Build Your Future in Technical Theater
The Theater Arts program responds to and fosters the demographic and cultural diversity of our students with our curriculum as well as our performance and production opportunities. We promote student success by providing innovative, flexible, and challenging courses and training in new theater technologies. Our programs of study meet our students’ goals: two recently revised Theater Arts for Performance and Production Associate in Arts Degrees, a Theater Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer and three certificates in production and design. We now offer a new CTE Acting Certificate, a Film and Video Production Certificate, and a Musical Theater Performance Certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program options include certificate programs, associate in arts degree, and an associate in arts degree for transfer.
Depending on the program and the number of units taken each semester, completing a certificate program can take as little as one to two semesters and completing the associate in science degree program can take about two years.
The program cost is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. Unit fees for the 12-unit certificate would be $552, ranging up to the 60-unit associate degree, which would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.
The types of careers students can pursue in this field include:
Actor
Film and Video Editors
Set and Exhibit Designers
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Costume Attendants
The average salary in this field is between $48,170 and $111,270 per year.
Graduates of the program work in theater.
- Acting and Film Video Production Certificate = 20-21 units (2 semesters)
- Costume/ Makeup Design Certificate = 12-14 units (1-2 semesters)
- Lighting/Audio Design Certificate = 12-14 units (1-2 semesters)
- Musical Theater Performance Certificate = 20-22 units (2 semesters)
- Technical Theater Certificate = 13-14 units (1-2 semesters)
- Theater Arts Associate in Arts Degree = 60 units (2 years)
- Theater Arts Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer = 60 units (2 years)
There are no additional requirements to enroll in this program. However, some courses may have prerequisites or audition requirements. These can be viewed in the Cypress College Catalog and the Schedule of Classes.
James Hormel
Musical Theater Director
(714) 484-7206
jhormel@cypresscollege.edu
Theater Arts Department
Donny Jackson
Associate Professor
(714) 484-7205
djackson@CypressCollege.edu
Technical Theater Department
Lynette Young
Theater/Dance, Office Manager
(714) 484-7201
lyoung@cypresscollege.edu
Fine Arts Division
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
James Hormel
Musical Theater Director
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Donny Jackson
Associate Professor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Lynette Young
Theater/Dance, Office Manager
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Renay Laguana-Ferinac
Counselor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Renee Ssensalo
Counselor
Average Salary in this Field
$48,170-$111,270 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Actor, Director
Stage, Film, Television Set and Exhibit Designers
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
