Harper College

Harper College offers a robust Theatre Arts program designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to theatre within a community college setting. It combines theoretical coursework with frequent practical performance and behind‑the‑scenes learning opportunities. The program is designed as a foundation for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue advanced theatre studies.

Students engage in core coursework such as Introduction to Theatre, Acting I & II, and Theatre Practicum, where they gain hands-on experience in acting, directing, scene design, costuming, and lighting. These experiential classes reinforce learning through participation in actual campus productions and lab-based rehearsals, helping students develop both stage and technical skills.

Harper maintains several performance venues on campus to support its theatre activities. These include a 400-seat Performing Arts Center, a 300-seat J‑Theatre, and the Drama Lab Theatre, which is a flexible black-box style space well suited for experimental work, ensemble shows, and intimate performances. These venues give students exposure to a range of staging formats and production scales.

The program emphasizes collaboration and real world skill-building. Students take part in multiple productions each year, whether as actors, crew members, or stage managers, and join extracurricular groups such as the Theatre Club or student ensembles. These activities foster leadership, technical execution, and creative teamwork—qualities that serve students well in academic and professional theatre contexts.

Ultimately, Harper’s Theatre Arts program is built for students looking to start their theatre education affordably, with strong practical exposure and academic support, before transferring on to bachelor’s-level training. It equips them with foundational skills, production credits, and the preparation needed to succeed at the next level of study.