Live Entertainment Production Certificate - Career Certificate

Make magic behind the scenes

Build and assemble theatre equipment and scenery

Pull back the curtain. Behind every great performance are the people who make it happen. Learn the essentials to produce live events and get out in the field. In one year, gain the in-demand skills you need to get to work safely and confidently.

Travel the world as the practical side of all the wow. Build, set up and tear down equipment and scenery for concerts, festivals, plays, musicals, tv and film. Tour with the band, get the show on the road—go where you want as the crew that creates awe-inspiring moments.

What can you do with a certificate in Live Entertainment Production?

The certificate in Live Entertainment Production prepares you to pursue a career as a Live Entertainment Production Stagehand or Theatre Technician.

Get hands-on experience before graduation. You'll have an option to complete an internship through the CLC Theatre Department, our program partner Upstaging, Inc. or other industry partners.

State-of-the-art facilities

Take your talent to the stage at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC) located on campus. The JLC features three modern performance spaces poised to showcase professional touring events and concerts, as well as our student music, dance and theatre performances and productions.

Highlights

Internships Available

Gain relevant work experience before you complete the program.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1 Year

Full-time students finish in 1 year.

Career Outlook

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,725
  
  Median
  
  $49,425
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $93,665
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.69
  
  Median
  
  $23.76
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.02
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  25.07%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.87%
  
  Some college
  
  1.19%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.19%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  42.67%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,179
  
  Median
  
  $57,953
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $124,192
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.83
  
  Median
  
  $27.86
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59.70
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  25.07%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.87%
  
  Some college
  
  1.19%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  11.19%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  42.67%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,606
  
  Median
  
  $76,274
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,771
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.07
  
  Median
  
  $36.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.39
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  31.19%
  
  Some college
  
  14.99%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.82%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,606
  
  Median
  
  $76,274
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,771
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.07
  
  Median
  
  $36.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.39
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.17%
  
  Certificate
  
  1.49%
  
  Some college
  
  0.42%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  1.43%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  92.07%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.42%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,606
  
  Median
  
  $76,274
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $181,771
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.07
  
  Median
  
  $36.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.39
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  15.22%
  
  Certificate
  
  10.58%
  
  Some college
  
  4.61%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.89%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  56.67%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  0.04%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26,430
  
  Median
  
  $47,852
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $114,295
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $12.70
  
  Median
  
  $23.00
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $54.94
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  9.52%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  33.33%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  47.61%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $33,251
  
  Median
  
  $48,799
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $155,443
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $15.98
  
  Median
  
  $23.45
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $74.73
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  37.04%
  
