Contact the Program Directors
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.
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: Cosplay II | 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 Degrees
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, Emphasis in Musical Theatre | Musical Theatre | A transfer partner | Bachelor's Degree | Pathway Map |
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Theatre | 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) |
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
$46,905 Show expanded career information for Actors
Audio and Video Technicians
$47,574 Show expanded career information for Audio and Video Technicians
Choreographers
$45,063 Show expanded career information for Choreographers
Construction Carpenters
$43,020 Show expanded career information for Construction Carpenters
Costume Attendants
$40,129 Show expanded career information for Costume Attendants
Craft Artists
$11,450 Show expanded career information for Craft Artists
Dancers
$42,599 Show expanded career information for Dancers
Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
$50,181 Show expanded career information for Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
Elementary School Teachers
$48,777 Show expanded career information for Elementary School Teachers
Media Programming Directors
$57,129 Show expanded career information for Media Programming Directors
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
$32,793 Show expanded career information for Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
$63,446 Show expanded career information for Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
Producers
$55,628 Show expanded career information for Producers
Producers and Directors
$57,129 Show expanded career information for Producers and Directors
Secondary School Teachers
$60,106 Show expanded career information for Secondary School Teachers
Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
$45,906 Show expanded career information for Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
Set and Exhibit Designers
$41,516 Show expanded career information for Set and Exhibit Designers
Singers
$55,740 Show expanded career information for Singers
Sound Engineering Technicians
$50,927 Show expanded career information for Sound Engineering Technicians
Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors
$55,628 Show expanded career information for Stage, Motion Picture, Television, and Radio Directors
Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artists
$97,630 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 Mace Archer by email at mace.archer@mesacc.edu.
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?