Theatre

Deliver vivid, genuine performances

Boost your theatrical resume

If the world is your stage, make theatre your career. Practice your craft and intensify your performance abilities with a 2-year associate degree in Theatre Performance at CLC. You gain extensive knowledge in theatre literature and theory while you gain hands-on skills and experience as you prepare for a competitive theatre program at a 4-year institution.

Theatre’s multifaceted career paths include acting, directing, design, stage management or teaching. Work on live stage productions, television and film. Whether you have a passion for being on stage or working behind the scenes, our experienced instructors nurture your creativity and ambition.

What can you do with an A.A. in Theatre Performance?

The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in Theatre Performance prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in theatre, teaching or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

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

Performance Opportunities

Step into the spotlight with productions through fall and spring terms.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Transfer Degree

Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27,113
  
  Median
  
  $41,923
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $239,541
  
  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
  
  $13.03
  
  Median
  
  $20.15
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $115.16
  
  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
  
  61.66%
  
  Certificate
  
  3.81%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.68%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  13.86%
  
  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).
Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20,280
  
  Median
  
  $39,764
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,915
  
  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
  
  $9.75
  
  Median
  
  $19.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.51
  
  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
  
  42.85%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.05%
  
  Some college
  
  4.76%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  19.05%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  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).
Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,803
  
  Median
  
  $45,953
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $72,818
  
  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
  
  $16.73
  
  Median
  
  $22.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $35.00
  
  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
  
  42.63%
  
  Certificate
  
  7.52%
  
  Some college
  
  14.85%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.86%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  29.6%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  1.54%
  
  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).
Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31,113
  
  Median
  
  $48,346
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95,795
  
  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
  
  $14.95
  
  Median
  
  $23.24
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $46.05
  
  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
  
  79.23%
  
  Certificate
  
  13.54%
  
  Some college
  
  7.24%
  
  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 clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,595
  
  Median
  
  $64,969
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $189,764
  
  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
  
  $17.59
  
  Median
  
  $31.23
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $91.23
  
  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
  
  4.25%
  
  Some college
  
  1.07%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  44.02%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  50.67%
  
  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).
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19,065
  
  Median
  
  $59,446
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $242,706
  
  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
  
  $9.16
  
  Median
  
  $28.57
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116.68
  
  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
  
  42.85%
  
  Certificate
  
  28.57%
  
  Some college
  
  9.52%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.76%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  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).
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
  
  $37,259
  
  Median
  
  $74,071
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $160,857
  
  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
  
  $17.90
  
  Median
  
  $35.60
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77.33
  
  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).

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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 and degree requirements, see the college 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
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3
THE 121	THE 121 Introduction to Theatre I Class Description This course explores the elements, artists and collaborative process of live theatre. It includes the study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production. Play attendance is required.	3
THE 125	THE 125 Principles of Acting Class Description This course introduces students to the fundamental skills and concepts of acting. Concentration, observation, playing action and other basics are introduced through acting exercises, improvisations, and scene study. Major acting approaches, such as Cohen, Meisner, Stanislavski, and Shurtleff, will be used as the basis for helping the actor acquire craft to create believable characters.	3
SOC 121	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.	3

