Cuyahoga Community College

Cuyahoga Community College, known locally as Tri‑C, offers a vibrant Theatre Arts concentration rooted in both studio practice and academic study. Embedded within the Creative Arts division, the program is designed to support students pursuing a career or transfer pathway in performance, production, and technical theatre. Students develop skills across acting, design, stagecraft, management, dramaturgy, and theatre history as part of an inclusive and community-oriented learning environment.

The academic structure integrates foundational coursework with hands-on performance opportunities. Students take classes such as Theatre Appreciation, Acting I & II, Script Analysis, Introduction to Stagecraft, Technical Theatre Practicum, and Rehearsal & Performance. Practical studio labs accompany theory, and practicum courses provide credit for participation in live productions—on stage or behind the scenes.

Tri‑C produces multiple mainstage and studio shows annually across its campuses—Eastern, Metropolitan, and Western—enabling students to work in real performance environments. These productions include dramatic plays, musicals, and experimental ensembles, giving students roles in lighting, sound, costume, stage management, and acting. The department also facilitates student engagement with the broader Cleveland arts community.

The teaching faculty bring strong industry experience and academic credentials. Department leadership includes Professor Robert Ellis—an equity actor and long-time director for Tri‑C—with support from accomplished technical and production faculty. This mentorship ensures personalized development, project-based learning, and exposure to professional theatre practice.

Graduates leave Tri‑C with transferable credentials, portfolios of creative work, and practical production experience. The associate degree aligns with the Ohio Guaranteed Transfer Pathway in Theatre, allowing seamless transition to four-year institutions for upper-division theatre study in performance, design, or arts administration. Students gain a strong foundation for career or continued study.