  Certificate
  
  11.11%
  
  Some college
  
  7.41%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  22.22%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  22.22%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
THE 126	THE 126 Stagecraft Class Description This course provides training in methods of scene construction, tool use, property construction, painting, rigging and shifting, with elementary work in lighting practice and control. Practical methods will be taught as well as a survey of historical staging styles to give students an understanding of the evolution of theatre. 20-30 hours of work on college productions is required.	3
ENT 214	ENT 214 Sound for Live Events Class Description This course is an introduction to the tools used in the field of sound design for Live Entertainment and reinforcement. The topics covered will include industry standards and practices, terminology, digital and acoustic fundamentals, microphones and amplification, live event audio systems design and set up, wireless technologies, intercom communication systems and console operation.	3
THE 226	THE 226 Lighting for Stage and Studio Class Description This course will instruct the student in basic electricity, technology, and design of lighting for the stage; elements of studio lighting techniques will also be taught. Specifications and the use of instrumentation will be learned with a hands on approach. Special emphasis will be given to learning the operation of computer controlled lighting boards, as well as more basic manual lighting controllers. Lighting design theory will be explored and each student will complete two project designs.	3
THE 250	THE 250 Stage Management Class Description This course will expose students to the multi-faceted job of the stage manager in theatrical productions with an emphasis on their role in the collaborative process. Students will learn the responsibilities and procedures and processes of stage managers and will learn to perform the duties, from pre- to postproduction. Students will incorporate industry-standard vocabulary. Course will follow a full rehearsal process. All students are expected to participate in, and will be evaluated on, classroom discussions and activities. 10 hours of production work is required.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 126
Course Title	THE 126 Stagecraft Class Description This course provides training in methods of scene construction, tool use, property construction, painting, rigging and shifting, with elementary work in lighting practice and control. Practical methods will be taught as well as a survey of historical staging styles to give students an understanding of the evolution of theatre. 20-30 hours of work on college productions is required.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENT 214
Course Title	ENT 214 Sound for Live Events Class Description This course is an introduction to the tools used in the field of sound design for Live Entertainment and reinforcement. The topics covered will include industry standards and practices, terminology, digital and acoustic fundamentals, microphones and amplification, live event audio systems design and set up, wireless technologies, intercom communication systems and console operation.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 226
Course Title	THE 226 Lighting for Stage and Studio Class Description This course will instruct the student in basic electricity, technology, and design of lighting for the stage; elements of studio lighting techniques will also be taught. Specifications and the use of instrumentation will be learned with a hands on approach. Special emphasis will be given to learning the operation of computer controlled lighting boards, as well as more basic manual lighting controllers. Lighting design theory will be explored and each student will complete two project designs.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 250
Course Title	THE 250 Stage Management Class Description This course will expose students to the multi-faceted job of the stage manager in theatrical productions with an emphasis on their role in the collaborative process. Students will learn the responsibilities and procedures and processes of stage managers and will learn to perform the duties, from pre- to postproduction. Students will incorporate industry-standard vocabulary. Course will follow a full rehearsal process. All students are expected to participate in, and will be evaluated on, classroom discussions and activities. 10 hours of production work is required.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ENT 210	ENT 210 Introduction to Entertainment Rigging Class Description This course will introduce the Entertainment Production student to the theoretical and practical components of preparing, setting up and executing the task of putting hanging elements into the air to support Live Entertainment. Topics covered will include: Equipment selection and uses, differences in theatrical and arena rigging set ups, use of a mechanical assist, review of commonly used knots, responsibilities of the rigger, the personnel, best safety practices, OSHA requirements, and computation and execution of safe load control. Students will be expected to complete 20 hours of practical hands on experiential work outside of the classroom.	3
ENT 217	ENT 217 Production Materials and Methods Class Description Activities and information presented in this course are designed to expose students to scenery fabrication materials and methods of assembly beyond those introduced in Stagecraft. The course will expose students to a variety of advanced construction practices, often encountered challenges in scenery construction and load-in and load-out procedures used predominantly in Live Entertainment and Display. Students will use accepted industry practices to solve technical challenges.	3
ENT 220	ENT 220 Introduction to Production Organization Class Description This course discusses the business practices, guidelines and organizations that Live Entertainment technicians commonly encounter in their work. Students will learn to navigate the processes for operating a "gig" business, how to build resumes and portfolios, how to find jobs within the industry, and the process of joining/working with unions. This course will also discuss the business operations and safety considerations and of Live Entertainment/Theatre organizations.	3
ENT 216	ENT 216 Video for Live Events Class Description This course is designed as an introduction to integrating video and projections into a Live Entertainment production. Students will work in a hands-on laboratory with the equipment, cameras, projectors and screens that are regularly integrated into Live Entertainment programs. Topics covered will include designing and setting up a video system according to design, network addressing and communication, position and focus projection, and how to set up and strike video equipment including portable projection screens and operation of equipment during an event.	3
THE 128	THE 128 Introduction to Theatrical Costuming Class Description This course is an introduction to the principles and elements of costume design for the theatre. This course will cover design concepts, character analysis and the creation of theoretical costumes for a play. This is a project based class and students will develop beginning costume construction skills. No previous design, sewing or costume experience is required. Students will be required to work on some aspect of college theatre productions.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENT 210
Course Title	ENT 210 Introduction to Entertainment Rigging Class Description This course will introduce the Entertainment Production student to the theoretical and practical components of preparing, setting up and executing the task of putting hanging elements into the air to support Live Entertainment. Topics covered will include: Equipment selection and uses, differences in theatrical and arena rigging set ups, use of a mechanical assist, review of commonly used knots, responsibilities of the rigger, the personnel, best safety practices, OSHA requirements, and computation and execution of safe load control. Students will be expected to complete 20 hours of practical hands on experiential work outside of the classroom.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENT 217
Course Title	ENT 217 Production Materials and Methods Class Description Activities and information presented in this course are designed to expose students to scenery fabrication materials and methods of assembly beyond those introduced in Stagecraft. The course will expose students to a variety of advanced construction practices, often encountered challenges in scenery construction and load-in and load-out procedures used predominantly in Live Entertainment and Display. Students will use accepted industry practices to solve technical challenges.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENT 220
Course Title	ENT 220 Introduction to Production Organization Class Description This course discusses the business practices, guidelines and organizations that Live Entertainment technicians commonly encounter in their work. Students will learn to navigate the processes for operating a "gig" business, how to build resumes and portfolios, how to find jobs within the industry, and the process of joining/working with unions. This course will also discuss the business operations and safety considerations and of Live Entertainment/Theatre organizations.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENT 216
Course Title	ENT 216 Video for Live Events Class Description This course is designed as an introduction to integrating video and projections into a Live Entertainment production. Students will work in a hands-on laboratory with the equipment, cameras, projectors and screens that are regularly integrated into Live Entertainment programs. Topics covered will include designing and setting up a video system according to design, network addressing and communication, position and focus projection, and how to set up and strike video equipment including portable projection screens and operation of equipment during an event.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 128
Course Title	THE 128 Introduction to Theatrical Costuming Class Description This course is an introduction to the principles and elements of costume design for the theatre. This course will cover design concepts, character analysis and the creation of theoretical costumes for a play. This is a project based class and students will develop beginning costume construction skills. No previous design, sewing or costume experience is required. Students will be required to work on some aspect of college theatre productions.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
THE 129	THE 129 Theatre Practicum Class Description This course is designed to give students an in-depth experience of the technical work involved in a theatre production. Students will learn how the elements of theatre proceed from the planning stage through the performance nights. Students will be expected to work on actual crews of a production.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 129
Course Title	THE 129 Theatre Practicum Class Description This course is designed to give students an in-depth experience of the technical work involved in a theatre production. Students will learn how the elements of theatre proceed from the planning stage through the performance nights. Students will be expected to work on actual crews of a production.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