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	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 121
Course Title	THE 121 Introduction to Theatre I Class Description This course explores the elements, artists and collaborative process of live theatre. It includes the study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production. Play attendance is required.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 125
Course Title	THE 125 Principles of Acting Class Description This course introduces students to the fundamental skills and concepts of acting. Concentration, observation, playing action and other basics are introduced through acting exercises, improvisations, and scene study. Major acting approaches, such as Cohen, Meisner, Stanislavski, and Shurtleff, will be used as the basis for helping the actor acquire craft to create believable characters.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 121
Course Title	SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology Class Description This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ENG 122	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.	3
MTH 140	MTH 140 Contemporary Mathematics Class Description This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, linear programming, and game theory. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.	3
THE 123	THE 123 Diversity in American Theatre Class Description This course will examine various dramatic expressions that reflect the experience and construction of racial and cultural identity in the United States. It will explore issues of diversity in contemporary U.S. society and introduce a sampling of dramatic literature which reflects this diversity. Specific focus will be given to African American Theatre, Hispanic Theatre, Asian American Theatre, Native American Theatre, feminist theatre, and gay and lesbian theatre.	3
THE 145	THE 145 Voice for the Stage Class Description This course explores the demands of an actor's vocal life and provides techniques to strengthen the speaker’s vocal instrument. Major voice production approaches, such as Linklater, Berry, and Rodenburg will be used to help the student develop a healthy expressive voice for the stage as well as for everyday communication.	3
THE 229	THE 229 Stage Makeup Class Description This course is an investigation of the principles, techniques and materials of stage makeup and practical experience in their application. Students will learn how to apply makeup on their own face using both cream and water-based makeup. Contouring, glamour, aging, facial hair, wig use, and historical character are some of the topics that will be covered. In addition, the creation of prosthetics and their applications will be learned. There will also be a section on triage or moulage makeup techniques.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 122
Course Title	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 140
Course Title	MTH 140 Contemporary Mathematics Class Description This course is to develop competency in analytical reasoning, problem solving, and multi-step decision making as well as exposing students to some current trends in mathematical thought. The emphasis is on mathematical reasoning and the solving of real-life problems involving mathematics. The course covers three or four of the following topics in depth: graph theory, counting techniques and probability, topics in geometry, logic/set theory, linear programming, and game theory. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science and Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 123
Course Title	THE 123 Diversity in American Theatre Class Description This course will examine various dramatic expressions that reflect the experience and construction of racial and cultural identity in the United States. It will explore issues of diversity in contemporary U.S. society and introduce a sampling of dramatic literature which reflects this diversity. Specific focus will be given to African American Theatre, Hispanic Theatre, Asian American Theatre, Native American Theatre, feminist theatre, and gay and lesbian theatre.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 145
Course Title	THE 145 Voice for the Stage Class Description This course explores the demands of an actor's vocal life and provides techniques to strengthen the speaker’s vocal instrument. Major voice production approaches, such as Linklater, Berry, and Rodenburg will be used to help the student develop a healthy expressive voice for the stage as well as for everyday communication.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 229
Course Title	THE 229 Stage Makeup Class Description This course is an investigation of the principles, techniques and materials of stage makeup and practical experience in their application. Students will learn how to apply makeup on their own face using both cream and water-based makeup. Contouring, glamour, aging, facial hair, wig use, and historical character are some of the topics that will be covered. In addition, the creation of prosthetics and their applications will be learned. There will also be a section on triage or moulage makeup techniques.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose other General Education Math courses instead of MTH 140.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ESC 128	ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth Class Description This course is for those interested in examining mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of the natural world through the application of the scientific method. Content areas such as creation and history of the Earth, mysterious places and landforms, mythical creatures and the fossil record, epic natural disasters, and the power of crystals will be explored. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Talismans and Crystal Healing, Noah’s Flood, and Bigfoot.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ESC 128
Course Title	ESC 128 Great Mysteries of the Earth Class Description This course is for those interested in examining mysteries, myths, and pseudoscience of the natural world through the application of the scientific method. Content areas such as creation and history of the Earth, mysterious places and landforms, mythical creatures and the fossil record, epic natural disasters, and the power of crystals will be explored. Major topic examples may include Atlantis, Talismans and Crystal Healing, Noah’s Flood, and Bigfoot.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose other Physical Sciences courses instead of ESC 128.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3
THE 223	THE 223 Play Analysis for Production Class Description This course is an introductory exploration of the relationships between the dramatic text and the play in performance with special emphasis on basic terminology and methodology. Representative plays will be studied in their genre, historical and social contexts.	3
THE 225	THE 225 Acting II Class Description This course is a continuation of the study of acting, this course will concentrate on characterization, scene study and ensemble work. An introduction to acting styles and period drama will be included.	3
BIO 120	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.	4
PSY 121	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 223
Course Title	THE 223 Play Analysis for Production Class Description This course is an introductory exploration of the relationships between the dramatic text and the play in performance with special emphasis on basic terminology and methodology. Representative plays will be studied in their genre, historical and social contexts.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	THE 225
Course Title	THE 225 Acting II Class Description This course is a continuation of the study of acting, this course will concentrate on characterization, scene study and ensemble work. An introduction to acting styles and period drama will be included.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 120
Course Title	BIO 120 Environmental Biology Class Description This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 121
Course Title	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose other Life Sciences courses instead of BIO 120. Students can also choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of PSY 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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
THE 228	THE 228 Directing I Class Description This course is an introduction to the principles, problems, procedures of directing for the stage. Will include historical background, script selection, interpretation, stage composition, blocking, rehearsal techniques and performance, and a workshop in which students will have the opportunity for practical application of the principles of directing.	3
ENG 227	ENG 227 Introduction to Shakespeare Class Description Introduction to Shakespeare offers an examination of the writer's works and their historical and literary background through readings and discussions of selected comedies, histories and tragedies. Videotapes of performances will be shown in class.	3
SOC 225	SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender Class Description This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.	3
	Theatre Performance Elective	1

