Cerritos College

The Cerritos College Theatre program offers a comprehensive foundation for students aspiring to careers in theatre, encompassing both performance and technical aspects. Located in the entertainment hub of Los Angeles County, the program is ideally situated to provide students with invaluable exposure and opportunities within the industry. This robust curriculum is designed to prepare students for various roles, whether they dream of performing on stage, working behind the scenes, or exploring the historical and theoretical dimensions of theatre.

Students can pursue an Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T) in Theatre Arts, a pathway specifically designed to facilitate seamless transfer to California State University (CSU) institutions for continued upper-division theatre studies. The AA-T curriculum requires 18.5-19 units and includes essential core courses such as Introduction to the Theatre or History of the Classical Theatre, and Fundamentals of Acting. This foundational knowledge is crucial for developing a well-rounded understanding of the theatrical landscape.

Beyond the core, the program offers a diverse range of specialized courses that allow students to delve deeper into their chosen areas of interest. These electives cover a broad spectrum of theatrical disciplines, including Intermediate Acting to Characterization, Script Analysis, Stage Lighting, Costuming for the Stage, Stage Make-Up, and Theatre Stagecraft. The flexibility in course selection enables students to tailor their education to their specific career aspirations, whether they are passionate about performance, design, or technical production.

A standout feature of the Cerritos College Theatre program is its Entertainment Technology program, which directly aligns with regional job market demands. This specialized track provides students with hands-on training and opportunities to collaborate with major entertainment companies, including Disney, various sports and music venues, and theme parks. Students gain practical experience in critical areas such as stage and venue management, live audio engineering and mixing, lighting design and operation, costume design and production, and hair, wig, and makeup artistry.

The department actively engages students in practical application through its theatrical productions. Recent notable works presented by the Theatre, Film and Television department include "Adding Machine: A Musical," "The Seagull," and "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992." These productions offer students invaluable experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their classroom learning to real-world performance and technical challenges, further preparing them for successful careers in the dynamic world of theatre.