Contact the Program Directors
Residential Faculty - Performance Faculty - Theatre
480-461-7538
Residential Faculty - Design for Theatre & Film
480-461-7975
This program is part of the Communication, Theatre & Film Arts Department.

A well-made production, be it live theatre or a skillfully crafted film, is not easy to do. But for some, the foundational skills needed for quality production design and technique is an appealing challenge.
If the arts of theatre and film have always held your interest, why not make a career of it? Our experienced theatre and film school instructors will teach you the world of technical theatre, how to work on professional stage productions and the art of filmmaking. Aside from the experience you’ll gain from theatre and film making, you will develop a portfolio of academic work to showcase throughout your artistic career.
Now’s the time to make it happen. Start your education in theatre today.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion and Transfer Degrees for this program. Your interests and goals will guide you in selecting the pathway that is ideal for you. You may find a combination of certificates or transfer options is the fastest way to realize your dreams.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
Certificates
The knowledge and skills acquired while earning a Certificate of Completion (CCL) can help launch you into a new career or energize your current job. Generally requiring fewer credit hours than degrees or transfer programs, a CCL may be your best first step into higher education.
Name | Type | Title | Courses |
---|---|---|---|
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Costume Design and Production, Level I | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Audio Technician | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Cosplay I | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Costuming | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Hair and Makeup | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Lighting | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Properties | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Puppetry | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Set/Scenic Construction | Pathway Map |
Certificate of Completion | CCL | Technical Theatre: Stage Crew Technician | Pathway Map |
Transfer Degree
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
At MCC, get an... | Emphasis in... | Transfer to... | To get a... | Courses |
---|---|---|---|---|
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) - Theatre | Associate in Arts, Fine Arts - Theatre | Arizona State University (Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts) |
Theatre (Bachelor of Arts) |
Pathway Map |
Arizona State University (Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts) |
Theatre (Acting) (Bachelor of Arts) |
|||
Arizona State University (Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts) |
Theatre (Design and Production) (Bachelor of Arts) |
|||
Grand Canyon University |
Theatre and Drama (Bachelor of Arts) |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a certificate within the Theatre program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Actors
$38,025 Show expanded career information for Actors
Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
$39,095 Show expanded career information for Audio and Video Equipment Technicians
Construction Carpenters
$41,143 Show expanded career information for Construction Carpenters
Costume Attendants
$32,033 Show expanded career information for Costume Attendants
Craft Artists
$17,365 Show expanded career information for Craft Artists
Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
$52,847 Show expanded career information for Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
Elementary School Teachers
$45,720 Show expanded career information for Elementary School Teachers
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
$26,348 Show expanded career information for Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
$70,884 Show expanded career information for Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
Producers
$49,948 Show expanded career information for Producers
Program Directors
$49,948 Show expanded career information for Program Directors
Set and Exhibit Designers
$35,299 Show expanded career information for Set and Exhibit Designers
Sound Engineering Technicians
$51,902 Show expanded career information for Sound Engineering Technicians
Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors
$49,948 Show expanded career information for Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors
Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists
$51,340 Show expanded career information for Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Meet with an Advisor
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to meet with the academic advisor in the Theatre Arts program.
If you're interested in Theatre Arts Performance schedule an appointment with Kevin Dressler by email at kevin.dressler@mesacc.edu or by phone at 480-461-7538.
If you're interested in Theatre Arts Design or Technical Production schedule an appointment with Kara Thompson by email at kara.thomson@mesacc.edu or by phone at 480-461-7975.
Together you’ll lay out a program or career path that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success, so don’t skip it, okay?