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	THE 228
Course Title	THE 228 Directing I Class Description This course is an introduction to the principles, problems, procedures of directing for the stage. Will include historical background, script selection, interpretation, stage composition, blocking, rehearsal techniques and performance, and a workshop in which students will have the opportunity for practical application of the principles of directing.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 227
Course Title	ENG 227 Introduction to Shakespeare Class Description Introduction to Shakespeare offers an examination of the writer's works and their historical and literary background through readings and discussions of selected comedies, histories and tragedies. Videotapes of performances will be shown in class.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 225
Course Title	SOC 225 Class, Race, and Gender Class Description This course uses various sociological perspectives to examine how class, race, and gender structure individual and group access to power, resources, opportunities, and prestige. It examines how these socially constructed categories provide identity and meaning that shape social interaction and institutional structure and practice. Classical and contemporary theoretical and empirical models demonstrate how the intersection of these major dimensions of inequality represent a source of opportunity and privilege, while simultaneously contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code
Course Title	Theatre Performance Elective
Credits	1

Course options: Students can choose other Humanities courses instead of ENG 227. Students can also choose other Social and Behavioral Science courses instead of SOC 225.

Total Credit Hours

61

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Explore transfer options

Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.

Theatre at CLC: Get the bigger picture

This transfer degree 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

CLC’s Theatre Department presents five fully mounted productions each year, including one children’s production in the fall and a musical in the summer. Each season is carefully chosen to showcase the best classical and contemporary plays in a variety of theatrical genres and styles.
With smaller class sizes and less competition from seniors, you can step into the spotlight with senior-level performance roles—during your freshman and sophomore years. You gain advanced knowledge and experience that can help get you recruited by four-year schools.
During this 2-year program, you gain versatile knowledge and skills in performance theatre:
- analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical production
- apply principles, techniques and materials of stage makeup
- basic principles of directing
- develop a healthy, expressive voice for the stage
- fundamental skills and concepts of acting and ensemble work
- oral communication (develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages)
- practical applications of scene construction and lighting
- understand diversity in contemporary U.S. society and how it relates to dramatic literature
Theatre courses are approved for a seamless transfer to Illinois colleges and universities under the Illinois Articulation Initiative. Here are some great options:
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ 4-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Explore the many more transfer options available.
Yes. There’s a distinct advantage to earning your associate degree—a 30% advantage. The Brookings Institution reports that employees with associate degrees earn 30% more on average than those with high school diplomas. Over a lifetime, the earnings of an associate degree recipient are roughly $170,000 higher than those of a high school graduate.
Yes! Researchers have looked at how community college students fare after transferring. The biggest marker for success? Finishing your associate degree before transferring. In fact, those students seem to do better at the 4-year than students who started at the 4-year.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

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Deliver vivid, genuine performances

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What can you do with an A.A. in Theatre Performance?

State-of-the-art facilities

Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Actors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Choreographers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Costume Attendants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Dancers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Fashion Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Media Programming Directors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 15 Credits

Semester 3 3 Credits

Semester 4 16 Credits

Semester 5 13 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Theatre at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

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