Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) offers a vibrant Theatre Arts Program through its Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree, designed to provide students with a strong foundation in theatre while preparing them for transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to hone their skills in acting, directing, and technical theatre through on-campus productions. With small class sizes and a focus on practical training, OCTC’s Theatre Arts Program is tailored for students passionate about performing, directing, or exploring technical theatre innovations, such as set design or computer-based applications for stage productions. The program’s affordability, with the lowest tuition in Kentucky, combined with financial aid options, makes it an accessible starting point for aspiring theatre professionals.

The Theatre Arts Program at OCTC encourages students to engage in a variety of performance and production-based explorations. Students can participate in acting, directing, and design, gaining practical experience that complements their coursework. The curriculum is structured to develop both creative and technical skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for further studies or entry-level roles in the theatre industry. The program’s focus on campus productions provides opportunities to perform, direct, or work behind the scenes, fostering a collaborative environment where students can build a portfolio of work. This practical approach is ideal for those interested in pursuing careers as actors, directors, or stage technicians.

OCTC’s Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) in Theatre is specifically designed for seamless transfer to BFA programs at four-year institutions. The degree includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers theatre history, performance techniques, and production skills, ensuring students meet the prerequisites for advanced study. The program is part of OCTC’s broader Fine Arts offerings, which also include an Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Art. The theatre degree stands out for its emphasis on experiential learning, with opportunities to engage in campus theatre productions and develop skills in multiple facets of theatre arts. OCTC’s articulation agreements with several four-year institutions facilitate a smooth transfer process, allowing students to continue their education without losing credits.

In addition to the AFA in Theatre, OCTC offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree that can be tailored for students interested in theatre-related fields, such as theatre education or communication, with the intent to transfer to a bachelor’s program. While the AA is not exclusively a theatre degree, it provides flexibility for students to take theatre courses as electives while pursuing a broader liberal arts education. This option is ideal for those who may want to combine theatre with other disciplines, such as English or psychology, to prepare for diverse career paths in the arts or education. The AA degree, like the AFA, is designed to transfer seamlessly to Kentucky’s public universities, supported by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s transfer pathways.

The Theatre Arts Program at OCTC is supported by a dedicated faculty, many of whom hold advanced degrees and bring professional experience to the classroom. Faculty members, such as those listed in the KCTCS catalog, provide mentorship and guide students through both academic and production-based learning. The program’s integration with the Owensboro community, including partnerships with local theatre groups like the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro and the RiverPark Center, enhances students’ exposure to professional theatre environments. By combining affordable tuition, practical training, and transfer opportunities, OCTC’s Theatre Arts Program offers a robust foundation for students aiming to make their mark in the performing arts.