31

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Theatre at CLC: Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study Theatre. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Theatre Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Discover what makes you light up inside. This program is multi-faceted, offering you a little bit of everything. When you enter the field, you’ll have clarity and a foundation in doing what interests you.
This 31-credit hour program takes 14 months to complete (2 semesters, plus 1 summer internship). Throughout the 10 courses and the internship, get hands-on experience and plenty of opportunities to refine your skills.
You receive entry-level training in an assortment of sought-after skills needed to work in the entertainment industry, including:
- audio/sound design
- electrical work
- entertainment lighting
- live event management
- scenery fabrication
- theatrical rigging
- video production
- wardrobe curation
Throughout this certificate program, you learn how to find opportunities and get hired in today’s competitive entertainment gig economy.
Your classes are held in person. Keep your degree on track with classes and labs that meet face-to-face, providing you with plenty of opportunities to interact with faculty and peers.

Nestor Munoz
Student
“It’s the most fun I've ever had in any job. You get to really understand what goes into a production at a play or a concert.”
At CLC, Nestor studies Live Entertainment Production, which offers hands-on industry experience. He was one of eight chosen from 4,800 applicants for a prestigious training program with Cirque de Soleil in Las Vegas.
Read Nestor's story

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Live Entertainment Production

Make magic behind the scenes

What can you do with a certificate in Live Entertainment Production?

State-of-the-art facilities

Highlights

Internships Available

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Audio and Video Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Lighting Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Media Programming Directors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Producers and Directors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Set and Exhibit Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Sound Engineering Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 13 Credits

Semester 2 15 Credits

Semester 3 3 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Theatre at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Why study Live Production Entertainment at CLC?

What skills will I learn?

How is this program delivered?

Nestor Munoz

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

Request info

Get started