Phoenix College Theatre

Phoenix College’s Theatre Program, one of Arizona’s oldest and most respected, dates back to 1928 with the formation of the Masque & Dagger theatrical society. Housed in the John Paul Theatre and Geoffrey Eroe Black Box, the program offers a dynamic blend of artistic expression, intellectual inquiry, and hands-on practice. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering acting, directing, playwriting, stage design, and technical theatre, with opportunities to participate in four annual productions, including dramas, comedies, musicals, Spanish-language plays, and Theatre for Young Audiences. The program’s commitment to diversity and community engagement is evident in its inclusive productions and partnerships with local arts organizations, providing students with real-world experience and a platform to develop their craft. Affordable tuition and flexible class options make it accessible for aspiring theatre professionals.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through participation in the Region VIII Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, where students gain stage experience and network with industry professionals. Courses range from script analysis and acting techniques to stagecraft and production logistics, fostering both creative and technical skills. Students work in state-of-the-art facilities, including the 267-seat, ADA-accessible John Paul Theatre with its modified thrust stage and advanced lighting and audio systems, and the intimate Geoffrey Eroe Black Box, rededicated in 2021 to honor the longtime program director. These spaces host a variety of performances, allowing students to build portfolios through hands-on roles in acting, directing, and technical production.

Phoenix College offers an Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) with an Emphasis in Theatre, designed for seamless transfer to four-year institutions such as ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts or NAU’s Theatre programs. The AAFA prepares students for bachelor’s degrees in theatre, with coursework covering performance, design, and technical skills to meet selective admission criteria. Additionally, the program offers a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Technical Theatre, with specializations in areas like audio, costuming, lighting, properties, puppetry, and set/scenic construction. These certificates provide hands-on training for immediate workforce entry as stage crew, lighting technicians, or costume designers, requiring fewer credits than the associate degree.

The Theatre Program also includes an Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) with an Emphasis in Musical Theatre, which integrates music, theatre, and dance to prepare students for selective bachelor’s programs that may require auditions. This degree focuses on performance and production practices, helping students develop audition portfolios and skills in acting, singing, and dancing. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their education to career goals in musical theatre or related fields. Students are encouraged to meet with academic advisors to ensure transfer requirements are met, as Phoenix College has articulation agreements with Arizona universities to facilitate credit transfers.

Led by Dr. Christina Marín, the program benefits from faculty with extensive professional and academic experience. Dr. Marín, who has directed the Visual & Performing Arts department since 2017, emphasizes diverse and impactful scripts, including those addressing social justice themes. Faculty mentorship supports students in both artistic and technical roles, fostering a collaborative environment. Community partnerships, such as with the Mouse River Players, and the program’s history of producing award-winning productions enhance its reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation, preparing graduates for careers as actors, directors, designers, or educators.