.