Lansing Community College

Lansing Community College’s Theatre Program is part of its Performing Arts division, based downtown in the Gannon Building and Dart Auditorium campus. The program blends academic theatre training with hands-on production experience, offering instruction rooted in Stanislavski’s acting system including vocal and physical expression, improvisation, and character work. It is built for both students who aim to transfer to four-year programs and those planning entry into regional theatre or entertainment careers.

LCC stages over 30 performing arts events annually—including four large-scale theatre productions, smaller Black Box pieces, and the popular “Summer Stage Under the Stars” outdoor series. These performances take place across three venues: the 454-seat Dart Auditorium, the intimate Gannon Building Black Box, and an outdoor amphitheater—offering broad exposure for student actors, designers, and technicians.

Course offerings include Introduction to Theatre (THEA 110), Intro to Technical Theatre, Studio Theatre Performance, Acting I – Contemporary, Stage Voice, Movement for the Actor, Acting Shakespeare, Building a Character, Play Directing, Stage Makeup, Audition Workshop, and Theatre History. These classes integrate theory and practice, with multiple practicum-level labs that award credit for stage and backstage roles.

The program offers structured credentials: two associate-level paths—the A.A.A. (Associate in Applied Arts) in Theatre and a Theatre subspecialty track, designed for students heading into careers in professional theatre or transferring after additional general education coursework. Both tracks focus on performance, technical skills, and audition preparation.

Supported by a small but experienced faculty team, LCC provides focused mentorship from award-winning professionals and working artists in the region. Faculty frequently direct productions, teach technical labs, and participate actively in local theatre communities—enhancing professional readiness for students.