Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science

The Theatre and Entertainment Technology program develops the knowledge and skills necessary for students to embark on careers as professional stage hands, stage carpenters, stage electricians, audio technicians or Technical Directors. Emphasis in this specialized program is on production. Many hours are required in the operation of the theatre plant, and the construction of scenery, properties and lighting of theatrical events. Students will be actively involved in the production of numerous music, dance and theatre events in the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts on South Campus.

This program comprises basic theatre technology, general education and advanced specialized technical courses. Hands-on learning takes place in both a classroom setting and in live production situations to provide students with the principals and practices required for employment in the rapidly expanding and "high-tech" entertainment industry.

Upon completion of this program, students may apply to take the examination for membership into the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the professional union representing backstage personnel.

NOTE: Students have two degree alternatives in this program: The associate in science (A.S.) and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.). If you intend to pursue further education at the university level, you should enroll in the A.S. option. If you intend to go directly to work after completing your associate’s degree, consider the A.A.S. While the A.A.S. will not provide you with the articulation benefits of the A.S., the A.A.S. will provide you with the skills required to begin working in the field immediately upon graduation. If you are unsure of which option is best for you, please see an advisor for further counseling.

Required Courses

The following is a list of courses required for this program presented in a recommended sequence of completion. The sequence is only a suggested guide, and there is no requirement to follow the sequence precisely. Students in this program may register for any course as long as the student has met any prerequisites for that course. Where a "professional elective" is indicated in the course sequence, students may choose any course from the group of professional electives that follows the full course sequence.

Professional Electives

A student may take 6 credit hours of electives to fulfill the requirements of the program. Following is a recommended list of both Professional and General education electives to choose from.

TPA 1248 Stage Make-up
TPA 2230 Costume Techniques
TPP 2300 Beginning Directing
ARH 2050 Art History I
ART 1006C Artists’ Tools and Equipment
ART 1201C Design I
ART 1300C Drawing I
CGS 2470 Computer Aided Drafting and Design
PHY 1020C Physics for Liberal Arts
MUM 1600 Recording Techniques 1
MUM 1601 Recording Techniques 2

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements. A student must fulfill the General Education requirements for the AS Degree as outlined in the College Catalog.
**Refer to A.S. General Education Electives.

NOTE: Students earning an A.S. degree must take MAC 1105, MGF 1106 or a higher level mathematics course. Students earning an A.A.S. degree must take MAT 1033 or a higher level mathematics course.