Theatre Arts Program Map

(Not Eligible for Financial Aid) Through an intensive program of production work in the Butte College Drama Department, combined with courses throughout the college, the student will gain the theory and applied training work experience to find career choices in live theatre, film and other communication related fields. Upon completion of this certificate program, the student will be able to analyze texts and scripts as they pertain to performances, demonstrate the ability to complete assignments in his/her area of technical expertise, collaborate with others to produce a live stage performance, recognize standard practices of ensemble playing in a rehearsal/performance environment, analyze dramatic literature or productions to identify form and period. The Certificate in Theatre Arts equips students with a multitude of skills applicable to many careers, not just those in the performing arts. The students earning a Certificate in Theatre Arts are prepared for a host of job opportunities within and beyond the performing arts, including but not limited to: Actor, Director, Technician, Sales Representative, Customer Service Representative, Stage Crew, Carpenter, House Manager, Amusement Park Entertainer, Model, Tour Guide and Voice-Over Performer.

Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Community of interest: BCAD Business, Cosmetology, Arts & Design
Award: Certificate
Program code: THEATREARTS.CC
Department: PAX Skill Builders
CIP code: 50.0501: Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
TOP code: 1007.00 - Dramatic Arts

Map Class Schedule

Program Schedule Report Meet with a counselor

Theatre Arts

Certificate

A short-cycle credential built around a specific skill or job role. Useful as an entry point to a field, a step toward a larger credential, or a way to round out an existing degree.

Financial aid note. Courses taken solely to complete a Certificate of Completion are not eligible for financial aid.

See the 2025-26 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

6 units

DRAM 2

Introduction to Theatre

3 units

This course focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions. (C-ID THTR 111).

DRAM 8

Acting I

3 units

This course prepares a student to apply basic acting theory to performance and develops the skills of interpretation of drama through acting. Special attention is paid to skills for performance: memorization, stage movement, vocal production, and interpretation of text. (C-ID THTR 151).

Term 2

Class Schedules

9 units

DRAM 12

Rehearsal and Performance in Production

3 units

This course provides instruction and supervised participation in theatre rehearsal and performance. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Theatre Arts. (C-ID THTR 191).

Prerequisite: Audition required

DRAM 14

Technical Theatre in Production

3 units

Students will gain practical experience in the application of production responsibilities in any of the following: stage management, house management, construction, scenery, properties, costume, lighting, sound, and running crews. This course may be repeated 3 times to meet the requirements of the AA-T in Theatre Arts. (C-ID THTR 192).

Select 3 units:

Required

1–3 units

Choose one of 4 choices

DRAM 9
Acting II
3 units
course details
This course follows Acting I and continues the exploration of theories and techniques used in preparation for the interpretation of drama through acting. The emphasis will be placed on deepening the understanding of the acting process through character analysis, monologues, and scenes. (C-ID THTR 152).
Prerequisite: DRAM 8
+−
DRAM 15
Costume Construction I
3 units
course details
This course is a study of costume history, design, and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming. Fabrics and their various uses will be investigated. (C-ID THTR 174).
+−
KIN 40
Jazz Dance I
1.5 units
course details
This course provides instruction centered upon improving the knowledge and physical techniques of jazz dance. The course will identify jazz dance styles: lyrical, contemporary, and character/musical theater. Basic jazz dance techniques, choreography, and vocabulary will be applied and practiced.
+−
MUS 30
Voice I
1 units
course details
This course introduces students to fundamental vocal techniques, emphasizing essential skills in tone production, breath control, posture, and pronunciation through the study of diverse vocal literature. Students will practice solo performance skills and basic musicianship throughout the semester.
+−

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the 4-year pathway for this program.

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

No NCES/IPEDS CIP-to-SOC mapping was found for this program's CIP code.

Last generated 2026-06-12T23:25+00:00

Program Snapshot

Next Steps

2-Year Degree Paths

4-Year Degree Paths

Graduate School Paths

Source Notes