Irvine Valley College

Irvine Valley College’s Theatre Arts Department provides a hands-on environment where students develop their skills in acting, directing, voice and diction, technical theatre, theatre design, musical theatre, and production. With a mission rooted in delivering high-quality instruction across all aspects of theatrical arts, the department nurtures both performance artists and production professionals, offering a broad foundation in the diverse elements that bring theatre to life.

The department leverages impressive facilities, housed within IVC’s Performing Arts Center and Arts Village. These include a main-stage proscenium theater, a flexible black box venue, scene and costume shops, rehearsal spaces, and technical support areas. This architecture not only supports practical learning but also creates an immersive atmosphere that reflects the vibrancy of the performing arts and enhances creative collaboration among students and faculty.

Students are encouraged to get involved early and across a variety of roles—be it acting in a play, designing a set, or managing live production elements. The curriculum spans key areas like stagecraft, lighting, costuming, voice, singing, directing, and video integration. Productions range from classic dramas and comedies to musicals and experimental pieces, giving students opportunities to explore different styles and genres while growing their versatility and confidence.

Beyond classroom and production work, the Theatre Arts program includes pathways like live entertainment management and entertainment technology, aligning academic learning with career readiness. Students can build a solid foundation for professional work in theater companies, theme parks, touring productions, technical support roles, or continuing into four-year institutions with transferable associate degrees.

Altogether, IVC’s Theatre Arts Department offers a supportive and dynamic setting—combining rigorous arts training, impressive facilities, multiple production opportunities, and flexible career pathways—to help students pursue their creative ambitions and prepare for the next steps in performance, design, or theatrical production.

Degree Programs, Pathways, and Certificates Offered:

• Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Theatre Arts
• Associate of Arts (AA) in Theatre Arts
• Associate of Science (AS) options in related fields (e.g., technical theatre)
• Fast Track Career Path: Live Entertainment Management
• Fast Track Career Path: Live Entertainment Technology
• Certificate of Achievement (COA) in Theatre-related disciplines
• Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in Theatre-related disciplines