Theatre Arts
Associate in Arts School of Arts and Social Sciences · Merced College · 2026-2027 Catalog
School of Arts and Social Sciences
The Theatre curriculum is designed to meet the lower division requirements of most California State Universities offering a general major in Theatre or Drama. Students that complete an AA-T in Theatre from Merced College will be prepared for upper division course work in Theatre, Theatre Arts or Drama at a California State University.
Through theoretical study and practical application in skills classes and theatrical productions, the Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre will offer the student the skills necessary to:
Transfer to a Theatre Arts program, for a BA in Theatre or a BFA program in a Theatre specialty, in a competitive four-year institution or conservatory program.
Begin a career in Theatre Arts, including acting and technical theatre, at the pre-professional or community theatre level.
Students from other disciplines, such as business, humanities, psychology, communications and education, can also benefit from the creative and ensemble-building skills acquired in Theatre studies.
For an Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts is available for students who meet the graduation requirements and complete the following 24-unit curriculum below, with a minimum grade of a “C” in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Demonstrate an understanding of theatre as a collaborative art form by performing or participating in productions from diverse theatrical genres at a level equal to junior-level peers at four-year institutions and pre-professional conservatory or certificate programs.
B. Demonstrate high artistic standards and professional responsibility with regard to performance and theatre in production.
C. Develop the skills to understand, critically assess, and interpret dramatic literature and performance practices from around the world.
D. Develop an understanding of all theatre occupations and a working knowledge of how to produce a theatrical production.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (24 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| THTR-01 | Introduction to Theater | 3 |
| THTR-10 | Acting I | 3 |
| THTR-20 | Rehearsal and Performance in Production | 3 |
| THTR-21 | Technical Theatre in Production | 3 |
| THTR-30 | Stagecraft | 3 |
| THTR-11 | Acting II | 3 |
| orTHTR-14 | Script Analysis: Plays in Performance | 3 |
| Plus six units from the following electives: | ||
| THTR-04 | World Theatre I | 3 |
| THTR-31 | Introduction to Theatre Design | 3 |
| ENGL-08 | Introduction to Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENGL-14 | Introduction to Film | 3 |
| HUM-21 | Humanities and Film | 3 |
| MUSA-21A | Voice I | 3 |
| Total Units for Major | 24 | |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth : (24 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (12 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)